Wound opened more - unplaned surgeon visit

I am 5 weeks post fleur de lis tummy tuck and brachioplasty.

Backstory: Surgeon told me morning after surgery that intersection of vertical and horizontal TT incision looked like it wasn't getting good circulation and I may have issues there.  I did.  At 2 week surgery check he "debrided" the dead area and left a triangular hole.  I've been doing wound care and seeing surgeon weekly ( a 4 hour drive - one way).

Last Thursday night when I removed dressing and did irrigation and wound care I noticed that I could see another suture above the "hole" and it was opening more.  Next morning i could see an additional suture further up.

I called surgeon, took a pic with my phone and sent it to them.  They wanted me to come in.

Saw surgeon today and he thinks it could open up a little more vertically, but at 5 weeks - it may not. It is healing well, no infection - just will take a few months to close. I still wear bnider/compression 24/7.  Can move from 5 pound lift limit to 10 pounds but no more for next 4 weeks.

Still doing wound care twice a day.  Arms are good.  Wearing silicone strips for scar control but don't need ACE bandages any more.

I worked 3 days last week - only 3 hours a day.  This week I will try to do 5-6 hours (I only work 3 days a week).  Still don't have much strength.  Surgeon won't let me exercise - only wal****il open wound is more closed.

Seeing a light at the end of the tunnel.  I don't think I will have any more plastics done.  I think my "bariatric" skin is not a good candidate for optimal healing.

I am very grateful for the small arms and flat tummy.  I will be thankful for that.  At 62 - I'm not needing or wanting a "tight" body and my dear hubby of 43 years really likes me fat, thin or inbetween - so he's OK with whatever I want.  I am so blessed.

Oh, Penny, I'm so glad it's healing, and only wi**** were healing easier for you! What a wonderful attitude you have about it all!

Oh gosh, Penny!  That's a lot to deal with!  Glad you're keeping positive through it all, and that Hubs is supportive.  Take care of yourself!

The good thing is it IS HEALING AND YOU HAVE NO INFECTION..! As bad as it is, it could be A LOT worse, and that I know you are truly thankful that it is healing...

Sounds like you have a wonderful support from your dear husband..That alone will help you heal from the iside out..!!

Blessings to you, Sweet Lady...

cyndy

Penny,
Best wishes for your recovery. Please try to keep your chin up ! You are in my thoughts and prayers !
 

Marianne

Penny, I hope the rest of your recovery is problem free.  So happy that there isn't any infection.

I'm glad your seeing the light... :) hubby is a lucky guy. Penny did you order your silicone strips ? or did you get them from your surgeons office?

I got them at surgeons office.  A box of 4 (1in wide by 6in long) was $75.

I am so glad tht you are healing, although I am sad that it is opening more. 

Sending hugs your way.
Hope your strength grows each day and soon everything is healed and you are back at 100%!