Question:
Anyone Have Problems with their Incision Opening & Draining?

I am about two weeks from my thigh lift and I have a small part near my knee where my drain was located that has opened up and is heavily draining. My surgeon said this is some kind of congestion and will dry up soon, but that the wound will not heal until the drainage stops. The fluid is clear like water. Anyone else have this happen with one of their incisions? I know no one can tell me when it stopped, but I'd like to know if anyone went through this and how long it took them to dry up. I'm also looking for a way to keep it dry. I've been buying the surgi-dressings from the drugstore, but go through a box a day and it is getting expensive.    — Lisa N M. (posted on March 21, 2003)

March 21, 2003
I have a small spot that drained for 2-3 weeks after my open rny then it healed over and just reopened a day or 2 ago. My dr. said that it was common and would stop again soon. He also said that some people have to deal with this for a few months but it was nothing to be alarmed about. I'm using sanitary pad as per my dr. instructions to absorb the fluid and boy it is sure a lot cheaper than those surgi dressings. Hope this helps.
   — Kathy C.

March 21, 2003
My incesuion on my stomach opened up 2 weeks after i had the surgery and it was opened for about 4 months till it healed completly..i kept a wet/dry dressing on it..kept it as cleran as i could and eventually it healed ..just keep it clean and make sure it doesnt get infected..it will close it may take time but it will close..take care
   — JoAnn

March 21, 2003
My first C-section absessed and had to be opened back up again. It's a pain in the butt but keep it clean, let air get to it when you can and in time this too shall pass. Mine took about 4 weeks to stop draining and about 3 months to close up totally. Good luck to you!
   — Leah H.

March 21, 2003
I am still pre-op WLS, however, I had this situation when I had hysterectomy/exploratory surgery after a diagnosis of uterine cancer. I had a vertical opening. The lower portion of my incision opened up and drained like that. My surgeon required home health for awhile, then I dealt with it on my own. It took a three months to heal completely, but it did. This is my biggest fear following my WLS. Good Luck.
   — Pam B.

March 21, 2003
The old fashioned kotex pads (the kind without the sticky side) are excellent for absorbing open wounds. You could hold it in place cheaply with a loosly wrapped ace bandage. Buy a couple though so you can wash one if it gets stuff on it. I did this (the pad) after my c-sections when they seeped.
   — [Deactivated Member]