Calling All Cleft Lift-ers! Did the bottom open for you?

[Breathe]

Hi guys,

Had my cleft lift done 5 days ago by the famous Dr. Bascom and feeling great!

I’ve read a lot of stories that it’s common for the bottom of the incision to open up slightly but heal on it’s own. Hoping that doesn’t happen but we’ll see. I wanted to start this poll to see a couple things.

I first want to see how many people actually have this issue of the bottom opening up. And secondly, for everyone’s incision that did open up, what do you think caused it? Were you sitting for too long? Was it caused by a bowel movement? I think it’d be helpful to others so they can prevent this from happening.

 

[JonH21]

Mine opened up around week 4 or 5 I believe. The very bottom part which my doctor said was vulnerable. Mine was very long and was very close to anus. I don’t think it was caused by anything in particular, I just think it was a very tender location. But the good news is that it didn’t hinder my recovery and healed ok it’s own in about 2 weeks. Have had no issues since.

 

[Daniel1237]

Hi guys,

Had my cleft lift done 5 days ago by the famous Dr. Bascom and feeling great!

I’ve read a lot of stories that it’s common for the bottom of the incision to open up slightly but heal on it’s own. Hoping that doesn’t happen but we’ll see. I wanted to start this poll to see a couple things.

I first want to see how many people actually have this issue of the bottom opening up. And secondly, for everyone’s incision that did open up, what do you think caused it? Were you sitting for too long? Was it caused by a bowel movement? I think it’d be helpful to others so they can prevent this from happening.

I had the rhomboid flap, and at 2.5 weeks, when I got half my stitches removed, the Dr. noticed a small opening at the bottom that would often drain. He said it was normal and it would heal on its own. I'm hoping sooner than later. I get the remaining stitches out next week so hopefully there won't be any grown on the opening.

I've also been really careful not to bend, only sleep on my size, and also to minimize sitting. I work from home and have a stand up desk. For driving I used a special cushion.

I've also been using Hibiclens and Triple antibiotic ointment. However, I recently stopped after developing a rash from one of them. I now only use Aveno baby soap. I'm concerned about bacteria and keep the wound covered with gauze and tape. Taking two showers a day too.

 

[Cracknmacrack]

Hello! the bottom of my incision opened up on thanksgiving day 2019! I was about 2.5 weeks post surgery at this point. According to my surgeon who I visited today, he said that it was caused by a build up of fluid in the wound and the body needing to expel it in some way to get rid of the pressure. That makes sense as when it did open up, the amount of fluid soaked through the jeans I was wearing. The surgeon (plastic) said this is normal in a lot of his patients and just means there’s a slight bit longer amount of recovery time but he isn’t worried. I voted “yes and I don’t know why” for reference. Thanks!

 

[Daniel1237]

FYI, the bottom of my wound is still opening up and closing and I'm about 3 months out. The reason why is because the internal ("dissoluble") stitches the surgeon used aren't dissolving on their own. What ends up happening is my body slowly pushes them out like a piece of shrapnel and eventually they stick out far enough for the surgeon to clip and pull out. Right now I'm on my second one. It's not painful or anything and there is very minimal discharge. It's more annoying that I'm still dealing with this issue after 3 months.

 

[blue.sunshine]

FYI, the bottom of my wound is still opening up and closing and I'm about 3 months out. The reason why is because the internal ("dissoluble") stitches the surgeon used aren't dissolving on their own. What ends up happening is my body slowly pushes them out like a piece of shrapnel and eventually they stick out far enough for the surgeon to clip and pull out. Right now I'm on my second one. It's not painful or anything and there is very minimal discharge. It's more annoying that I'm still dealing with this issue after 3 months.

How has your wound healed since you posted? Has it closed up? I spoke to a Pilo surgeon who said that the base is the most vulnerable to close, due to it merging w/ the cleft. It makes sense, but then again the body is amazing at healing & adapting. Also anyone else on this thread (or who has had the cleft lift), please feel free to chime in. I am researching this specific procedure (the cleft lift) in case I ever opt for surgery. Wishing everyone well !