Hello everyone,  
I’m currently 2 weeks post-op today from an extended tummy tuck with muscle repair, breast lift, and breast augmentation.

Lately, I’ve been struggling with a lot of anxiety and paranoia about complications, especially infection and wound healing. I know healing takes time, but it’s been difficult not to worry about every little change.

Today I noticed a small opening in my belly button where the new belly button was stitched together, along with two small openings along my tummy tuck incision line—one directly below my belly button and another on the right side of the incision. They appear small, and I don’t currently see signs of infection, but I’m worried about preventing them from getting worse.

I’m confused about how these areas should be cared for. I’ve read about wet vs. dry dressings, different types of gauze, abdominal pads, ointments, antiseptic sprays, etc., and I’m not sure what is appropriate for small openings like these.

My plastic surgeon and medical assistant instructed me to:  
Shower daily with antibacterial soap and water  
Keep the areas clean and dry  
Apply triple antibiotic ointment twice daily  
Allow the wounds to heal and close on their own  
However, they didn’t specifically tell me whether I should be covering the openings with gauze or abdominal pads, or leaving them uncovered.

For those who have experienced small wound openings after a tummy tuck, what worked for you? Did you cover them or leave them open to air? Did you continue using abdominal pads over your incision line? How often did you change dressings if you used them?

I’d really appreciate hearing any experiences, tips, reassurance, or advice. I’m hoping to make it through recovery without complications and get back to work in a few weeks.

Thank you so much for any insight you can share!   
:) TIA \*trying to keep my sanity\*

Desperately seeking for advice on wound openings 2WK P/O!