I had a Tummy Tuck done on 10/28. My belly button has been seeping discharge and has an odor. I have been cleaning it with peroxide, but it has not helped. There also seems to be a small hole just inside as well. What should I do? When will it heal?
Sometimes discharge or small opening can be associated with "spitting sutures." Spitting suture is a term used when a buried, absorbable suture becomes exposed, therefore, losing it's absorbability. These spitting sutures can be easily removed by your surgeon. A quick visit back to your surgeon whom can help determine the exact cause. It also can be associated with infection, so make sure you check it with your surgeon.
As reviewed below, the source of your problem is most likely to be, with about 90% certaintly, either a suture or delayed healing.
If it is the former, it may require removal. This is typically a minor procedure.
If it is slow healing, it may take some time, usually 3 weeks with wound care.
However, this is just my opinion based on frequently performing the procedure.
Definitely discuss this with your surgeon and feel confident that it can be managed.
In brief, I hope this helps confirm what the others have said,
The incision to recreate the belly button during an abdominoplasty is usually a circle to bring your navel back to the surface. If the skin is thick, it can put some tension on the sutures. Occasionally the blood supply can be affected. Either way, even with delayed healing, the navel usually heals very well. Keep the area clean as you are doing. See your doctor to make sure the blood supply and sutures are okay. If you need a revision, it may not be done until the area is completely healed. Most often this can be done in an office OR and not got to a surgerycenter.
Contact the doctor
