Belly button crusting post-Tummy Tuck

Is it normal to have some crusting of the belly button after a Tummy Tuck? It's is a fair amount similar to a scab but there is no foul odor. I was told that I might get a fungal infection if I use an antibiotic ointment on the area. How do I care for it properly?

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11 answers to “Belly button crusting post-Tummy Tuck”

A: Follow your surgeons's instructions.

By Otto Joseph Placik, MD - Chicago Plastic Surgeon

This is extremely common after abdominoplasty because the blood supply to the belly button is different from the rest of the abdomen. Generally, it sounds as if you are doing a good job. However, too much Neosporin may make a fungal infection more likely. Neosporin may assist in healing but, in and of itself,... more

A: Care of the umbilicus after abdominoplasty: Belly button care after tummy tuck

By Raffy Karamanoukian, MD - Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

The belly button is a critical element in an abdominoplasty procedure. In some cases, a patient may have delayed healing. In my plastic surgery practice, I use a superior hooding technique for belly button reconstruction during abdominoplasty. This superior technique produces a very natural... more

A: Sounds normal for the course.

By Robert M. Freund, MD - New York City Plastic Surgeon

Everything you describe sounds normal for the course. If it is something bad, like an infection, dehiscence (separation of the suture line), or loss of tissue (necrosis) - then you would likely experience some drainage, a foul smell or redness around the belly button. Since you do not describe these things... more

A: Crusting around the belly button incision may be normal, but see your surgeon!

By Stephen A. Goldstein, MD - Denver Plastic Surgeon

Your concerns are well taken. The comments made by the other physicians are correct: a small degree of crusting around the belly button incision in usual and common following a tummy tuck procedure. We routinely advise are patients to cleanse this area twice daily with 50% hydrogen peroxide and... more

A: usually normal

By Shahram Salemy, MD - Seattle Plastic Surgeon

This should improve on its own with time. Clean it as you would the rest of your skin, and avoid the sun-- remember, there is an incision there, and sunlight directly on a scar while it is maturing can cause some discoloration.

A: Crusting of the navel can be normal.

By David A. Dreyfuss, MD - Chicago Plastic Surgeon

In the first 2 weeks after surgery, it is not uncommon to have some crusting aroung the navel. The belly button is repositioned into a new whole to create the normal navel. This is also an area that can get moist due to the depth of the whole. Fluid can leak around the incision and cause the... more

A: It can be....

By John P. Di Saia, MD - Orange County Plastic Surgeon

Hello, Just make sure your surgeon sees this area and is aware of what is happening. Some degree of change with healing around the belly button is common and your surgeon should be aware in case he or she wants to change your dressing care. Best Regards, John Di Saia MD

A: NOt uncommon

By Steven Wallach, MD - Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Crusting around the umbilical region after a tummy tuck is very normal. As long as there is no significant drainage or smell then it is probably normal. The crusting may last 2-3 weeks sometimes longer. I usually recommend showers and leave it open. If there is some drainage then I recommend a... more

A: Crusting can be normal

By Edward S. Lee, MD - Englewood Plastic Surgeon

These forums can provide great information, but should not be used as a substitute for seeing and talking with your own physician. That being said, a small amount of crusting can be normal. Other signs to watch out for are odor (as you've noted), increased pain, and erythema or redness spreading from the... more

A: Most likely this normal

By Steven H. Williams, MD - Bay Area Plastic Surgeon

It is normal to have some crusting around the bellybutton immediately after abdominoplasty. This can be caused by small gaps in the wound closure or by small amounts of fluid in the area. From the look of the picture, it appears normal and it should improve over the next week or two. Persistant crusting... more

More answers to Belly button crusting post-Tummy Tuck
New York City - Just keep the area clean and dry

Comments

Rozie
6 posts
22 Dec 2008

Hi I had a tummy tuck 6 months ago. My question is about my belly button. It is very dark a discolored not to mention big. Can this be corrected? is there a fade cream that can make it a normal skin color? and would I still benefit at this stage using a silicone sheet for my scar? Thanks

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