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Belly Button Odor After Tummy Tuck

asked 3 years ago by Ligia in Caguas, Puerto Rico
Latest answer by Steven Wallach, MD
Question viewed 1,567 times

I had tummy tuck surgery on May 2007. Now on March 2009, I smelled a bad odor coming from my belly button right ater a shower, with a richly scented shower gel. What can I do? Is it dangerous?

4 answers to Belly Button Odor After Tummy Tuck

+2

Use a Q tip on your navel for post tummy tuck odor

Sometimes after an abdominoplasty the scar around the navel contracts leaving the opening too tight and small in circumference. The body naturally sloughs skin and debris, but in a contracted area that is hard to get to, this build up of dead cells can be a good place for bacteria to hide and grow. Don't be afraid to vigorously cleanse the area with a cotton tip applicator stick and some anti bacterial astringent.
Leslie H. Stevens, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
+1

Belly button odor after a tummy tuck

An unusual smell from the umbilical region months after a tummy tuck may represent a retained sutures that needs to be removed.  Go see your surgeon for an evaluation.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Bad odor from the bellybutton

It is possible that you may be experiencing a small infection from your bellybutton or some information that may be caused by an underlying suture. Keep the area clean and dry and present to the plastic surgeon performed the tummy tuck. They will want to see your bellybutton and hear of your concerns. The plastic surgeon will examine this area and may remove a stitch that has been working its way out through the skin. Once it's irritating material is, your skin should heal without... more
B. Pat Pazmino, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon

www.miamiaesthetic.com

+1

Clean belly button well after Tummy Tuck

Cleaning your belly button two or three times daily with a cotton swab and peroxide or antibacterial soap and water should be all you need to resolve this problem. If the belly button opening is too small or tight you can stretch it some by applying gentle pressure (sides, then top and bottom) for a few minutes each day. This will make cleaning it easier.
Elizabeth A. Kinsley, MD

Covington Plastic Surgeon

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