Belly button discharge after tummy tuck

I agree. The most likely source is a retained suture. You should return to your surgeon to have the suter removed or determine if there is another source of the problem.

It is most likely a foreign body causing the infection. Usually it is a suture that might need removal. Check with your surgeon again for possible removal.

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... more

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... more

The belly button usually heals within 2-3 weeks after an abdominoplasty. depending on the type of sutures used, an infected suture, a "spitting suture" or a suture that should have come out but is still in may be the answer. A quick visit back to your surgeon should easily clarify the source of the... more

Typically when recreating the umbilicus a buried absorbable suture may be used.  Sometimes these become exposed or infected thus causing the drainage.  You need an examination to determine the cause.  If it is the suture knot then it needs to be removed.  Also there could be an area of fat... more

After Abdominoplasty or Tummy Tuck, there can be some delayed healing of the umbilicus (belly-button/navel).  Healing of the umbilicus depends on the remaining blood supply from the abdominal wall, and occasionally this can be compromised especially when the abdominal wall (rectus diastasis) is tightened... more

Ginny, Three weeks out from your tummy tuck your belly button should be healed.  There are occasions when it takes slightly longer to heal, especially if the circulation to the belly button has been injured (sometimes unavoidable).  Malodorous drainage may also be a result of an infected deep stitch... more

Hello,   This might just be something small or it could be a suture problem. Your surgeon should be seeing you through this to be certain the problem resolves. It might take a few months to sort out.   Best Regards,   JPD  

A foul smelling discharge from an open wound is abnormal!  Causes may range from very simple to very complex...which could be potentially dangerous. Bottom line is STOP messing around and go see your surgeon immediately.  In general, complications following surgery are usually treated... more