Infected Navel After Three Weeks of Surgery?

Hi, I'm experiencing a case of a very large open wound.I had a TT three weeks ago. I previously had two surgeries in the same location. My navel has been oosing blood and puss, the inside I can see the fatty tissue of my navel.The surgeon says it should heal from the inside out. What can I do to save my navel?

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belly button infection 3 weeks post-op

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4 Doctor Answers | Asked by Renee09

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Navel infection after tummy tuck

Most often an infection or opening in the belly button is related to poor circulation is the tissue. You mention two prior procedures in the navel, perhaps an umbilical heria repair which might have complicated the heallng. With proper wound care the belly button is a sort of scar in a sense and things will sort themselves out and heal. Your surgeon should be in frequent touch to resolve any infection and guide your wound care. Your tissue might not be saved, however touch ups and revisions... more

Infected navel after tummy tuck

Sorry to hear that you are having a delayed healing of the navel. There is not much to do but to follow your plastic surgeon's instruction/recommendation at this time. Most times, open wound heals with local wound care (wet-to-dry or antibiotic ointment) +/- oral antibiotics. Your plastic surgeon may decide to debride (clean) the area as needed. Continue to follow up with your plastic surgeon regularly untill the wound heals. Good luck to you.

Infected Navel after Tummy Tuck Surgery?

I'm sorry to hear about the complication you are experiencing. At this point, besides close follow-up and following the instructions provided by your plastic surgeon, there is not much that you can do to “save” the navel. As you know, the cause of the healing issue is likely poor blood supply; this situation cannot be reversed. However, with local wound care, good nutrition, antibiotic therapy if necessary, debridement of unhealthy tissue and/or unnecessary suture it is very... more

Delayed healing of navel

Occasionally there can be a delay in the healing of the navel. Especially if you have had prior surgery in the area, or simultaneous repair of an umbilical hernia. It should heal on it's own with good local care. Just make sure your surgeon has cultured the drainage to be sure that you don't have an infection that needs antibiotics.