Is my Bellybutton Going to Heal Properly? (photo)

I am almost two months post-op for abdominoplasty. I also had breast augmentation and fairly extensive liposuction. Everything has healed well except my belly button. It was very deep and yellowish inside, so I went to see my dr. He put me on antibiotics for 10 days. Since then, it has closed in the back but is still yellowish/whitish inside. There is no fever or streaking in area and no pain. There is no foul smell or significant discharge.

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9 Doctor Answers | Asked by jvenice

Doctor Answers (9)
Community Comments (1)

Delayed Healing of the Belly Button

It is hard to determine from this picture how involved the wound is exactly. Regardless, I think there are plenty of options for improvement once the scar fully heals. I would maintain close followup with your plastic surgeon to ensure the most appropriate wound/scar regimine is maintained. I wish you a safe and healthy recovery!! Dr. Gill

Is my Bellybutton Going to Heal Properly?

Thanks for the question and for the photo. Unfortunately when the photo is enlarged enough to see detail it is quite blurred, and hard to evalutate. It does sound as though you and your surgeon have treated this in an appropriate manner. It is either healed or healing. If there was a significant amount of tissue loss, it may be that the navel will be smaller than it should, and a touch-up procedure may be in order for some time at least 6 months out. Keep follow up... more

Is my Bellybutton Going to Heal Properly?

Posted photo is out of focus so very hard to tell exactly the issue. I think you may need exploration of the area. Best for in person examination.

Wound healing after a tummy tuck

It sounds as though you're getting the appropriate treatment for you wound. Make sure you go back to your plastic surgeon if you have any further concerns. see video

Yes, Your Belly Button Will Heal

Because you had a infection around your belly button, the healing will be in a circular fashion which will definitely lead to a smaller, tighter belly button. Unfortunately, most attempts at preventing stenosis (tight opening) of the belly button under these conditions is prone to failure. I recommend you discuss this with your plastic surgeon, but don't worry too much about it. At about 9 months, a simple revision under local will be possible and the ultimate result should... more

Concerns about Umbilicus after Tummy Tuck?

Thank you for the question and picture. What you have experienced does occur occasionally after tummy tuck surgery. It is likely that there has been some healing problems secondary to decreased blood flow to the area. You will find that the majority of the umbilicus will go on to heal but will likely be relatively small/tight. Dilating exercises (for example with a finger and/or marble) may be helpful. I would suggest that you continue to follow-up with your... more

Belly button constriction after tummy tuck

If the circulation to the belly button is poor, or the scar is aggressive the belly button can constrict and have a pale color in the inside. After full healing, about six to twelve a revision might be able to open the improve the belly button appearance.

Belly button healing after tummy tuck

Belly buttons are the slowest and last part to heal after a tummy tuck. It appears a little "stenotic" or tight to my viewing of your photo and the red color of the scar will likely fade with time. I recommend getting some foam ear plugs and putting one in the belly button each night to "stretch" the diameter of the orifice somewhat. In addition, try to get a finger (even if its your small finger) and put it in your belly button and do circular massages frequently. This may sound... more

Slow healing belly button

You probably had a little loss of part of your belly button. This sometimes happens. It will soon "heal" but may be a little smaller or tighter than ideal. If so, you will be able to have a revision in 6-9 months, but probably won't need it. Keep up with your surgeon.

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Comments (1)

jvenice 19 Jul 2012

I see now that the photo didn't come in very clearly. I can try to post another...it is closing up in the back, but swollen inside with sides a yellowish color. It is pinkish on the rim with some very slight purple.

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