POD 9, Hard, Red Skin Under Belly Button That Is Not Improving?

I had a TT on 2/5. Since my surgery, I have an indurated area that extends from the midline of my incision. It is two inches long, and forms a triangular pattern, with the apex under my belly button. At my last appt, he placed me on Keflex. I have also, per my doctor's instructions, kept my binder off when I am not up out of bed. I am concerned for possible blood flow issues, or problems with skin dying in this area. Can anyone tell me if this is is something that is seen routinely postoperatively?

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belly button redness 10 days post-op

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6 Doctor Answers | Asked by jlr2012 in Oklahoma

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Post op tummy tuck

Without an examination it is impossible to diagnose your problem. It could be anything from normal post op swelling to an infection with fluid collection. Follow up with your surgeon for evaluation. Donald R. Nunn MD Atlanta Plastic Surgeon.

Donald Nunn, MD, DDS

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Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Red Skin Under Belly Button After Tummy Tuck

It is difficult to comment on your situation without a photograph. However, the area that you describe is the area that can have blood supply problems following a tummy tuck. Tobacco users are especially susceptible to blood-supply-related healing problems. I agree with the antibiotic to prevent/treat infection. I would dress the area with Xeroform gauze or antibiotic ointment and plain gauze. Other than these measures, there is not much to do other than wait for... more

Hard Area Under Belly Button After Tummy Tuck

Without a picture it is impossible to say for sure what your problem is. It is common however for there to be more swelling and firmness to the skin in the area just under the belly button in the immediate post-operative period. Make sure your surgeon examines you and discusses this area with you. Also make sure that you take the antibiotics as prescribed and report to your surgeon whether or not they are helping.

Induration after tummy tuck

Thanks for your inquiry, without a picture it hard to help you, but I always believe close follow-up with your plastic surgeon is the most important thing, and you seem to be doing it.

Redness of Skin at POD 9 after Tummy Tuck

The skin redness may be a suture reaction or abscess, cellulitis, or something else. Skin dying in this area or any other area is very unusual. Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Hard, Red Skin Under Belly Button That Is Not Improving?

Despite your verbal description, I really would need a photo to make any useful response. If blood flow may be an issue, you should be followed closely by your surgeon, and try to keep the area moist either with antibiotic ointment or a dressing like Xeroform. If you are a smoker, stop now. Skin loss is much more common in smokers. All the best.