Discharge After Tummy Tuck an Infection?

You did not specify where this is coming from? The belly button or the incision.
In either case, you can have clear discharge which typcially comes from one of two sources:

If it is clear, yellow and slightly oily, it may be a sign of some fat necrosis which does occur particularly in the central portion of the incision. This is associated with firmness of the surrounding tissues but is NOT a sign of infection
If it is clear and yellow orange, it also could be a self draining seroma, a collection of serum (clear portion of the blood). This also is not an infection but has the potential to become infected and should be drained or monitored.

In any case, seek your surgeon's attention to assess and treat if necessary.
I hope this helps!

Hello, MayraC. Thank you for your question regarding discharge after your tummy tuck.

It is not uncommon to experience some discharge following a tummy tuck. Clear or slightly yellow discharge can be a normal part of the healing process. However, the presence of a small hole with yellow inside, combined with your concern that it might be getting worse, warrants close attention.

Since you are worried about a potential infection, it is crucial to get in touch with your plastic surgeon as soon as possible. Signs of infection can include:

Persistent or increasing redness around the incision
Warmth to the touch
Swelling
Pain that does not improve or worsens
Fever (even though you do not have one currently)
Your surgeon can evaluate whether the discharge you are experiencing is part of the normal healing process or if it indicates an infection that requires treatment. Applying Neosporin is a good initial step, but a professional evaluation is essential to ensure proper healing and to avoid complications.

In the meantime, continue keeping the area clean and follow any postoperative care instructions provided by your surgeon. Avoid applying any new products or medications to the area without consulting your doctor.

Good luck, and I hope this helps address your concerns regarding discharge after your tummy tuck.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS

Thanks for your question. Photos would be helpful.   Contact your Plastic surgeon for and examination and follow his/her recommendations. Good Luck

It’s not unusual for patients to have small areas of
incisional breakdown following abdominoplasty. This situation is often
accompanied by serous drainage from the wound. This fluid is often straw
colored and passes through the areas of breakdown. In most cases these wounds
heal without difficulty and the drainage stops.Although
there doesn’t appear to be any evidence that this wound is infected this
situation can change rapidly. If fluid can get out, bacteria can get in. For
this reason it’s important to consult your surgeon as soon as possible. Your
surgeon may perform an ultrasound study to rule out the presence of a seroma.
In some cases he may elect to start prophylactic antibiotics. By taking this
approach more significant complications can be avoided.

It is common for there to be discharge after your tummy tuck, even 10 days after your surgery. If it's clear or even pinkish it is generally fine. However, you should ask your surgeon about it if you are concerned.