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Bleeding from Belly Button 3 Years Post-op

asked 1 year ago by youngrandma in Idaho
Latest answer by Alan Engler, MD
Question viewed 323 times
Tags: belly button, bleeding

I had a tummytuck 3 years ago. I have started bleeding through the navel and have slight pain,my stomach feels bloated. Since I have moved out of the state I had my surgery in, my new doctor said it is not a hernia. Is this normal?

7 answers to Bleeding from Belly Button 3 Years Post-op

+2

Bleeding post tummy tuck

It is not normal to have bleeding three years postop. You should see a plastic surgeon to assess the problem.  Hopefully it is just a sequestrum, or retained suture, for which an umbilicoplasty would be performed.
Brent Moelleken, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

www.drbrent.com

+2

Bleeding from belly button 3 years after tummy tuck is NOT normal.

You should see your plastic surgeon (if possible) or another ABPS-certified plastic surgeon who can assess this concern. This likely is caused by a "permanent" suture that has eroded through the inside of the thin umbilical skin, causing the bleeding you notice. Unfortunately, this opening to the outside means that the retained suture material has also come into contact with external bacteria, keeping this area from healing, and perhaps contributing to your other symptoms. These... more
Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS

Minneapolis Plastic Surgeon

www.mpsmn.com

+1

Tummy Tuck - Bleeding from Belly Button 3 Years Post-op

No, it's not normal. That doesn't necessarily mean it's a huge problem. My first concern would have been to rule out a hernia, not because bleeding is typical of a hernia but because that is potentially the most urgent problem. Knowing that it's not a hernia is comforting. The next possibility, though, is that it's related to your TT - possibly a retained suture (as has been suggested) or some scar tissue or some other problem like that. I would... more
Alan Engler, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Bleeding incision three years after tummy tuck

Bleeding in the belly button three years after tummy tuck may indicate a contaminated suture which has formed a suture abscess. Unlike a dissolving suture, the permanent suture will hold bacteria and inflammation and will need attention from your doctor. Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd
Peter E. Johnson, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Bleeding from Belly Button 3 Years Post-op

Bleeding from the navel 3 years after abdominoplasty is abnormal and most likely is related to the presence of foreign material such as suture. Consult with a plastic surgeon.
Erel Laufer, M.D.

Tampa Plastic Surgeon
+1

Bleeding 3 years post surgery....

In have not come across a case where a patient experienced bleeding 3 years post-operatively. Are you sure it is related to the tummy tuck and not something else. After meeting with the new doctor does he have any conclusions to what may have caused this? I would have to say it is not related to the tummy tuck, but I do not have enough details to make a determination.
Michael A. Fiorillo, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Tummy tuck

This is not normal to have bleeding from your belly button this far out after surgery. Sometimes you can have some granulation tissue or some other issue that will have to be looked at.  A good physical examination may reveal the problem, but other investigational studies may have to be done as well. I recommend that you try to find a plastic surgeon who can properly evaluate your problem and help this abnormal condition.
Shashidhar Kusuma, MD

Plantation Plastic Surgeon

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