Black belly button. Will the color change or is there something that can be done to fix this now? (Photo)

Question

I got a tummy tuck with hernia repair and lipo done 9 days ago and my navel is black will the color change soon or is the something that can be done to fix this now?

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

There is nothing that should or could be done at this point.  Things will heal over time.  The color may or may not change.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Thank you for the picture. Unfortunately it looks like your bellybutton is very unhealthy and lacks circulation. This needs to be read it or cleaned out down to healthy bleeding tissues and treated conservatively with local wound care. Please see your plastic surgeon as soon as possible.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

There's really not much to be done now even if the umbilical stalk has inadequate blood supply. More than likely this is temporary discoloration but should be followed by your surgeon.

Alejandro Nogueira, MD · Answer

I disagree your navel looks black, maybe a little congestive, but definitely not necrotic. Do address this issue with your surgeon.

Allen Gabriel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your picture and question.  Please follow up with your plastic surgeon for a full exam to assess the status of the belly button.   Best of luck.

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

Sometimes the navel skin is darker than the adjacent abdominal skin.  Sometimes it can be even darker but otherwise normal after surgery.But also there is the possibility that the navel skin has been deprived of blood supply and did not survive the surgery, and will turn leathery and fall off and then heal usually looking not much different than if this didn't happen.To minimize the uncertainty, a visit to your surgeon is best.

Kimberly Lu, MD · Answer

While a dark belly button can sometimes be a normal part of healing due to inflammation, a very dark or black belly button can be indicative of tissue necrosis (dead tissue) due to poor blood flow.  An in person examination would be required to make this determination, best done by your plastic surgeon.  Wound care for a significant period of time may be required.

Francisco Canales, MD · Answer

Although the belly button can sometimes look darker than the surrounding skin, a black color may mean lack of blood supply and possible necrosis. Please call your surgeon to be seen today for evaluation and recommendations. Best wishes.Below is a blog that contains general information on tummy tuck and liposuction.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Could be complete necrosis of the bb?? Best to seek in person opinions ASAP. Or see your surgeon in person again\.

Matthew H. Steele, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and photo.  I am sorry that you are having a problem after your tummy tuck.  The black discoloration may indicate skin necrosis (death).  It is best to see your surgeon for wound care instructions.  If the belly button does die, you may need a secondary reconstruction to recreate your belly button.  Good luck.

Black belly button. Will the color change or is there something that can be done to fix this now? (Photo)

Answers (12)

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