Retracted belly button after tummy tuck; how will it heal? (Photo)

Question

Done ftt 6 weeks ago my belley button is retracted attached to the skin from only one side my ps says to keep a gauze inside and we'll see how it heals Will this close completley ? How will it heal like this ? Can anything be done at this point ?

Michael A. Epstein, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you very much for your question.I'm sorry this happened to you.  The important thing to do now is to make sure this heals properly, and try to take steps to prevent it from closing in.  Continue to follow your surgeon's recommendations closely.Best,Dr. Michael EpsteinMAE Plastic SurgeryNorthbrook, IL

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and for sharing your photograph.  Unfortunately there is little that can be done except allowing your body to heal this from the inside-out.  Because of the swelling of the tissues, and because of the risk of infection, new sutures can not be placed and it is too early to consider a revision.  Once this area has fully healed and its new appearance is known, a revision can be performed as necessary with a small in-office procedure.  Hang in there!

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

At this point, keeping the wound moist with antibiotic ointment is the best option.  The wound will gradually heal.  The option for a scar revision can be entertained in the future once it is fully healed.  The concern with scar revision is that it may widen your umbilicus further, an issue that then cannot be corrected.  Best wishes, Dr. T.

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

Healing problems within the BB can take a good bit of time to sort out. It is hard for us to know if you will come to a revision or not. For now keep the area clean and follow your surgeons advice.

Derby Sang Caputo, MD · Answer

Sorry you're going through this situation in your recovery period. I recommend you keep doing cures for now leaving the area as dry as possible. You should not do anything more than that in these next few weeks. Then you'll need a review of your belly button to eliminate wide scars and to have a better appearance.

Remus Repta, MD · Answer

Sorry to hear about your belly button healing issue.  The real answer is that we don't know exactly how it will heal.  There is a chance that your belly button area will want to start closing in, creating a smaller and smaller circle.  This will require a revision if that is the case.  The good news is that it is easier to make a smaller belly button larger than the other way around.All the best,Dr. Remus Repta

Francis (Frank) William Rieger, MD (retired) · Answer

Thanks for the question.  It would appear that your belly button has pulled off and is retracting under the skin.  This certainly can happen, and at this time I would carefully follow the advice of your Plastic Surgeon.  Keep it clean, understand that it will heal up more fully and what is unknown at this time is whether the area will heal fully, or will a revision be necessary,  In all cases, your Plastic Surgeon would be equipped to give you the correct answer.Good luck.Frank Rieger M.D.  Tampa Plastic Surgeon

Retracted belly button after tummy tuck; how will it heal? (Photo)

Answers (7)

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