Will my belly button ever heal? (Photo)

Question

I am 12 days post op and I am getting worried that my belly button will have necrosis. I know- follow my PS's instructions... which I am, but now I am home in PA and he is in Miami FL. I was advised to wash with soap and water, use iodine and the hydrofera ready foam- wet the foam roll up and cover, but it just doesn't look like it is getting me anywhere. Please advise if you can. I did put ointment on it, but I think I'm done with that

R. Brannon Claytor, MD, FACS · Answer

The tummy tuck procedure involves trans locating the belly button by keeping it attached to its native location on the abdominal wall and moving the overlying flap on top of it and then delivering the bellybutton through the abdominal flap when the wound is closed. Efforts are made to create the native indentation of the bellybutton and this can frequently lead to increase  stress at the wound healing aspect due to the nature of suturing. Close follow up with the Plastic Surgeon is essential at this period of time and any signs of delays or decrease blood flow with wound healing would be good indication to return to your Plastic Surgeon for a repeat evaluation. This applies for someone locally  as well as someone who has traveled a great distance for surgery. These are costs which should be anticipated as part of the follow-up care.

Evan Sorokin, MD · Answer

This does not appear to be normal although the photo is not the greatest.  Best to be seen in person by a surgeon to evaluate this.  If your doc is out of town I would suggest calling local docs to see if someone will see you.  If just allowed to heal on its own it will very likely scar poorly.

Sanjiv Kayastha, MD · Answer

Your belly button will heal with time, but it needs a doctor's personal attention. If you have tissue that did not survive it is often the best thing to surgically remove that tissue. This cuts down on the risk of infection and speeds up the healing process. Consider trying to find a local plastic surgeon who will care for you. Alternatively, you could ask your plastic surgeon if they know anyone in your area.

Anthony J. Taglienti, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I can understand why you are concerned, but 12 days post-operative time is not that long - it may take up to a month to 6 weeks for things to fully heal. Chances are it looks worse than it is. Patience is key, and following up with your Plastic Surgeon is also key. Also, should you desire, you can also contact someone in your current area to look at the wound - if you have anything like significant oozing, redness, or pain, these are reasons to be concerned. Best of luck!

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

You need to see a local plastic surgeon to be properly evaluated for your healing issues. Good luck..

Will my belly button ever heal? (Photo)

Answers (5)