My belly button is slowly bleeding 10 days post op after cleaning it, could Motrin be the cause?

Question

My belly button is slowly bleeding 10 days post op. It started a couple days ago after I cleaned it out with a Q tip and I think a scab came off. I started motrin that day as well and took it the next day. Could the motrin be aggravating it more? Should I just stick to Norco until it scabs up again?

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions. A picture would be very helpful but an exam would be best. If you are concerned that you are having ongoing bleeding, you need to see your surgeon for an evaluation.Good luck!Dallas R. Buchanan, MD, FACSOwner & Board-Certified Plastic SurgeonVIVIFY plastic surgery

Ryan Hoffman, MD · Answer

Usually slow bleeding from around the belly button is not a large issue. Motrin is not the cause and you are better off continuing the Motrin rather than resuming narcotics.Check in with your board certified plastic surgery and they should be able to help you through this small issue.

Shlomo Widder, MD · Answer

Dear Alabaman,   Front picture of your abdomen would have been helpful. Small amount of bleeding from the belly button could be from stitch granuloma  or, just small wound healing problem with resulting raw area.    In my practice I use Silver nitrate stick to cauterize the raw area , which stops the bleeding and kills the bacteria that are embedded in the open wound. Additionally, I recommend to clean the wound twice a day with a Q tip soaked with Hydrogen peroxide and apply antibiotic ointment like Bacitracin etc. All my patients are restricted from taking Motrin or Aspirin, 2 weeks before and after surgery.   Obviously, you should contact your surgeon and follow his or hers recommendation.                         Best of luck,                                        Dr Widder

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear sunshine1008,I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment. Only after thorough examination you can get proper recommendations and advice.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Motrin can thin the blood but the bleeding you are experiencing could be from multiple causes, such as irritation to the site.  It's best to review your situation with your surgeon for instruction.

Giovanna Ghafoori, MD · Answer

Good morning, Sunshine1008.  Congratulations on your tummy tuck!  It is quite common to have some small bleeding from the belly button after a tummy tuck.  There can be some small raw areas that take a little longer to heal, and when a scab that was covering that area comes off, there will be a little bleeding.  The bleeding will usually quit after several days as the spot heals.  I would check with your plastic surgeon to see how she/he would like you to treat the area.  Best of luck!  Dr. Ghafoori

My belly button is slowly bleeding 10 days post op after cleaning it, could Motrin be the cause?

Answers (6)

More Tummy Tuck Questions

2 weeks post TT Dark brown blood drainage from incision, should I be worried? (photo)

Horizontal stomach crease? Tummy tuck? Stomach band / muscle issues / separation? (Photo)

Will I ever be normal after this tummy tuck?

Are there any alternatives for the faja or lipo foam/faja combination? (photos)

Can you have tummy tuck and liposuction if you have a antibodies in your blood but no diagnosis of any autoimmune disease?

Why am I having sharp pain in my upper abdomen, above the belly button with a fleur de lis abdominoplasty?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS