Odor from belly button three years after tummy tuck - is removing the belly button the best option? (Photo)

Question

I had a tummy tuck over 3 years ago now. My belly button is basically non existent. I’m Not sure if it’s just keloid. I went to the original surgeon and he is no longer at that office. So I had another surgeon recomment to remove the belly button. I want to know if thats the first solution to this. The belly button leaks clear liquid and it smells horrible. I have no other symptoms.

Mert Demirel, MD · Answer

A foul smell and clear drainage from the belly button three years after a tummy tuck should be evaluated medically before deciding to remove the belly button. Removal may be an option in some cases, but it should not usually be the first step without knowing the cause.
Possible causes include a trapped skin fold, chronic irritation, yeast or bacterial infection, retained suture reaction, small sinus tract, inclusion cyst, granulation tissue, or scar/keloid tissue creating a pocket that collects moisture. Even if you have no other symptoms, odor and drainage suggest there may be chronic inflammation or infection.
The next step should be an in-person exam, and sometimes a culture of the drainage, ultrasound, or imaging if a deeper tract or retained suture is suspected. If there is infection, it should be treated first. If there is a small cyst, suture reaction, or sinus tract, a more limited revision may be possible.
Removing the belly button completely can solve some chronic problems, but it is a bigger aesthetic trade-off and may not be necessary. Another option may be umbilical scar revision or reconstruction, depending on how much healthy tissue remains.
My advice would be to see a board-certified plastic surgeon, and possibly a dermatologist or general surgeon if infection or sinus tract is suspected. Ask specifically whether this is infection, retained suture, cyst, sinus tract, or scar/keloid. Once the cause is clear, you can decide whether limited revision, reconstruction, or complete removal is the best option.

Odor from belly button three years after tummy tuck - is removing the belly button the best option? (Photo)

Answers (1)

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