Belly Button Blood Scalp Hanging from White String? (photo)

Question

Had a TT with a hernia repair on my belly button 6 weeks ago, I have a blood scalp on my belly button hanging from a white string. Still draining liquid, no puss or green but enough to stain my binder and body shapers. Also stink.....bad. Is it normal? is it going to fall off?

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

6 weeks post-op is significantly past the time for umbilical skin to survive or die, and this photograph shows dead umbilical skin atop what looks like nonviable umbilical stalk dermis.

	It may not be draining pus, but the odor corresponds with bacterial contamination, as does the redness of the living skin surrounding the dead umbilical stalk.

	You should see your surgeon promptly; this requires surgical debridement and antibiotic coverage. The final result will likely be just fine as others have said, but not if this is neglected. Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

John J. Corey, MD · Answer

I agree with the other doctors...Your belly button will not survive and will need to be trimmed off....That is the smell you are noticing too...The good news is our belly buttons kind of did the same thing when we were little kids so in the end you may have a pretty normal looking BB but it does deserve some attention and your doctor will know what to do...

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

If this is the belly button and not a blood encrusted dressing, you should definitely see your plastic surgeon.  I would have thought that something would have been noticed before 6 weeks.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

From the description and posted photo you have necrosis of the umbilical tip. Seek immediate medical debridement and care/treatment.

Jeremy Pyle, MD · Answer

That looks like your belly button is not going to survive.  When fixing a hernia at the same time as a tummy tuck, the blood supply can be very tenuous.  It appears that the end result, in your case, is that the blood supply was not enough and the umbilicus died.  It should be treated by your surgeon and will require some care and a fair amount of patience.

Belly Button Blood Scalp Hanging from White String? (photo)

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Answer: Belly Button Blood Scalp Hanging from White String?

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Belly Button Blood Scalp Hanging from White String? (photo)

Answers (10)

Answer: Belly Button Blood Scalp Hanging from White String?

Answer: Belly Button Blood Scalp Hanging from White String?

Answer: Bellybutton complications after tummy tuck

Answer: Bellybutton complications after tummy tuck

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.