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

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

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...

  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