7 weeks post tummy tuck. I have a red circle around my belly button. The redness seems to be getting darker. Is this normal?

Question

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

Part of a full tummy tuck involves removing skin and fat between the pubic area and your belly button. You keep your own belly button, but the skin must be cut around it to allow elevation of the remaining skin from the belly button to the ribcage. This skin is then stretched to cover the gap where the loose skin was removed, and a new opening must be made for the belly button to come through. Clever designs exist to try to reduce visible scarring, but unfortunately, the most common design involves a circle around the belly button and a circle in the "new" skin around it.Thus, what you are seeing is the circular scar where your belly button was transposed to its new opening. As all scars eventually fade, yours should also, but this can take a year or more, and during this time it is critical to avoid ultraviolet exposure (sun or tanning bed) to prevent the scar from turning permanently brown. Purple is one phase of healing that many patients experience. Leep your tummy tuck and your belly button scars out of the sun! Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question. Unfortunately without a full series of photographs or an in-person examination it is impossible to tell you if the darkening is part of the normal healing process or if it heralds some area of concern.  I would definitely see your surgeon if you are experiencing a change in your recovery so that they can best offer you advice.  best wishes.

Paul C. Dillon, MD · Answer

We really need pictures.  Make sure you follow up with your Plastic Surgeon.  Usually this is due to ongoing healing

7 weeks post tummy tuck. I have a red circle around my belly button. The redness seems to be getting darker. Is this normal?

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7 weeks post tummy tuck. I have a red circle around my belly button. The redness seems to be getting darker. Is this normal?

Answers (3)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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