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I Had a Tummy Tuck 3 Weeks Ago and Now my Belly Button Looks Infected? Does This Look Normal? (photo)

I had a full tummy tuck 3 weeks ago. My surgeon removed 8 1/2 pounds on my stomach and 2 pounds on hips.

Doctor Answers 5

February 23rd, 2013

Belly Button Irritation after 3 Weeks Following Tummy Tuck

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   Redness of the belly button may be present for several weeks after tummy tuck.  If there is drainage, fever, chills, spreading redness, and warmth then there may be an infection.  An exam would be necessary.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Learn more: http://www.hughesplasticsurgery.com

Kenneth B. Hughes, MD


Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
4.8 out of 5 stars 524 reviews

February 17th, 2013

Infected Belly Button

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The redness seen in the pictures may just be normal increased blood flow during the healing process of a tummy tuck.  If it increases, or if you have increasing pain or foul smelling drainage, I would call your surgeon to be examined and consider antibiotics.

Sacha Obaid, MD
February 6th, 2013

Redness 3 weeks from a Tummy Tuck surgery

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At 3 weeks healing, all incisionsis very active. One of the healing signs is reddness. Redness can also be associated with infections, however, infections would also most likely be accompanied by drainage. I would suggest warm compresses and antibiotics just to be safe.

Thomas Trevisani, Sr., MD
February 5th, 2013

Infected Belly Button after Tummy Tuck

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I recommend following up with your plastic surgeon for an evaluation. It is rare to develop an infection 3 weeks after a tummy tuck.

Learn more: http://www.lookyounger.net

Leo Lapuerta, MD

Leo Lapuerta, MD
Houston Plastic Surgeon
4.3 out of 5 stars 48 reviews

February 4th, 2013

Belly Button Looks Infected

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It is often not easy to diagnose an infection in an incision based on photo alone, so I would suggest a call in to your surgeon. With a few questions and give and take, a decision about whether you should be seen can be made. Thanks ,  all the best. 

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.