Is my (black encrusted) belly button normal for just over a week post op? (Photo)

Question

My belly button is black encrusted and I can't tell if its blood/sutures and my fear is it's necrosis. I'm hoping this isn't because my cg is too tight.

Yily De Los Santos, MD · Answer

Your plastic surgeon is the best person to tell you if your belly button is scabbing or necrosing. It is hard to tell by looking the photos. if you think it is necrosis you should go inmediatly to your PS or to emergency. Good luck!

Christopher J. Morea, MD · Answer

It is difficult to tell from your photos what is happening. This can be just crusted blood to skin necrosis. I would discuss this with your operative surgeon. Best of luck

David Liland, MD · Answer

BB can be dark colored after surgery due to bring or poor blood supply after TT. Often they will heal and be more normal in appearance as time proceeds . Sometimes they can become necrotic and require local debridement but will heal up with satisfactory results. I do not think it would be caused by a tight CG but you should have you PS to evaluate the situation.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Thank you for the pictures. Unfortunately I think this does represent necrosis of your belly button. Evaluation by your plastic surgeon is warranted.

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

I suspect that we are looking at dried serum (fluid) that has crusted, but I cannot tell with certainty from these photos. Reassurance can only come following an in person exam, so a call to your surgeon is in order.All the best.

Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS · Answer

Crusting and scabs a week post tummy tuck is common. Based on your photographs, you seem to be healing well. Raise your question to your surgeon as he or she knows the specifics of the surgery and about you.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

ONLY IN PESON directed examination would allow a diagnosis. If you think necrosis than best to be seen immediately by your chosen surgeon...

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Very difficult to provide you with an accurate diagnosis/reassurance based on the photographs; your plastic surgeon will always be your best resource in this regard.  My best guess is that the umbilicus is viable;  you may be seeing darker skin and/or “black crust".  Best wishes.

Christopher Saunders, MD · Answer

It's hard to tell with your photos. It's either just blood and scabbing or its compromised blood supply and problems with healing.I know that sounds horrible. Compromised blood supply can lead to necrosis or death of tissue. It's not to different from an umbilical cord in a newborn. The tissue, if its not healthy, must be left alone to heal. Topical antibiotics are often used during the healing phase.The good news is that even in the worst situation it often heals well and looks pretty good. Remember, the belly button is mother natures scar. So we can expect it to be alright. Sometimes corrective surgery is necessary, but this is way too early for that.Most likely it's just blood and scabbing. That is the most likely situation. In this case it will heal and be normal.See your doctor for a check up. I'm sure it's going to be fine.Dr Chris Saunders

Kevin L. Smith, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Thanks for your question and photos. It is not unusual this early after surgery for the umbilicus to have some crusting of blood or scabs and it would be best for you to return to your surgeon for examination. The belly button can take a "beating" during extensive tummy tuck surgery that can lead to this early appearance. More often than not, there is a viable belly button under the crusting and it heals just fine. Sometimes simple dressings are recommended.  Remember, the belly button started out life as a scar and scarring now is generally not an issue. It is unlikely that your compression garment is responsible in any way. Best wishes.

Is my (black encrusted) belly button normal for just over a week post op? (Photo)

Answers (11)

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