Are these bubbles inside my navel normal? (Photo)

Question

Full abdominoplasty 9/22/15. (Two weeks Post Op) Saw my surgeon one week ago and he was not alarmed at all and told me the belly button is the last thing to heal, but I want a second opinion. Are these bubbles inside normal? Otherwise thrilled with my results!

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,You should expect to see this settle and change in appearance over the next month as the swelling continues to go down. The umbilicus can take a long time to look "normal" after surgery.  Continue to follow up with your Plastic Surgeon and reassess for possible interventions if it is not resolving as expected.Take care

Hampton A. Howell, MD · Answer

It mainly looks like post operative swelling of the belly button.  Keep close followup with your plastic surgeon to help it along.Good luck and take care,Dr. Howell

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

These bubbles are actually your umbilical stalk skin that has gathered or pincushioned with the closure.  Sometimes these resolve but the umbilical opening may need to be made larger to accommodate the skin without this happening.

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your recent surgery! At two weeks post-op, it is common to have swelling that could be causing this issue for you. You have a long way to go to see your final result so if you are happy now, you will most likely be thrilled once all of the swelling is gone. I would follow the instructions your surgeon gives you to ensure an optimal result. Best of luck with the rest of your recovery!

Francis Johns, MD · Answer

Thank you for question.The bubbles you are referring to are swelling.  This is completely normal this early in healing.  One thing you could try is placing a marble or if that is too big you can start with a small amount of guaze.  This helps to put pressure on the tissue and push the swelling out faster.  Everything you are seeing right now is normal, it just takes longer for the belly button to heal. Good luck.

John J. Obi, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry and the photos.  It is really pretty early after your surgery to be concerned about the appearance of the navel.  It is not unusual to have swelling within the navel after it is relocated with the procedure and this usually subsides nicely.  I would follow the instructions that your surgeon discusses with you and be patient in the mean time.God luck and do follow up with you surgeon,John J. Obi, M.D.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

I looks like you are having a good deal of swelling of your umbilicus.  This should heal with proper wound care.

Robert V. Mandraccia, MD · Answer

This is probably just postoperative swelling and you should be patient, but do check with your doctor if they persist.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

This are NOT air bubbles! There are swelling in the tissue of the bb. Or the excess skin of the bb????

Sugene Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi, tummytuck711.Congratulations on your recent surgery.  The "bubbles" look like your belly button skin that are swollen.  With time, the swelling will decrease.  Please follow your plastic surgeon's post-op instruction.Best regards.

TUMMY TUCK PROVIDERS NEAR YOU

Are these bubbles inside my navel normal? (Photo)

Answers (11)

TUMMY TUCK PROVIDERS NEAR YOU