I was cleaning my very deep bellybutton, and the cotton from the end of the QTip came off deep inside?

Question

My bellybutton was itchy so I cleaned it with alcohol and then peroxide. I was using a generic QTip. I am a large person, and cannot reach the end of my bellybutton. It seems bottomless, and forms a very small hole about 2 inches in. Is it ok to leave in there? I tried making it more lubricated by putting hand sanitizer in it, but I still couldn't get it out. Linda

Christopher Saunders, MD · Answer

I agree with the other doctors who have responded so far.You can't just leave it there.It could get infected and cause a problem.Maybe a friend or family member can get it out with a flashlight and tweezers. Is this possible? If not, see your doctor for appropriate treatment. An outpatient medical treatment clinic should be ale to help also.Don't worry, this has happened to many people!If you had a tummy tuck- go see your plastic surgeon.Hope all is well.Dr Chris Saunders

Christopher J. Davidson, MD, FACS · Answer

It is definitely not OK to leave the Q tip inside.  If it is just within your belly button, this is OK.  But, if there is a wound and the cotton went into this hole that is not OK.

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

I can't tell from your posting whether or not you have had surgery (tummy tuck), but either way it is not ok to leave it,  If you have had surgery, it's hard to know if the the q-tip is in the navel or under the skin, and you should see your surgeon ASAP.Otherwise seeing your physician makes sense. With some lighting and the correct instruments it should be easy to remove.All the best.

James McMahan, MD (retired) · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry. I assume that since  you are cleaning your belly button with a Q-tip and peroxide, you have had a tummy tuck.  Since you don't know where the cotton tip went, you should assume that it is not where it is supposed to be and needs to be removed. Call your surgeon to evaluate as soon as possible.

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

See you surgeon ASAP for an exam.  It is not OK to leave the Q tip in your navel.  Follow his instructions for a good recovery.

I was cleaning my very deep bellybutton, and the cotton from the end of the QTip came off deep inside?

Answers (5)

Answer: Don't lose Q-tip in your belly button

Answer: Don't lose Q-tip in your belly button

Answer: Cleaning Belly Button

Answer: Cleaning Belly Button

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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I was cleaning my very deep bellybutton, and the cotton from the end of the QTip came off deep inside?

Answers (5)

Answer: Don't lose Q-tip in your belly button

Answer: Don't lose Q-tip in your belly button

Answer: Cleaning Belly Button

Answer: Cleaning Belly Button

Browse related questions

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.