Why is there green discharge coming from my belly button 5 weeks post drainless tummy tuck? (Photo)

Question

I had a drainless TT performed 5 wks ago. A stitch popped in my bb and it got infected. Clindamycin had no effect, my bb kept having necrosis and oozing. When PS went to pull the stitch he found a seroma which has been draining from an open wound in my bb. No improvement. Yesterday LOTS of green discharge is coming from by bb (see photo). No smell no fever no pain. Now on Cipro and had culture done. Results in 48 hours and see my PS in 4 days. Opinions on what is causing the green discharge?

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear mtngoddess,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment. Only after thorough examination you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Morad Tavallali, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Fluids are tummy tucks are either seromas, fat necrosis, or infections. A greenish discharge is sometimes associated with a psuedomonas bacterial infection or colonization ( probably what you have) . The cipro should help. Good luck with the recovery

Lynn D. Derby, MD (retired) · Answer

The greenish drainage looks like pus.  I suspect there is bacterial infection of the seroma cavity.  I cannot tell from the photo, but if the drainage is also oily, there could be some fat necrosis, with the oil coming from dead fat cells.  It is important that you inform your plastic surgeon of this change in the drainage, and also whether you are having fever or other systemic symptoms.  He or she may want to help the wound to drain and/or wash it out in addition to the antibiotics.

Why is there green discharge coming from my belly button 5 weeks post drainless tummy tuck? (Photo)

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Why is there green discharge coming from my belly button 5 weeks post drainless tummy tuck? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Drainless Tummy Tuck

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