Navel closing 8 months after tummy tuck - should I be concerned? (photos)

Question

I my tummy tuck done 8 months ago a notice that it’s starting to close and keloids there's also fluid coming from it is this normal? And how long she it take for it to heal?

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

No, it is not normal for a tummy tuck incision to be opening up, forming keloids, or have fluid coming from it 8 months after surgery. This could be a sign of a complication such as an infection, delayed healing, or a seroma (a collection of fluid under the skin). It is important to consult with your plastic surgeon as soon as possible to determine the cause of the problem and receive appropriate treatment.

The time it takes for the incision to heal will depend on the severity of the issue and the treatment required. Treatment options may include antibiotics, wound care, and surgical intervention, such as removing keloid tissue or draining a seroma. Your plastic surgeon may also recommend additional measures to promote healing, such as avoiding strenuous activity or using compression garments.

In general, it is important to follow your surgeon's post-operative instructions carefully and attend all follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and address any issues as soon as they arise. Prompt attention to any signs of complications can help prevent further problems and improve your overall outcome.

Best of luck !

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding your belly button or navel closing eight months after a tummy tuck, with the development of keloids and fluid discharge. The fluid discharge is not normal. This is probably due to an open wound or a fistula, an opening in the skin allowing fluid from an underlying structure to escape. It is probable that some of your permanent abdominal muscle sutures are protruding or have become infected. This needs to be more thoroughly explored, and revision surgery may need to be done to remove these offending sutures causing the fluid discharge. During the same surgery, I would suggest you have an umbilicoplasty or umbilical revision. It appears you have lost the umbilical stalk and are now left with a shallow belly button. This should be revised with a variety of belly button techniques used to create a new belly button. Please follow up with an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear mrsblk123,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You need to keep this area open, perhaps with a Q tip, or a cyst may form with built up skin cells and debris. Please see your surgeon to discuss Kenalog injections for the scar and the small opening.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

It is not typical for there to be fluid leakage at eight months post op.  I encourage you to visit with your surgeon for an evaluation.  If you are developing hypertrophic scars you can consider scar revision for improvement.

Nancy de Kleer, MD, FRCSC (Plast) · Answer

I recommend you contact your surgeon's office to be examined in person as the sooner you start treating the keloids, the more effective the treatments will be.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

No, it is not normal to have fluid drainage, closing of the umbilicus or untreated keloid formation 8 months post abdominoplasty procedures.
You should follow up with your surgeon to evaluate if there is an infection, or if you have a fluid collection called a seroma.
Lastly, once the above is address, the keloids should be injected with a steroid (Kenalog is a brand name of one commonly used).
Best wishes,
Dr. Taranow

Ahmad H. Ahmadi, MD · Answer

Your belly button seems to be forming a keloid and closing the opening. This usually results in the fluid accumulation with the belly button. It will not likely reopen by itself. I suggest you contact your surgeon and seek his advice. Communication is the key, not frustration.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Individuals prone to forming hypertrophic scars should ideally be managed during the first year after surgery. Those prone to hypertrophic scar information should be using silicone sheeting. In some cases some patients may benefit from careful injection of anti-inflammatory steroids. These medication’s can have negative side effects, and can thin out scars and make them wide but are sometime is indicated to reduce hypertrophy.
Follow up with her provider or schedule second opinion consultations.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

Navel closing 8 months after tummy tuck - should I be concerned? (photos)

Answers (9)

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