What could've happened? 5 months post-op TT. (Photos)

Question

I had a tummy tuck done 5 months ago, eveything was going nice and easy with my recovery until i discovered a pimple like near belly button. Thinking it was going to go away i decided to wait until i see my doc. It has been 6 weeks and i see no difference. Surgeon rubed it with silver nitrate sticks but its not getting any beter. Any ideas or suggestions?? Not only that but my belly button has shrinked noticeably.. now idk what to do.

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your pictures and questions. I am going to assume that at some point, you had an open wound in the area of your umbilicus. During the healing of this wound, the body develops granulation tissue as the wound fills. Sometimes this tissue can grow too much and can even develop a granuloma. Silver nitrate can help to push this tissue back to allow it to heal. If this does not work, you may need a small procedure to excise this area and close it back. Discuss options with your plastic surgeon.Best of luck!

Shayne Webb, MD · Answer

You appear to have developed a granuloma.  This could have been caused by your reaction to some of the dissolving sutures that are placed deep within that area.  Silver nitrate is first line treatment.  If this does not work, then excision of the granuloma may be necessary.

David A. Sieber, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for the great question. You have something called granulation tissue. This can form for a number of reasons, but usually occurs in wounds which take some time to heal. Typically the granulation tissue will heal after treatment with silver nitrate. It may take a few treatments however for it to resolve complete. Best of luck!~Dr. Sieber

What could've happened? 5 months post-op TT. (Photos)

Answers (3)