Belly button not healing well after tummy tuck. What is going on here and why did this happen??

Question

I started packing my belly button at 2 weeks post op. Will be 7 weeks tomorrow. At my last appointment (6 week PO) I was packing it with maybe 2 cm gauze, now all of a sudden it seems to be much deeper-approx 4-5 cm. last week the nurse told me I could quit packing it at the end of the week. The wound care nurse in me, knows you can't leave an open area and let the outer opening close (which is now open maybe 0.5 cm-just enough to pack it).

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. It is difficult to tell what is happening to cause your bellybutton #complication without a face-to-face #examination. I recommend that you follow up with your board certified plastic surgeon to evaluate what is causing your #bellybutton #issue and how to best care for it. Best wishes!

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

I can't comment on your specific case but it's possible thatThe umbilical stock is retracted from the skin after and abdominoplasty. Often times this will heal spontaneously but generally a revision is required.

Christian Subbio, MD · Answer

Difficulties with bellybutton healing can be very troublesome and persistent.  Sometimes they are related to a small cavity near the stalk of the bellybutton, sometimes they are related to a deeper stitch which has seeded with bacteria.  One potential solution could be for your surgeon to scrape the inside of that cavity with a small curet.  However, he or she would need to examine you in person before deciding if that is a good idea or not depending on how things look.  Think the first step is for you to schedule a visit with him or her to come up with a plan.Best of luck!Dr. SubbioBoard-Certified Plastic SurgeonNewtown Square/Philadelphia, PA

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

Sorry you are experiencing difficulties after a tummy tuck.  All surgeons at some point run into problems with the umbilical stalk.It is hard to diagnose what is occurring with your umbilicus without a physical exam. From your description, it sounds like the umbilicus retracted.  This will heal on its own with the packing (over weeks to months), but many times requires a revision surgery.  Continue following up with your Plastic Surgeon.Best of luck.Dr. T

Julio Clavijo-Alvarez, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

I am sorry that you are having issues about your procedure
and thanks for sharing your question. I can appreciate your
concern.

It is difficult to determine what is going on with out a photo or physical exam. Proper wound care should give you back a belly button.

Finally, make sure that your doctor is
aware of your process. He should be able to guide you best in your care.

Wishing you the best in your journey

Belly button not healing well after tummy tuck. What is going on here and why did this happen??

Answers (7)

Answer: Umbilical issues after tummy tuck

Answer: Umbilical issues after tummy tuck

Answer: Belly button wound healing issues

Answer: Belly button wound healing issues

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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

Belly button not healing well after tummy tuck. What is going on here and why did this happen??

Answers (7)

Answer: Umbilical issues after tummy tuck

Answer: Umbilical issues after tummy tuck

Answer: Belly button wound healing issues

Answer: Belly button wound healing issues

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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.