I'm 3 weeks post op Tummy Tuck. Is my belly button healing or dying? (photo)

Question

I'm 3 weeks post op and have been noticing that I have a on area on my lower belly button that just won't heal. It doesn't hurt and there is no foul odor. I still have some sutures as my Dr. said they would fall off by them selves (Absorbable sutures). I've been keeping clean with hibecleans and putting an antibiotic ointment. I make sure my belly button is completely dry before I place my compression belt. I'd like to know is my belly button healing or should I be concerned and call my surgeon?

Joshua Cooper, MD, FACS · Answer

From the photo you have provided, it appears that you have a little bit of delayed wound healing at the bottom edge of your belly button.  Your belly button (umbilicus) is healing up and it is not dying!Continue to apply antibiotic ointment to the area, and within a few weeks you will likely be completely healed.  Occasionally, after a tummy tuck, it takes several more weeks for the umbilicus to heal up, but once everything is all healed, you'll look great. Thanks for sharing!

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

From the photograph it appears as though the umbilical stalk is okay. Healing may look intimidating in the short-term but over time Will look quite normal.

Eric Desman, MD · Answer

Your umbilicus (belly button) is not dying. It is healing slowly. I know it seems like this is taking forever, this will heal in and chances are very high that everything will look great down the road. Getting there is just a little slow. I always recommend following your surgeon's advice, and I support that now. The only question you may want to raise with your surgeon is the concern that Hibiclens may be harmful to some of the healing tissues (fibroblasts) - there is research that supports that theory and research that refutes that theory. Good luck.

I'm 3 weeks post op Tummy Tuck. Is my belly button healing or dying? (photo)

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I'm 3 weeks post op Tummy Tuck. Is my belly button healing or dying? (photo)

Answers (3)

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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.