Red and swollen belly button after tummy tuck, should I be concerned? (Photo)

Question

I'm 18 days post op from my TT. I woke up this morning and my belly button had become very red and swollen. What is going on? Should I call my doctor?

Christine Rodgers, MD · Answer

HI LGH,   I t looks as though you might have an infection. It would be best to see your PS for an evaluation.Best.   Dr. Christine Rodgers

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

DearLGH19,based on your photo, your belly button is red. If you feel any pain, I would suggest you to contact your plastic surgeon.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery 
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Amy Simon, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding
the appearance of your belly button after your tummy tuck.  Your best bet
in this situation is to immediately call your plastic surgeon.  Hope this
information is helpful to you.  Best of luck!

Ven Erella, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. May be infection. I recommend you to call your PS and ask for evaluation.

Vasdev Rai, MD · Answer

You need to get yourself checked by your surgeon at this stage. Do not waste time waiting for internet answers.

John Dean, MD · Answer

Some degree of redness of the belly button after tummy tuck is normal.  Redness indicates inflammation, which can be a response to healing or to infection.  You have some blistering of the belly button, which should heal with local measures dictated by your surgeon.  If you have fever, red streaks or drainage of foul smelling fluid, then those signs would lead you to suspect infection.  Either issue should be addressed by your surgeon.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

The amount of redness is unusual following a tummy tuck.  My concern would be an infection in the stalk of the belly button.  Please contact your plastic surgeon for an examination, diagnosis and appropriate treatment most likely with intravenous antibiotics..

Red and swollen belly button after tummy tuck, should I be concerned? (Photo)

Answers (7)

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