I had a tummy tuck on may 12th. I developed a staph infection in the belly button. Is this normal? (photos)

Question

The infection came after a month of healing. There is also a large painful knot under the skin up above the bellybutton. I was put on antibiotics for a week but didn't improve, so they added a second antibiotic for two more weeks. It seemed to heal up good. 4 days after I finished the antibiotics the infection returned. They have put me back on antibiotics. I am worried that it will come back again. What else can or should be done? What is it and why won't it heal.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

The photograph does not demonstrate a significant infection but this does not mean that a lesser infection does not exist. A true infection is rather uncommon after in abdominoplasty. In the event of an infection you should keep in close contact with your own surgeon.

Thomas Trevisani, MD · Answer

Although the smallest operative area of an abdominoplasty-- the bellybutton can often be troublesome. The sutures in this area can break with increased activity-causing a slight wound separation. Keeping the area clean with soap, water, peroxide and antibiotic ointment will in time allow it to heal. This should be discussed with your surgeon--as he may have additional actions to take-- but it should heal.

Eric Desman, MD · Answer

Infection after abdominoplasty occurs in less than 5% of patients. It is rare, but not unheard of. Your picture certainly depicts delayed healing. The painful knot above your umbilicus (belly button) that you feel may indeed be a real knot from stitches that were used during surgery. If the stitches are infected, it may require surgery to clean things up.  In my opinion, the mark of a good surgeon is not just what surgical outcomes they have, but also how they deal with complications. EVERY surgeon has patients who have complications. (In my opinion, any surgeon who denies that statement either does not operate or is lying.)  It sounds like you are doing a great job of following your doctor's advice and that you two are working together on this. Keep it up and I suspect everything will eventually heal up nicely and will look great! Good luck.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

This could be due to deep retention suture used in muscle repair. Only removal by exploration of the bb area will correct in my over the internet opinion...

I had a tummy tuck on may 12th. I developed a staph infection in the belly button. Is this normal? (photos)

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Answer: I had a tummy tuck on may 12th. I developed a staph infection in the belly button. Is this normal?

Answer: I had a tummy tuck on may 12th. I developed a staph infection in the belly button. Is this normal?

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I had a tummy tuck on may 12th. I developed a staph infection in the belly button. Is this normal? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: I had a tummy tuck on may 12th. I developed a staph infection in the belly button. Is this normal?

Answer: I had a tummy tuck on may 12th. I developed a staph infection in the belly button. Is this normal?

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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.