Why do I have brown, smelly discharge coming from my belly button almost a year after my tummy tuck?

Question

7 months after a tummy tuck, I noticed a brown, smelly discharge coming from my belly button. I went back to my doctor who put me on a topical antibiotic to clear it. It seemed like it worked, however, I have noticed that my belly button has closed yet again. Now a month and a half later, I woke up this morning and noticed, there is a discharge coming from it again. What is going on? Please help, I don't feel that I can trust my surgeon anymore.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

You need to get second opinions. The source of the drainage needs identification. The drainage needs lab analysis.  You may require exploration around your belly button to help solve the issue.

Matthew Schulman, MD · Answer

I agree with my colleagues that you likely have an infection from some of the internal sutures that were used during your tummy tuck. You may also have a collection of fluid (seroma) that has become infected and if leaking out of an opening around your belly button. Either way, you should see your plastic surgeon. If you are unhappy with your plastic surgeon, you can find another one to help you - keep in mind that you will need the prior operative report so that a new surgeon will know what the original surgeon did (this will help him/her treat you.)

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Occasionally the navel can retract and create a sinus that will be perpetually draining in foul-smelling. This would require a relatively trivial revision.

James Southwell-Keely, MD, FRACS · Answer

Hi there,Sounds like a buried suture that needs to be removed. An ultrasound would confirm the extent of the subcutaneous fluid. Thereafter the suture would need to be removed and any residual fluid washed out.Best of luck,James

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

Most likely this is a foreign body reaction to a buried suture.  The antibiotics that you were on cleared it for awhile but it has recurred.  The suture knot must be removed to clear the problem.

Why do I have brown, smelly discharge coming from my belly button almost a year after my tummy tuck?

Answers (8)

Answer: Sounds like a buried suture

Answer: Sounds like a buried suture

Answer: Umbilical drainage after a tummy tuck

Answer: Umbilical drainage after a tummy tuck

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.

Why do I have brown, smelly discharge coming from my belly button almost a year after my tummy tuck?

Answers (8)

Answer: Sounds like a buried suture

Answer: Sounds like a buried suture

Answer: Umbilical drainage after a tummy tuck

Answer: Umbilical drainage after a tummy tuck

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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.