Tummy tuck, 9 months post op. I am having yellow discharge with odor. What could this be? (Photo)

Question

I had a tummy tuck about 9 months ago and there is a problem with my navel. I keep getting green clear discharge so the doctor gave me antibiotics but it never cleared. As i have had this procedure done abroad i need to find a doctor local in London otherwise have to fly back out. My surgeon reckons it could be a stitch inside which needs a navel revision. He reckons i may have a granuloma from the stitch. Doctor also took swab and came back clear so no infection. What can this be ?

Anthony Barabas, MBBS, FRCS (Plast) · Answer

As the other doctors have said this could certainly be a stitch which has worked its way to the surface and be a stitch abscess. However I notice that you have raised hypertrophic (even possibly keloid) scar formation. I would recommend a course of steroid injections to have flatten these scars. However if you have already been having steroid injections then the white discharge could be a deposit of the steroid working its way through to the skin.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

It is likely a stitch that is causing your issues.  If you remove it, your issues should resolve.  The procedure is relatively simple with minimal recovery.

Chad Robbins, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question .   It looks like it's a stitch abscess and it needs to be removed.  You are right , you may need a navel revision which is a small procedure.

Paul J. Leahy, MD · Answer

I'm sorry you are having this issue. Yes, I would agree that you likely have a suture/stitch that has bacteria attached to it and your body is trying to fight that (granuloma). It needs to be removed which may require a surgical procedure. A culture swab of that fluid that is negative for bacteria is not enough proof that that there is not infection. If you've taken antibiotics recently or the swab was not done correctly, the results may not be accurate. You need a plastic surgeon to see you. Best wishes.

Tummy tuck, 9 months post op. I am having yellow discharge with odor. What could this be? (Photo)

Answers (4)

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