Dead belly button? (Photo)

It appears you have either superficial or deep tissue injury to your belly button area.  Don't despair though! It make take longer to heal, you may have to do some vigorous wound cleaning and care for awhile but in the end your belly button should look very nice despite these early problems. Good luck!Thomas Taylor, MD, FACSPasadena, CA

It is possible that you have some decreased blood supply to the top layer (skin) or all of your belly button.  Fortunately, with just wound care, the result will be a very belly-button like healed area.

Hi Ali,Thank you for your photo. I understand your concern, but typically, the color that you see is transient.  As the area continues to heal, there will be an improvement in color resulting in a normal belly button.  Please follow up with your plastic surgeon and follow all wound care instructions.  Good Luck,  Dr Bev 

The picture of your belly button shows that it is dark.  You have indicated that you are 1 week postop from a tummy tuck, and you are concerned about the postoperative appearance.  It is possible that your belly button is not healing as well as the skin around it.  This is because during an abdominoplasty, the skin around the belly button is commonly disconnected from the belly button, and the belly button has to survive on it's own blood supply, until the new belly button/skin interface matures.  During this process, the color of the belly button may change, perhaps even several times.  Congestion of the blood supply, scabbing of the skin, slough of the skin, the healing of the skin, blister formation, infection, and other causes are all reasons that the color of the belly button may change.  It is not possible to know from a single picture and without the benefit of a physical exam.  A follow up with your surgeon is the best way to facilitate continuity of care and address your concerns.

Thank yo for the question and the photograph. It would appear as though you have necrosis of your umbilicus. This will typically go on to heal with good local wound care and leave no untoward sequela. I recommend to continue in close follow up with your plastic surgeon as they are in the best position to evaluate and treat you during your post operative recovery. This will allow you and your surgeon the chance to discuss your concerns and help allay any anxieties you may be experiencing.I hope this helps. Best wishes.