Belly button and incision leaking 3 weeks post op tummy tuck and back lipo. Advice?

Question

I had a tummy tuck 3 weeks ago and my bellybutton started leaking right after the stitches were removed at 1 week, my incision right below my belly button starting leaking dark red and sometimes yellow fluid at exactly 2 weeks post op, causing it to open at the center. I went to see my doctor, he gave prescribed “clyndamicina” and another antibiotic for 10 days. It’s been 1 week after I started the 2 antibiotics, I see little or no improvements. Lab work came “body not responding to antibiotics”

Clayton Crantford, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. You appear to have delayed healing of you belly button and central incision. I recommend following up closely with your surgeon so he/she may manage this issue. You will need local wound care to help heal these areas and ensure they do not become infected. You may need a scar revision in the future. Best of luck.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello. Great question. I am sorry for your post op difficulties. Wound dehiscence is not uncommon post op. Every surgeon has different post op protocols. Keep following your surgeon's post op instructions.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear millie1986,I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment. Only after thorough examination you can get proper recommendations and advice.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

If you are not seeing improvement after taking the medications for one week you need to return to your surgeon for further evaluation.  A small amount of clear or light yellow discharge is not concerning but it's best that your surgeon assesses the incisions as she/he is most familiar with the details of your case and how you've been progressing through recovery.

Aric Aghayan, MD · Answer

Dear millie1986,I'm sorry you are having wound healing issues. It appears from the photo that you have had loss of some or all of you umbilical stalk and the central part of your abdominal incision. It does not appear that you have an infection, but you will need close follow up with your surgeon and a period of local wound care. Long term, you may need a scar revision. Good luck.

Belly button and incision leaking 3 weeks post op tummy tuck and back lipo. Advice?

Answers (5)