3 months post op Tummy Tuck, my belly button is dark. Is this normal? (photo)

The belly button can appear darker after a tummy tuck for a couple of reasons.  The base of the belly button (the "stalk") is sometimes darker than the surrounding skin, and although most people do not notice this prior to surgery, once the stalk is pulled out with more tension on it, the darker skin becomes more visible.  Certain skin types also have more of a tendency to hyperpigment.   This usually improves over many months to years, but if the pigment has a vascular component (a red hue), lasers can  help improve the scars.  If the pigment is brown, topical bleaching creams such as hydroquinone can help.     Most scars will improve significantly from the way they look at 3 months after surgery!Best wishes,Dr. Michelle Spring

It is common for the scar around the belly button to hyperpigment.  I see that your abdominoplasty scar is dark as well.  It has only been 3 months, I think these will both fade more over time.  You may be able to have a laser treatment to speed the process along.  There are also scar creams and hydroquinone (skin lighteners) that may help. 

This is hyperpigmentation and is also seen on your scar.  Try some hydroquinone type products like Obagi Clear (#3) twice a day for 3 months.  Good luck.

Sometimes when areas of skin get stressed like after surgery, their pigment can change color.  Any healing and scarring (which is concentrated around the belly button after a tummy tuck) can go through color changes but should lighten with time.  Just give it a few more months and then if it doesn't normalize, think about using Lytera from SkinMedica or another "bleaching" agent but just be careful not to make it too light!

Yes it is normal because you have a tendency for hyperpigmentation and your belly button stalk was probably alway this color but now that you can see it, it appears dark.   Discuss with your surgeon and Hydoquinone cream can help lighten the pigment.    Best to you.

Hello, This is totally normal and, even though doesn't always happen, it is not unfrequent (and it's not a complication). Your belly button is the same colour as it was, it was just hidden and now is more visible. You could apply Retin-A or Hydroquinone 5%. These are creams we use for treating hyper chromic scars such as the one in your belly button. Also (and extremely important) avoid sun exposure for several months (as in 6-8 months).Again, the most important thing here is for you to contact your surgeon and see what approach he offers you. Best wishes on your recovery, Dr. Fernandez Goico

The skin of your umbilicus appears to be hyperpigmented relative to the skin on your abdomen.  This is normal but you may be able to lighten it with the use of lightening agents - it is just more pigmented then the surrounding skin.Dr. Corbin