How long do I have to wait for the red ring around my belly button to go away after tummy tuck? (Photo)

Question

About exactly four months ago, I had a tummy tuck, and when my doctor took the tape off my belly button, we realized that I had gotten a bad reaction to the tape? It had given me a boiling red ring around my belly button. Has anyone ever experienced this? If so, what can I do to speed up the process in getting my regular skin color back? :(((

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Unfortunately some patients do experience skin irritation from the glue on the tape. Hopefully if a rash developed it didn't last long. As for the scarring around your bellybutton it appears to be healing well but often scars can take months to heal completly and begin to fade. but over time the appearance of your scar should improve. All the best.

Levi J. Young, MD · Answer

I've seen this occur occasionally.  The redness is vascularity from the original inflammation and a normal part of healing that leaves incisions or scars red early on.  The good news is that you're on the normal trajectory of healing.  Be patient.  As times goes on (up to a full year) the redness will fade.  The thickness of the scar will fade as well.  The tough part is waiting the full year.  If things are still unsatisfactory at the year mark, then I'd consider revision, or laser or some other treatment to improve the scar appearance.There is good science that shows that silicone sheet dressings and scar massage improves their appearance so I'd encourage you to make that a daily practice.  Keep your surgeon informed of your situation and best wishes!

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

May take up to one year to have redness disappear. I recommend topical silicone application to the belly button area.

M. Dean Vistnes, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

For a scar to completely fade and turn into a fine white line can take 9-12 months. This is a slow process, be patient with your recovery. Best wishes. Dean Vistnes.

How long do I have to wait for the red ring around my belly button to go away after tummy tuck? (Photo)

Answers (4)

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