2 Weeks post Tummy Tuck. Why is my belly button black? Will it go back to my normal skin color? (photos)

Question

I had a tummy tuck on June 11, 2014. I didn't see my scar or anything until one drain was removed on June 17 and my belly looked bruised and I ask why they said it was normal. I had my second drain removed on June 21st and my belly button is black :( I ask again why? The nurse said not to worry that it will heal and it will be fine..What can I do?

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Thank you for the photos. You should definitely see your surgeon because this does not look normal. It should be closely informed as their appears to be inadequate blood flow.

Gaurav Bharti, MD, FACS · Answer

It appears that you are having some form of umbilical necrosis or poor blood flow to your belly button and have formed an eschar (scab).  It will take time to heal and should be closely followed by your surgeon to see if you may need further intervention in the future.  There is a good chance that the tissue deep to the scabs have enough blood flow to survive.  Good Luck, Gaurav Bharti

Benjamin Chu, MD, FACS · Answer

It appears your belly button is quite small after abdominoplasty.  The belly button is left in its usual anatomical position during a full abdominoplasty.  All of the skin around the belly button is pulled down to the level of the abdominoplasty incision.  The amount of supporting tissue and blood vessels to the belly button determines the circulation of the belly button.  If not enough tissue is left around the belly button then there may not be enough blood vessels to sustain the tissue of the belly button after surgery.  This results in necrosis or the death of the belly button.  When there is not enough circulation to skin it turns black and forms an eschar.  Therefore a black belly button after abdominoplasty is NOT normal but can happen due to the reasons I stated.  When there is suboptimal circulation the first thing to do is to get hyperbaric oxygen treatment to sustain the dying tissue.  Second is to protect the skin with Silvadene to prevent the dying tissue from becoming infected.  Time will determine is the belly button will survive.

Remus Repta, MD · Answer

A dark belly button after a tummy tuck may not  be abnormal.  Certainly lack of blood supply may lead to necrosis (dead skin) and this may lead to a black belly button, but this is often also associated with redness and drainage.  The other possibility is that there is a dry scab from a blister or excessive dry skin.  I have seen this a few times in patients after a tummy tuck within the first week.  I would continue to have your plastic surgeon evaluate you and make sure that healing is normal.All the best,Dr. Remus Repta

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Thank you for the photo though an examination is really needed.  The BB appears necrotic in the photo submitted but again a full exam is needed so bring this to the attention of your surgeon ASAPDr Corbin

2 Weeks post Tummy Tuck. Why is my belly button black? Will it go back to my normal skin color? (photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Dark belly button after tummy tuck

Answer: Dark belly button after tummy tuck

Answer: Black Belly Button

Answer: Black Belly Button

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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2 Weeks post Tummy Tuck. Why is my belly button black? Will it go back to my normal skin color? (photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Dark belly button after tummy tuck

Answer: Dark belly button after tummy tuck

Answer: Black Belly Button

Answer: Black Belly Button

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.