Belly button infected after Tummy Tuck?? (photos)

Question

Had a TT just about 4 weeks ago, been in to see Doctor about my concerns, He isn't taking stitches out of belly button for ANOTHER 2 weeks. When I call about the pain and now a open oozing area, I receive a response that I'm over reacting. Please see pics

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,Your belly button is not infected, but it has some circulations issues that are common. Your sutures are doing nothing and should come out.  Your surgeon should care for you by cleaning your belly button and the wound around it. Go back and ask for his help.Best of luck!

Robert P. Schmid, MD · Answer

Thanks for ur question. I am a plastic surgeon in LBK who does over 100 of these surgeries per year. I agree that the stitches r doing nothing at this point & should come out. I think ur body will heal this just fine, but if it develops an ugly scar over time, u should contact ur plastic surgeon. Best of luck with that!

Scott W. Vann, MD, FACS · Answer

I do not know if you are overreacting, but your wound does need some care. A little debridement and regular cleaning and ointment. I would gently insist on being seen in the office soon. Send them the photos you posted here. Good luck.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Thank you for your pictures. In my opinion, your bellybutton is either infected or has necrotic tissue.  Either way this merits immediate attention.  Please revisit with your plastic surgeon ASAP. Good luck.

Robert D. Wilcox, MD · Answer

Dear LeaLee66,

The bellybutton is showing signs of necrosis
at the 6 o’clock position and darkening. It is not common but occasionally the bellybutton
will be stressed from inadequate circulation or infection. If you are diligent
on local wound care, it should heal.

I hope this has been helpful.

Robert D. Wilcox, MD

Greg Bancroft, MD, PhD · Answer

Looking at your photos, it appears that you have an area of
what is called “necrosis” where part of the skin of the lining of the belly
button has probably died. The body attempts to fill in this area by dumping a
kind of protein glue called fibrin which makes the yellow-ish goop you see in
your picture. This may sound scary, but the good news is that eventually the
surrounding skin usually grows over this area and the eventual appearance and
outcome will most likely be totally fine – it is just taking a bit longer to
get there.If you were my patient, after verifying that this is what is
happening, I would encourage you to wash every day with soap and water in the
shower and then make a little plug of Vaseline on a cotton ball and put this in
the belly button to help it heal. You can use a band-aid over this to hold it
in place.I would imagine your surgeon has his own methods that he
likes and ultimately it is his advice I would recommend following. You are not
over-reacting – you should be seen and evaluated to make sure you heal well and
get the best result possible.

Stamatis "Stam" Sapountzis, MD · Answer

It is not extremely rare belly button problems after tummy tuck. Especially smokers have high incidence of bellybutton partial or total necrosis due to problematic blood supply. Minimal debridement and dressing changes are necessary. Best of luck!

Stacey Folk, MD · Answer

Dear LeaLee66,Your situation does warrant a visit, a little debridement or removal of the yucky stuff, and wound care. It is hard to assess your situation on the photo alone but it appears that you have at least some necrosis of the belly button. If the base of the belly button still has normal appearing skin don't fret too much because you can still get a beautiful result. You are not over reacting, you should be seen now and not wait.

Arko Demianczuk, MD · Answer

I'd see your PS as I'm concerned that the belly button may have inadequate circulation and is at risk of necrosis. Keep the area clean in the meantime.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

I would suggest sending these photos or going in to see your surgeon. Your incision may have pulled apart. I would suggest continuing to keep the area clean and dressed.

Belly button infected after Tummy Tuck?? (photos)

Answers (10)

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