Would an infected belly button piercing site affect my chances at having liposuction done? (photos)

Question

Hello, I wanted any doctors advice on this. I got a belly button piercing years ago and I took it out about two years ago. Still this day i have minor pain from it and sometimes puss comes out. I’m not sure if it’s a keloid or hernia or just an infection and i wanted to know if this would stop me from getting lipo 360? I haven’t booked because of this reason

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Active infection in the area of liposuction may cause more serious infection after liposuction. It is in your best interest to have in person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon and discuss this issue. Good luck.

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I recommend you to visit a doctor and check your belly button before any plastic surgery because this might bring any complications in the future. I would suggest to be treated by board certified plastic surgeon with experience in this procedure, to get the best desired results.

Respectfully,
Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Respectfully,
Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your pictures and questions. Unfortunately, in a case like this, nothing is going to be able to substitute for an in-person physical exam and evaluation to determine exactly what is going on and how involved it might be. It is certainly something that needs to be evaluated prior to proceeding with any surgical procedure in that area.
Hope this helps!
Dallas Buchanan, MD
VIVIFY plastic surgery
Tampa, FL

Justin Yovino, MD, FACS · Answer

Having either a current piercing or old piercing in the belly button is very common. We have patients remove them before surgery. They can usually replace them after a couple weeks of healing from their liposuction procedure. In a patient who is experiencing preoperative issues with the piercing site such as pain and drainage, we would recommend addressing that first before proceeding with any elective surgery in that area including liposuction. The fact that you haven't had a piercing in there in many years, means that you may just have to clean the track. This shouldn't prevent you from undergoing a liposuction consultation with a Plastic Surgeon. A thorough Plastic Surgeon could take a look at that site and make recommendations or help prepare the area depending on what is going on.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Dynamic340669,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Wess Cohen, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Your history of having an infected belly button piercing will not have an effect on your ability to get Lipo 360. The surgeon will need to be aware that there will be some extra scar tissue around that area, however this can be broken up with liposuction. Additionally if you wanted the belly button scar revised your surgeon should be able to do so. Good luck.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Go in for your consultation and show this scar to your surgeon. With antibiotics, you probably will do well.

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.
Schedule an appointment with your primary care physician to have your belly button looked at. After that is taking care of schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon for liposuction options. Best wishes!

Michael Ogilvie, MD · Answer

As long as the site is not actively infected at the time of liposuction, it should not hinder you from having the procedure done. However, if this is a chronic issue, the site could be excised as part of the procedure itself.I would recommend having a detailed discussion regarding this issue with your plastic surgeon to see how they would like to manage it and proceed.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

You will want to ensure that there is no active infection present before proceeding with liposuction.  Your surgeon will be able to inspect the area as well as order any needed tests to ensure it is safe for you to proceed.  Be sure to explain your history with the discharge.

Would an infected belly button piercing site affect my chances at having liposuction done? (photos)

Answers (14)

More Lipo 360 Questions

14 months post liposuction 360 and I still feel numbness in back area. Should I be concerned?

Is lipo enough because it will give me skin retraction - what should I expect realistically? (Photos)

Help.. 360 lipo/BBL with Vibrasat vs Vaser?

Itching in lateral thorax area 1 year after liposuction. Is this normal?

Which surgery(s) will i need after likely umbilicoplasty when I was 8 & stomach isn't smooth? (Photo)

Can lipo 360 be done on the upper back and arms?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS