This is my Belly Button 2 Weeks Post-op - Will This Heal on Its Own or Will It Look Normal-ish? (photo)

Question

My doctor told me to do a wet/dry dressing and it will close. There is no infection. Week 1 started with a slight opening, not this. Right now I am really annoyed. Any extra insight is greatly appreciated.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear about the complication you are experiencing. As you can imagine, no one ( including your own plastic surgeon) will be able to predict with any degree of accuracy exactly what the umbilicus will look like when complete healing has occurred. At this point, the important thing is to follow up closely with your plastic surgeon who is able to rule out/treat secondary problems such as infection.

	 These types of situations are situations where only “time will tell” how  deep the vascular compromise extends  and what the area will look like once the nonviable tissue lifts or is debrided.

	 I hope this helps.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

The photograph demonstrates wound healing problems with an umbilical stalk. These need to heal completely before a conclusion can be made about the ultimate appearance of the umbilicus.

Remus Repta, MD · Answer

Hello,

	Thank you for the question and the photos.  There might be some delayed healing secondary to a blood supply issue.  If that is the case conservative treatment with dressing change will be needed until the extent of the healing issue can be determined.  A beely button revision can be performed later on once the proper amount of healing has occurred.

	All the best,

	Dr Remus Repta

Gavin Sandercoe, MBBS, FRACS · Answer

Hi Tempvisitor

	Your photos show an umbilicus (belly button) that is struggling for blood supply. It appears that that there is fair bit of fat around the umbilical stalk that is also unhappy.

	If you were my patient, I would remove the obviously dead tissue (either in the OR or in my rooms) and then begin dressings. If the wound can be kept clean and stays uninfected these problems will often heal by themselves. I personally prefer to dress the wound with antibiotic ointment and clean it daily.

	Belly buttons can behave oddly after abdominoplasty - some that heal well early can end up with hypertrophic scars later, and some the struggle early on can look great at the 1 year check up. They are never the same as they were before your tummy tuck.

	Due to your darker skin colour, you are at a higher risk of hypertrophic (thick, firm) scars. I would suggest that you are militant about scar management once this wound heals. Scar massage, silicone treatments +/- laser will help make your scar as good as possible.

	Good Luck

	Dr Gavin Sandercoe

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

You appear to have some degree of vascular compromise to the umbilical stalk.  This can happen for a variety of reasons.  With proper wound care it will eventually heal and should look okay.  You should be seen by your plastic surgeon who can direct your wound care.

This is my Belly Button 2 Weeks Post-op - Will This Heal on Its Own or Will It Look Normal-ish? (photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Umbilical wound breakdown

Answer: Umbilical wound breakdown

Answer: Healing issues with the umbilicus at 2 weeks post op

Answer: Healing issues with the umbilicus at 2 weeks post op

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This is my Belly Button 2 Weeks Post-op - Will This Heal on Its Own or Will It Look Normal-ish? (photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Umbilical wound breakdown

Answer: Umbilical wound breakdown

Answer: Healing issues with the umbilicus at 2 weeks post op

Answer: Healing issues with the umbilicus at 2 weeks post op

Browse related questions

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.