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

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

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.