Can I use iodine to clean belly button 2 weeks after having a tummy tuck?

Question

I've been cleaning it with hydrogen peroxide and it has not dried up yet.

Tom Tracey Gallaher, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Belly Buttons can be finicky and are often times the last spot to heal after a tummy tuck procedure. I normally tell my patients to keep their belly buttons dry because moisture can slow down healing. Hydrogen peroxide may be a little harsh for that area and be adding moisture. Keeping the area dry will help healing. Try to let that area breathe and get air. After your shower, take a hairdryer and put it on the cool setting and try to dry the belly button. If there is irritation, redness or infection to the area, you would want to consult your plastic surgeon who performed your surgery for specific post-care instructions. I usually have my patients clean their belly buttons with an alcohol prep pad then apply an antibiotic ointment if irritation is present. Sometimes irritation is sign of an internal suture trying to push its way through the skin. The best thing to do is get specific instructions from your surgeon, that way you don't apply anything that would slow down the healing process. Have a great day.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

You are best to ask your surgeon what he feels is best for you.  I usually recommend dilute peroxide to clean the dry blood for my patients.  If there is an open wound then I usually recommend wet to dry dressings.

Can I use iodine to clean belly button 2 weeks after having a tummy tuck?

Answers (2)

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