Is It Normal for my Belly Button to Bleed 1 Week Post Tummy Tuck?

Question

At my four day appointment the doctor changed my belly button dressing and it stayed white for a few hours. I am exactly a week out today and it is soaked in blood again. I called on Friday and got a nurse who said it was fine but the more I looked online I found nothing and it made me wonder if this is normal. I am going to call again this morning. Any ideas? Should it be bleeding at all?

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

This may be completely normal.  It is not unusual for incisions to weep a bit of blood occasionally.  If you are concerned, I would agree with your frequent visits to your surgeon.

Jonathan Saunders, MD · Answer

it is not unusual to get some bleeding from the belly button.  you might have to place a dry gause on it once or twice a day. i am sure it will be fine

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

Some bleeding, which could be expression of a seroma or a small hematoma, can occur a week after tummy tuck.  However, it is always a good idea to see your plastic surgeon so that an infection or deeper hematoma can be rulde out.   My recommendation is that, when in doubt, a visit to the doctor's office cannot hurt and can nip any problems in the bud.

Andre Aboolian, MD · Answer

Yes it could happen and it is ok.  I would visit the surgeon and ask his opinion.

Steven Turkeltaub, MD · Answer

Bleeding from around your belly button at one week is not rare nor is it indicative of any significant problem. A variety of fairly trivial issues can precipitate this. On extremely rare occassions, this can represent more significant bleeding, etc. I would just contact your plastic surgeon who has been following you just to be sure.

Is It Normal for my Belly Button to Bleed 1 Week Post Tummy Tuck?

Answers (5)