What is the treatment for a hole inside your belly button? (photos)

Question

i am almost 4 weeks post op and a few days ago, I noticed that inside my belly button has opened up and is a hole, almost the entire inside, it seems to be getting wider. I have told my surgeon but haven't don't really feel like I know what to do or what to expect for healing, will it just close up over time and I leave it alone?

S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS · Answer

From the description that you've given and the picture you sent, it appears that this is more than just a hole in the belly button.Obviously, an in person physical exam is mandatory and as soon as possible.  Most tummy tucks leave the belly button connected to the liver, and the new opening in the abdominal wall for the belly button is pulled down and sutured to the existing belly button.  It is difficult to give you any kind of exact diagnosis from a 2-dimensional picture on the internet, but it is possible that your belly button pulled away from its abdominal opening and this could lead to a great many unwanted consequences.   I am sure your plastic surgeon, if he or she saw this picture, would want to see you and commence treatment.  I highly recommend you seek another consultation with your personal plastic surgeon ASAP.

Andrew T. Cohen, MD, FACS · Answer

You have a dehiscence of the belly button repair.  This needs to be seen by your operating surgeon ASAP.  It could lead to an infection and poor healing if not addressed.  Hard to say for sure based on the pic but that is my sense from the pic.Good Luck,Andrew Cohen MD

Larry Lickstein, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  I agree with my colleague that you need to be seen by your operative surgeon for assessment and to develop a care plan.  It appears as if the closure of your belly button has partly dehisced.  This could potential lead to infection of some of the sutures used to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall.  A careful exam is necessary to assess the wound, the health of the tissue, and the associated risks.  In some instances it may be preferable to allow the wound to heal with careful supervised wound care.  Under other circumstances there may be reasons to consider secondary repair of the wound opening.  Best of luck.

What is the treatment for a hole inside your belly button? (photos)

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What is the treatment for a hole inside your belly button? (photos)

Answers (3)

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Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.