Should I clean the inside of my belly button alcohol? (Photo)

Question

I am 25 days post op from tummy tuck with Lipo and bbl. My question is should I clean the belly button area inside with alcohol to prevent infection?

Christian Subbio, MD · Answer

You  really should only be following the advice of the surgeon who performed her procedure a few weeks ago.  They will likely tell you that alcohol is too causticBest of luck!
Dr. SubbioBoard-Certified Plastic SurgeonNewtown Square/Philadelphia, PA

Arthur W. Perry, MD, FACS · Answer

This is absolutely not the type of advice that can or should be given in a forum such as this.  You have healing problems from your surgery and should contact your plastic surgeon.  You might be prescribed an antibiotic cream for your wound issues.  Alcohol should never be used in an open wound.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

You are best to ask your surgeon what he prefers. If it is a bit crusted, I often recommend a dilute hydrogen peroxide:water mixture.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

Foxy,First check with your surgeon.  I would not use alcohol as it is caustic to any healing tissue.  It does kill bacteria well, but not to be used until the skin is sealed.  Your umbilicus looks a bit dark or bruised.  I am more concerned with its appearance after 25 days.  Too difficult to judge in the photo.Always trust your surgeon.  They are better able to assess your condition after examining you.Best wishes.Dr T

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

I would not use alcohol which can be very irritating to the wound.  In my practice will use either saline or if there are any a lot of scabs  we soft and the scabs with hydrogen peroxide first and then clean with saline and apply bacitracin ointment.However it is important that to contact your plastic surgeon for specific advice and do not rely on the Internet advice.  For more information please read below:

Should I clean the inside of my belly button alcohol? (Photo)

Answers (5)

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