How do I know if my belly button is infected after Tummy Tuck surgery ? (photos)

Question

I'm discharging color is clear I washed with soap and water then i dryed applied Bacitracin zinc ointment then I covered with a gauze , reason why I post so many questions is where I get surgery done there not returning my calls I am pretty sure is the staff not Doctor fault also I'm very far away from clinic. Ughhh is not easy to be a woman.

Ercan Karacaoglu, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

Hi!This is totally normal that we frequently have some fluid comes from belly button after TT. This may last around three weeks. I have not seen any sign of infection there which is good for you. I agree with your way of cleaning and also applying bacitracin cream is also right thing to do. Also be aware to dry belly button after taking a shower. Best Wishes

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

From the photos it does not look infected. However you should follow up with your chosen surgeon if you are concerned. Regards,

Miguel Mota, MD · Answer

As far as I can see from your photos and without an in-person evaluation you healing seem to be fine. You are doing a great job keeping it clean by the way. It is normal to have some discharge around you belly button. As long as it doesn't get red and swollen, tender, with pus, a bad smell and the sutures open up you should be fine. In any case you should visit with your plastic surgeon or at least send him high quality, well lighten photos of your BB for a better evaluation.Best of luck on your recovery,Dr. Miguel Mota

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

It is not uncommon to have a small amount of discharge in the first few days after the procedure while the incisions heal. Signs of infection would be redness, pain, pus from the incision, malodor, etc. Your photos appear that you are healing as expected. If you begin to have any systemic symptoms, it would be wise to seek immediate attention. Follow-up closely with your surgeon for evaluation and continue with the wound care instructions.  Best wishes!

Christian Subbio, MD · Answer

It is not uncommon for the bellybutton area to weep a small amount of fluid in the first several days, week or two, after abdominoplasty.  Your pictures do not seem to show an active infection, though they are not very clear and nothing replaces and in person examination.  An infection would generally show increasing redness, spreading redness, fevers, tenderness, pain, pus, foul discharge, etc., or some combination of these.  Most concerning is that your doctor's office is not returning your phone calls.  I would call again and insists that you speak with the Dr.  Alert him to the fact that your calls are not being returned.  And certainly, if any symptoms such as the ones I mentioned above.,  You need to be seen right away to rule out and be treated for an infection.Best of luck!Dr. SubbioBoard-Certified Plastic SurgeonNewtown Square/Philadelphia, PA

Robert Frank, MD · Answer

Belly buttons do get infected after surgery and most of the time its because of the dissolving sutures we use to close them. I agree with your cleaning the area and applying a thin coat of topical antibiotic cream. Soap and water are your best allies, so I'd bathe the area a couple times a day. Should clear up soon. Good luck.

Regina M. Fearmonti, MD · Answer

Lisbeth:If you are having persistent drainage, redness, and/or any fever (temperature >100.4) or chills, you need to be seen by a qualified medical professional. Washing and drying thoroughly in the meantime and protecting the surrounding skin in the interim are also important; the bacitracin ointment may also be creating too moist of an environment as well as is usually stopped 2-3 days after surgery.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Maybe infected but you need IN PERSON follow up with your chosen surgeon now to determine this infected issue. Good Luck>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

How do I know if my belly button is infected after Tummy Tuck surgery ? (photos)

Answers (8)

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