3 week post op tummy tuck. Belly button and incision question. (Photos)

Question

Hello, Thanks in advance for your answers. Tape came off my incision today at 3 wks and the middle of it looks like is oozing or something. I've only washed (over the tape) with soap a water when I shower daily. My BB is freaky I think. I looks like it should hurt but does not. (reddish). I try to use a q-tip and peroxide once a day, not sure if I should be "digging" with a q-tip, so I dip a clean qtip into peroxide and just do a quick swirl in button and repeat with a new QT 1 or 2 more times.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Swelling can persist for
several months and will gradually improve and will look better at three months,
six months, and even one year. Frequently the pubic area and the scrotal and
penis area for men can become very swollen and discolored during the first two
weeks due to gravity as this is the lowest area for swelling to accumulate.

It may take several
months for a tummy tuck patient’s scars to soften, for sensation to return, and
for relaxing of the tight sensation in the abdomen. In the case of extensive
surgery, abdominoplasty recovery can be uncomfortable and may take longer. Scars
may stay red, become thick or widen. It can take 12-18 months for the scars to
settle.

These can be improved
with topical treatments such as BioCorneum, Scar Guard, Scar Fade and Mederma.
Redness can be improved with laser treatments and the scars can be kept narrow
with products such as Embrace.  On
occasion, keloids or hypertrophic scars can develop and will need treatment
including Kenalog, 5FU and laser.

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thank you very much for sharing your concerns with us.At this point (3 weeks post-po) the swelling is normal.To reduce it, I recommend you perform daily lymphatic drainage massage therapy over the abdomen and wear a postoperative girdle from thigh to the breasts.Kind regards,Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. I recommend that you see your surgeon for an in-person evaluation.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It is important to follow the instructions that your surgeon recommends. Best of luck with your wound issue.

Morad Tavallali, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

At three weeks your belly and scars look what would be expected. Swelling will persist for up to 4 months and massage can help it improve. The redness at the belly button is due to tension and will improve. I tell my patients to keep it covered with antibiotic cream. Silicone gel or sheets on the scars will also help. I also tell my patients to clean the belly button with peorxide and Q tip.

3 week post op tummy tuck. Belly button and incision question. (Photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Wound care

Answer: Wound care

Answer: Tummy tuck scars

Answer: Tummy tuck scars

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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

3 week post op tummy tuck. Belly button and incision question. (Photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Wound care

Answer: Wound care

Answer: Tummy tuck scars

Answer: Tummy tuck scars

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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