Is it normal for my belly button to still bleed 9 days post tummy tuck?

Question

This is a 2 in one question. I didnt know how to ask it at once. My belly button has been bleeding everyday since my tummy tuck. 1 week post op I brought this concern to my doctor and he said it's fine. I didn't think much of it but today after removing my binder, there was blood ofcourse and also the belly button seems to be separating from the skin. And the spacing is obvious. And after cleaning it there seems to be a little discoloration. Is all of this normal 9 days post op?

R. Brannon Claytor, MD, FACS · Answer

The tummy tuck operation is successful because it removes the skin that is excess and may have stiae inferior to the bellybutton.  The elements of the operation that are essential include elevating the skin up to the level of the bellybutton and then surgically incising around the bellybutton and releasing it from the overlying skin and leaving it attached to the abdominal wall.  Advancing the skin inferiorly down to the mons pubis and removing the excess skin allows for the flat and sculpted abdomen appearance.  The bellybutton needs to be delivered through the abdominal flap that is advanced inferiorly to allow the normal appearance and location of the bellybutton.  This involves a small incision in the flap that is advanced inferiorly.  The bellybutton is inset with sutures and frequently tacking sutures down to the abdominal wall to create the indented and aesthetic contours of an aesthetic abdominal wall and shapely figure.  The sutures are frequently observable although sometimes they may be nylon sutures which need to be removed in the office in approximately 1 week after surgery.  Should your recovery be going any differently than this it is a good idea to follow up with your plastic surgeon for answers to any questions that you may have about your own personal course of medical recovery.

Douglas Leppink, MD · Answer

When an Abdominoplasty is performed the "belly-button" is passed through a new opening in the skin that is pulled over the "belly-button" where it naturally sits. This re-positioning is often done under tension, as the "belly-button" is pulled inward when the muscle separation is fixed. Usually many layers of sutures are used to secure the "belly-button" to the skin, but occasionally there can be some superficial separation. Keeping the area clean and lightly covered with anti-biotic ointment should allow healing to occur spontaneously. Please keep your Plastic Surgeon aware of what is happening, and watch for expanding redness around the "belly-button," which can indicate infection.

Tyler C. Street, MD · Answer

It can take a while for the umbilicus to heal especially if there is tension on it.  During that time, oozing would be normal especially during washing or dressing changes.

Is it normal for my belly button to still bleed 9 days post tummy tuck?

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Is it normal for my belly button to still bleed 9 days post tummy tuck?

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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.