Belly button pain after tummy tuck. Is this normal? (Photo)

Question

5 weeks post op from a tummy tuck and lipo. For the past few days I have begun to feel discomfort in my belly button. Everyday I'm feeling more pain. I saw my ps a week ago and was advised to pack it 3 x a day with gauze and I have done so. Now when I do that the right side of my belly button is extremely painful when just touched with the gauze. I see my ps again in a week. I'm home resting and have not begun any strenous activity. Just wondering what could be wrong?? Is this normal??

John J. Corey, MD · Answer

I think Dr. Hunsaker is right. I think you have had a little strained circulation to your belly button and it will take some time to heal and feel normal. The good news is these types of things usually he'll great and your bellybutton will eventually look very normal. Another reason is at times as the nerves start waking up in your tummy you start feeling a little more pain. That could be  as well.  Check with your doctor of course but everything most likely is fine.

Richard J. Brown, MD · Answer

You have pain because you have an open wound. The right side looks to have healthy tissue but the incision has opened up and that is why it hurts. That is normal, but I would ask how long your surgeon thinks it will take to heal. I am guessing many weeks, or is the surgeon planning to try and close it? But, from what I see it is normal to have pain with an open wound.

Steven Turkeltaub, MD · Answer

Though the photo is of a low resolution and somewhat far away, it appears that you have at least partial necrosis of your belly button. This means that the blood supply to it is marginal at best and there most probably will be some permanent loss of tissue. The pain is at least partially related to this.Give this time to heal. Depending on the appearance, you may need some sort of revision or reconstruction ofo the area.Steven Turkeltaub, MD

Robert H. Hunsaker, MD · Answer

It looks like you have had a small amount of healing problem most likely due to decreased blood supply. Because of that, the area is raw and sensitive. This should improve as the area heals on it's own. Some topical antibiotic ointment a couple times a day to area would likely be beneficial as well.

Belly button pain after tummy tuck. Is this normal? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Belly Button Pain

Answer: Belly Button Pain

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Belly button pain after tummy tuck. Is this normal? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Belly Button Pain

Answer: Belly Button Pain

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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.