10 days after tummy tuck, I have foul smell, pus and drainage from umbilicus. What is causing this?

Question

10 days post op TT. Had been healing well,no drainage. Today I noticed a foul smell from belly button. There is pus and drainage. My antibiotic had another refill,so I refilled and started this am. Outside of belly button is very red,foul smelling drainge and now having bad pain inside of naval area. Help! :(

Carmina Cardenas, MD · Answer

The belly button area is ver particular because naturally ( no surgery related) is a moist area, so after a Tumny Tuck where we manipulate the bb, place sutures and then all of the swelling plus its natural moist, creates the perfect environment for infections. You have to clean it deeply with Qtips twice a day, keep it clean and dry with a dry gauze inside, shower daily and use a wound cleanser right after (no iodine needed). Do not panic. It will be nice and clean following instructions. Dr. Cardenas

Mennen T. Gallas, MD · Answer

Based on the information given I would recommend you call your surgeon for an evaluation.  Make sure that you are keeping the area clean in the meantime.

Alan M. Engler, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Hopefully, it is just a localized problem and treating it the way you are - with antibiotics - may be part of what is indicated.  But you may, also, need wound care.Either way, you need to contact your plastic surgeon.  This is not something you should be treating on your own.Good luck,Dr. E

Maan Kattash, MD, FRCS, FACS - Account Suspended · Answer

You may have superficial infection or a reaction to the suture material. Best is to have it checked out by your surgeon.Meanwhile, keep the area clean and use topical antibiotic over it until you see him.

10 days after tummy tuck, I have foul smell, pus and drainage from umbilicus. What is causing this?

Answers (4)

Answer: 10 days after tummy tuck, I have foul smell, pus and drainage from umbilicus. What is causing this?

Answer: 10 days after tummy tuck, I have foul smell, pus and drainage from umbilicus. What is causing this?

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10 days after tummy tuck, I have foul smell, pus and drainage from umbilicus. What is causing this?

Answers (4)

Answer: 10 days after tummy tuck, I have foul smell, pus and drainage from umbilicus. What is causing this?

Answer: 10 days after tummy tuck, I have foul smell, pus and drainage from umbilicus. What is causing this?

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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.