How to heal belly button after tummy tuck? Will I be okay? What should I be doing? (Photo)

Question

I had a tummy tuck about three weeks ago [ (As anout of state patients)started experiencing a brownish discharge coming from my belly button a few days after the procedure.The doctor ordered labs and the results came back showing Pseudomonas Aeruginosa.I then took Ciprofloxacin. This has made the discharge lessen, but when I clean it, the q-tip smells foul.I am also worried about one side that is white and doesn't seem to be healing. What should be doing considering I am an out of state patient?

Joseph Brown, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,

While healing difficulties tend to happen after abdominoplasty to one degree or another, pseudomonas infection is something to not ignore. If you are still having foul smelling drainage from your wound contact your surgeon asap to be evaluated. If you see a little bit of drainage superficially, it could mean that there is a fluid collection or abscess underneath that needs to be drained by your surgeon. Make sure you have frequent follow up with your surgeon when you are having problems. If you are experiencing worsening redness, fevers, chills, nausea, etc you may need to go to the emergency room for evaluation. But before you do anything, call your surgeon!

Good luck.

Vinod V. Pathy, MD, FACS · Answer

Your pictures are concerning.  Despite the distance between you, technology may allow you to share these pictures with your plastic surgeon, who may then be able to offer advice on caring for your umbilicus.  If you are unable to contact your surgeon, I would suggest seeking out the opinion of a board certified plastic surgeon in your area.  Explain your history in detail and, if you are able, request a copy of your records from the surgeon who performed the procedure.   Many surgeons are very willing to help out and care for you, even if they have not performed your surgery.  Best of luck to you.

How to heal belly button after tummy tuck? Will I be okay? What should I be doing? (Photo)

Answers (2)

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