10 days post belly button issues (Photo)

Question

This piece of material has been stuck to my belly button area since my surgery Dec 13 (10 days post) At my last appt, the nurse gently tried to remove with no success so she said I could just work it off in the shower. It hurts to try to pull on it at all. I dont know if it is sewn in there or stuck but it is becoming red and possibly like the beginnings of an infection. I have an appointment on Wednesday but would appreciate some opinions on what may be going on here. Thank you!

Ira H. Rex lll, MD · Answer

This is a very common way to treat the bellybutton postoperatively. It probably won't hurt anything to keep it in a few more days, when your doctor can gently remove it. You should not worry about this.

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your pictures and questions. The picture shows that you have a special piece of non-stick gauze called xeroform attached to your umbilicus. I also use this as a dressing but I do not suture it into position and it usually comes out very easy. If the area dries, it can stick to the incision and be hard to remove. If there are any concerns, I would just leave it in place and let your surgeon remove it at your visit. There is no harm in leaving it in place for now. Best of luck!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear aimee06,it is hard to tell for sure without an examination but in most cases this gauze is not sewn in place. I would suggest you to consult your plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs.  Though commonly used in the belly button after a tummy tuck this gauze is rarely sewn in place and should just pull away.  I would discuss with your surgeon as they know the full details of your procedure so that you can have the best advice.

Chris Porter, MD · Answer

The material you have attached is called xeroform, an antibacterial dressing commonly used in plastic surgery. It is usually simply placed on top of a wound or scar without being stitched in place. It should fall away by itself or can be softened in the shower for you to lift off. If this does not work then I would recommend for you to return to your plastic surgeon for them to remove for you.

10 days post belly button issues (Photo)

Answers (5)