Should I be worried about my belly button post tummy tuck? (Photo)

Question

I had a tummy tuck 11/2 and all is well except my belly button. It's starting to have yellowish/ greenish pus around all the stitches. I have finished my antibiotics and am putting a gauze with Neosporin on it pretty much 24hrs/day. I am cleaning it with water and peroxide, is it infected? What should I do? I have already taken all of my antibiotics. I have contacted my surgeon but had surgery abroad so I can only send the same pictures you are seeing.

Jeffrey Rockmore, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and for providing the photos.  The belly button is often slow to heal after a tummy tuck, and can sometimes have some separation around its incisions.  It sounds like your care or the area is appropriate, but if you have any concerns I would recommend being seen by a plastic surgeon.  Since your surgery was done abroad, I would recommend consulting with a local plastic surgeon to be appropriately followed.Best of luck with your tummy tuck.Jeff Rockmore

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and for sharing your photographs. It appears that you have suffered an incisional separation along a portion of your belly button and this can be due to a number of reasons, including an infection around the stitching or within the skin.  Though your photographs do not demonstrate any frank signs of an infection I would recommend reaching out to your surgeon for wound care recommendations, or find a plastic surgeon in your area who would be willing to see you to ensure you heal this area appropriately. With some conservative dressing changes this should heal quickly.

John A. Millard, MD, FACS · Answer

It is not uncommon to have some minor issues with belly button healing after your surgery.  Often the epidermal layer sheds and the raw dermal layer (Like you see with a blister shedding its top layer) weeps underneath.  I don't like peroxide beyond the first 24-48 hours as it prevents infection, but it also prevents healing.  I would consult your physical and perhaps see him or her to determine exactly what is occurring and to best treat the area so it can complete it's healing process.

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear, thanks for your pictures and provided information as well.. I suggest you to have a consultation with your doctor to check up your belly button, sometimes belly buttons after tummy tuck,can have separation around it's incisions...

Sanjiv Kayastha, MD · Answer

It's hard to see from your pictures exactly what's going on. The best thing to do is to find a local plastic surgeon who will take a look at you. In general, small open areas that are treated by keeping them clean and moist should go on to heal within a few weeks.

Paul J. Leahy, MD · Answer

Thank you for your post. The belly button can sometimes be the last component of a TT to heal completely. It looks as though you may have some minor wound separation which will lead to the drainage. I'd see your surgeon this week for a check up. In the meantime, the care you are doing seems appropriate. Best wishes.

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