Does my belly button or drain incision look infected? (photos)

Question

I received a tummy tuck 3 weeks ago on Wednesday. When I took a shower last night my belly button looked infected, I called my ps. They wouldn't let me talk to him, but told me to go in in the am. Well, I can't I live over an hour away and my kids both have Dr appointments which have been scheduled for 3 months. I've attached some pictures what would you recommend I do until I'm able to go to my ps office?

Farah Naz Khan, MD · Answer

You appear to have some degree of wound separation and skin irritation. Keep the areas clean and go see your plastic surgeon in person so you can be properly examined and evaluated and treated if necessary in a timely manner!

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

The rash around the belly button and around the incision looks like Polysporin related to me.  If you are using this topical antibiotic you should stop it.  The wound separation is likely a stitch that is spitting.  Once it is removed by the plastic surgeon, it will heal rapidly.

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

This looks like two separate things--a rash that has the shape of what may have been steristrips, and some minor wound separation. This does not look like any kind of emergency, so seeing to you kids appointments seems reasonable. Until you can see your surgeon, getting in the shower a couple times a day and keeping a clean dressing over the areas is appropriate. All the best.

Peter Fisher, MD (retired) · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. I think you are probably reacting to a topical antibiotic that you may be using. You also have separation of the incision, an extremely common condition following a tummy tuck,  in the belly button.  The drain holes are irritated with most likely minor infection. If there is no Purulent discharge and you don't have fever everything should be fine. You should see your ps but there is no rush. Keep the wounds clean and if using a topical antibiotic stop it. Use dry gauze.Peter Fisher M.D.

Does my belly button or drain incision look infected? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Belly button infection

Answer: Belly button infection

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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Does my belly button or drain incision look infected? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Belly button infection

Answer: Belly button infection

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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.