3 weeks post op, belly button infected? Pelvic area really hard, seroma? (Photos)

Question

My bellybutton has yellow creamy stuff no smell yet. My doc says it's normal. It doesn't look so to me. And the hardness on my lower pelvic area.

S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS · Answer

Wound healing around belly buttons are often fraught with minor problems.  From the pictures you provided, it would be my opinion that the redness is not actual infection but a combination of wound healing and infestation of normal skin bacteria.  The yellow creamy stuff you refer to is often a combination of degenerating skin and fat cells.With reference to the hardness in the lower pelvic area, this is very common at three weeks and is usually due to fluid buildup within the tissue itself, whereas a seroma is free fluid in a pocket surrounded by a fluid producing wall. The difference between normal post surgical swelling and a seroma is best determined by a Board Certified plastic surgeon.  I recommend you consult your personal plastic surgeon to differentiate whether your induration (hardness) is part of the normal process or is a situation that needs greater attention.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

There is no obvious sign of concern of your belly button area at this early stage in recovery.  Your surgeon will give you instructions for care when the sutures are removed and should be notified of changes.  A seroma is a collection of fluid under the skin.  It can be confirmed with an ultrasound and aspirated in the office if present.  Be sure to closely follow your surgeon's post op instructions and discuss your concerns.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

It may take several months for a tummy tuck patient’s scars to soften, for sensation to return, and for relaxing of the tight sensation in the abdomen. In the case of extensive surgery, abdominoplasty recovery can be uncomfortable and may take longer. Scars may stay red, become thick or widen. It can take 12-18 months for the scars to settle.

These can be improved with topical treatments such as BioCorneum, Scar Guard, Scar Fade and Mederma. Redness can be improved with laser treatments and the scars can be kept narrow with products such as Embrace.  On occasion, keloids or hypertrophic scars can develop and will need treatment including Kenalog, 5FU and laser.If you find that you are experiencing an infection it would be best to visit your surgeon to have the area examined for the infection. If an infection is starting it would be best to visit your surgeon in case antibiotics or other treatments are needed. Good luck.

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your pictures and questions. Sorry to hear you are having problems after your surgery. I would say that I am not sure that your belly button is infected, but it does appear that it has some lack of blood flow and thus some lack of appropriate healing. This problem may get worse before it gets better. The hardness that you are feeling could be some fat necrosis or some post-op fluid (seroma). You need to follow closely with your plastic surgeon and follow his or her recommendations on how to care for your surgical sites.Hope this helps!

Jennifer Geoghegan, MD · Answer

Hi there, it does appear that your belly button has a small wound from your photos. A small separation can occur during the healing process that will produce some drainage and redness. I would continue to follow up with your surgeon and follow their recommendations for best healing this wound. As far as a seroma that is difficult to tell from a photo and would be best determined by your surgeon in person. If present these can usually be drained in their office for you.

3 weeks post op, belly button infected? Pelvic area really hard, seroma? (Photos)

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Answer: 3 weeks post op, belly button infected? Pelvic area really hard, seroma?

Answer: 3 weeks post op, belly button infected? Pelvic area really hard, seroma?

Answer: Belly button redness

Answer: Belly button redness

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3 weeks post op, belly button infected? Pelvic area really hard, seroma? (Photos)

Answers (8)

Answer: 3 weeks post op, belly button infected? Pelvic area really hard, seroma?

Answer: 3 weeks post op, belly button infected? Pelvic area really hard, seroma?

Answer: Belly button redness

Answer: Belly button redness

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Everything you need to know about Mommy Makeover

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.