Infected or dying belly button 5 weeks post full Tummy tuck? (photos)

Question

I had a full tt with open hernia repair where a mesh implant was used for repair. A general surgeon completed the hernia repair and my plastic surgeon the TT. About a week after surgery to 2 weeks post op I had a fever of 103.8 for a week. After antibiotics, fever went away. Now at 5 weeks post op my belly button seems to have taken a turn for the worse. My surgeon doesnt seem concerned. I will post a picture of bb at 4 weeks post and this morning at 5 wks post. Please let me kno what you think

Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD, FACS · Answer

Please make sure your plastic surgeon is following you to ensure adequate healing.  It should help up over several weeks.

Jeffrey A. Sweat, MD · Answer

I'm sorry that you are having problems after your surgery.  In any patient who has mesh implanted, a postoperative fever is always concerning because the mesh could get infected, depending on the type, and could possibly need to be removed.  Your belly button definitely looks somewhat concerning as it doesn't appear to be entirely healthy.  While the redness could be a reaction to the problems with the belly button, it could be a sign of infection also.  I would recommend seeing your plastic surgeon again so he/she can take a look.  If you re-develop a fever, you definitely need to follow up with at least your general surgeon and likely your plastic surgeon as well.  Best of luck with your continued recovery and I hope things work out well!

Melinda Lirag Lacerna-Kimbrell, MD, FACS · Answer

I would definitely follow up with your board certified plastic surgeon. Having the fever so early in post op and now having this complication isn't something that should be shrugged off. Thank you for your question and for sharing your pictures!Melinda Lacerna, MD FACS

Pedro M. Soler, Jr., MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and pictures.It is important to remember that pictures can never take the place of and in-person examination.Having said that, while difficult to discern, it appears as though you will umbilicus       (bellybutton) was already necrotic in your fourth week picture. This could be secondary to the infection that you described during week 2, if your umbilicus was fine up until that point. The follow-up photograph labeled week 5 shows surrounding inflammation and change in the color and consistency of the umbilical eschar.I would recommend you remain patient and continue in very close follow up with your plastic surgeon, especially since there is prosthetic material (mesh) present. They are in the best position to evaluate and treat you during your post operative recovery. I hope this helps. Best of luck.

Ven Erella, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Belly button looks concerning and especially with mesh underlining, I will recommend to call your PS and see him today.

Steven K. White, Sr., MD · Answer

I'm so sorry for this complication, it can be frustrating.  Everyone heals differently but you need to be seen right away.  You'll likely need to find out the source of the infection and your surgeon can tell you what repair may be needed, if at all.  Don't let this continue as is.  I wish you the best in your healing process.

Derby Sang Caputo, MD · Answer

Hello , thank you for presenting us your case . I certainly believe that to BB right now is not infected , just devitalized tissue from lack of blood  supply. Apparently during your hernia repair vessels that carry blood to your BB were sectioned. At some point during the week 2 you had an important inflammatory process that produced the fevers . In cases  of devitalized (dead tissue) BB we should act conservatively in order to not remove more tissue than necessary, but in the end BB is a scar and when it heals it will remain as what it is, a scar. I hope this clears your doubts. Good Luck.

Suman K. Das, MD (retired) · Answer

At 5 weeks post surgey  the inflammation around you belly button is sure a reason for concern.If your plastic surgeon has not seen this yet you need to go and see him immediately.Somehow.the blood supply of your umbilicus is compromised and it is difficult to assess the skin colour inside the depression.Because of having a mesh as a repair material you need to be cautious.

Infected or dying belly button 5 weeks post full Tummy tuck? (photos)

Answers (8)

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