7 Years Post Op Belly Button Opening - advice? (photos)

Question

I had a tummy tuck 7 years ago and this week my belly button started to bleed and their was a small opening. The doctor that performed the procedure is deceased so I'm unable to consult with him. I went to the Urgent Care and was informed the opening was an inch deep. I was prescribed antibiotics and instructed to keep it bandaged. I'm not sure what caused this, should I be concerned, and what type of doctor should I be seen by? Its been 4 days and there is still discharge. Any advice please?

Brian Biggerstaff, MD · Answer

Hello TTready, there is a good chance you have a stitch abscess (mild infection/irritation associated with permanent sutures used at the time of your original surgery that ultimately work their way and/or drain toward the skin as the body reacts to the foreign material and/or infection). These are can occur years after the original surgery. Of course an examination/work-up would be needed to confirm this suspicion. I recommend finding another board certified plastic surgeon to consult with regarding this matter. Hope this helps. All the best, Brian

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear TTready,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

An in person evaluation is needed to determine how to proceed with your concern.  You can begin by visiting your primary care physician or a board certified plastic surgeon.  Further testing may be required to determine what caused the area to reopen.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

A physical exam is necessary to see what is going on.  Your photo is poor quality so evaluation is difficult.  
First, a culture is crucial. Also looking to see if there are any any foreign bodies (ie: sutures below) that are causing the drainage. 
I would consider seeing a plastic surgeon or infectious disease. 
Best wishes. 
Dr Taranow

Jose A. Munoz, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!From your photos, I note the presence of a clear fluid emanating from a small "pinhole" opening in your umbilicus.If it is only a superficial carbuncle, it should resolve with antibiotic coverage and local wound care. I would allow 2 weeks for resolution.If it persists or recurs in the same location, it suggests the presence of an umbilical cyst and sinus tract which may have resulted as the result of your previous surgery. II would recommend a visit to a board certified plastic surgeon for evaluation, examination, and treatment if there is no resolution (or urgently if there is worsening) within a two week period.Best wishes...

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