I have a tiny hole at the base of my T scar. 3 1/2 weeks post op tummy tuck. What is it? (Photo)

Question

I have a small hole with some hard white thing in it. I have a high belly button so I have a scar where it use to be and where that joins I have developed a small hole something hard and white in it I squeezed it because I first thought it was pus then blood came out so I put a band aid over it and calling ps in the morning.... I am freaking out I don't want it to get bigger or infected.

Matthew H. Steele, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and photos.  It appears that you have some dead (necrotic) tissue at the junction of your T scar.  This is not uncommon and should heal without a major problem.  The skin at the T junction is under the tightest tension and has the worst blood supply because it is farthest away from the blood vessels.  Talk with your plastic surgeon about how they prefer to handle local wound care.  Typically, all that you need is some local wound care such as antibiotic ointment and a nonstick bandage.  Your scar may be a little wider at that point, but that can be revised at one year.  Good luck.

Juan A. Brou, MD · Answer

Dear jroo80, what you have could be a couple of different things but the good news is that it won't be much of a problem because it will resolve quickly.  The most common thing is a retained or festered suture.  Retained sutures in that location sometimes will fester especially if you had permanent sutures.  When that's the case it will form a small abcess or granuloma that will go away when the suture is removed.  Sometimes a small part of the fatty tissue gets choked by the sutures or the tension during closure and it could manifest itself in the same way.  It will resolve without any consequencce but sometimes the doctor will have to trim the dead fat.  Don't worry, you will not feel it and it's easily done in the office.  The best thing you can do right now is to go back to your doctor so he/she can determine what needs to be done.

I have a tiny hole at the base of my T scar. 3 1/2 weeks post op tummy tuck. What is it? (Photo)

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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I have a tiny hole at the base of my T scar. 3 1/2 weeks post op tummy tuck. What is it? (Photo)

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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