Cellulitis diagnosis at ER two weeks after full abdominoplasty. Advice? (photo)

Question

Been having increasing pain, swelling over last three days. Today I had a fever, topped at 101.5. Surgeon told me to go to the ER. DX cellulitis associated with my new belly button. The pain is indescribable. Given pain meds but none for home (surgeon refuses to prescribe them) My surgeon was called and he refused to see me in the hospital, told the ER doc it was probably just a seroma, and said I should call tomorrow for an appt. CT results consistent with normal serous fluid post surgery Help

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and I am sorry to hear of your pain and fever. It sounds as if you need to be seen by your surgeon to have an appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan instituted.  Seems as if you have a celulitis or other soft tissue infection which will require antibiotics to clear.   Hope this helps.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello.
Great question. I am sorry for your post op difficulties. You mention there was serous fluid present on scan. I will suggest visiting your surgeon to have that fluid removed asap. Best of luck.

Janet Woodyard, MD · Answer

It looks like a localized infection at the umbilicus. You should see your surgeon for treatment. Warm compresses and antibiotics should help. Your surgeon may want to obtain a culture if there is any fluid to culture. I hope this helps.

Michele A. Shermak, MD · Answer

Hello!Skin infections might occur after TT and the belly button is a potential site. Typically Cellulitis responds well to oral antibiotics. If there is a documented seroma, your surgeon can either place a needle and draw out the fluid - send it for culture - or if the collection is small, it may require radiographic guidance to remove the fluid. Drain placement is another option to resolving seroma. Many seromas are left to resolve on their own and often remain undiagnosed. Your surgeon seeing you the next day in office is not inappropriate. The diagnostic workup in the ER will be helpful to his caring for you.Best of luck!

Janet Turkle, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for the question. I am so sorry you are experiencing difficulties after your surgery. Please contact your plastic surgery ASAP and been seen for a complete and thorough assessment of your surgical site. Best of luck on your journey..

Keshav Magge, MD · Answer

Sorry you are going through this.  My suggestion would be to talk to your plastic surgeon about your concerns and make an appointment ASAP to be seen in person.  I give my cell number to my patients so that I am accessible, and I am sure your surgeon would like to see what is going on to assess you.  All the best

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear of the issues you are experiencing after your tummy tuck.  Your surgeon needs to see you and evaluate your concerns as well as the findings from the ER.  Antibiotics will likely be needed to treat the cellulitis.

Christopher J. Ewart, MD · Answer

Hopefully prescribed
antibiotics by ER, either way I would recommend seeing your plastic surgeon to
further evaluate of your cellulitis and treat the present infection.

Paul B. Mills, MD · Answer

Your belly button or umbilicus does appear to be infected.  Though the ER physician may have started you on antibiotics, I would recommend following up with your plastic surgeon to insure that the infection clears completely and that your scarring is appropriate.  I'm sorry to hear that you are having to deal with this but good luck!

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about the problems you are experiencing. Follow up with your plastic surgeon ASAP  is certainly indicated.   He will be your best resource when it comes to accurate diagnosis and treatment recommendations. Best wishes.

Cellulitis diagnosis at ER two weeks after full abdominoplasty. Advice? (photo)

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