new Belly Button - question

Hi everyone,

I am two weeks post op from my tummy tuck and breast lift and doing well.

The surgeon created a new belly button and yesterday it seemed to have a leak.  I gently used a wash cloth to try and clean the area and the stench is absolutely disgusting (sorry for the TMI).  There seems to be some stitches in there.

I just noticed that my binder has a stain on the front where the belly button is located...it is obviously leaking.

Has anyone had this problem and if so, what did you do?

I am seeing my surgeon on Friday and will definitely ask, but just curious if there is anyone else who experienced this and get some feedback as to what I can do now to help the situation.

I don't know why, but just touching this area makes me feel nauseous...crazy or what?  Guess it is the unknown...not knowing what was done exactly and I don't want to hurt or damage anything.

Appreciate any input.  Thanks.

Linda

Hi Linda! I've had some issues with my new belly button. I use a q-tip to cleanse the area with Band-Aid brand antiseptic/anestetic. I'd imagine any liquid antiseptic would be fine. I let that dry then I apply some Bacitracin (no Neosporin per plastic surgeon and confirmed on other websites--can cause a reaction). I then cut a little piece off of a gauze 4x4 and gently tuck that into the new belly button. Obviously I used just enough to fit, but not stretch and not so little that it would get lost never to be seen again! :) I put a little piece of paper tape very loosely over it. I alternate that with just cleaning it out and letting it air out for a while before putting back on my binder. I do the cleansing and packing morning and night. It is looking 1,000 times better.

I will add that on my 1 week postop visit it was looking pretty gnarly. Well the nurse found that there was still the surgical glue inside of it. She pulled that out and it looked tons better. Turns out I was treating my glue! LOL! I didn't have any stitches. I'm guessing the nausea is due to the fact that you are probably unknowingly holding your breath while you deal with the belly button. That can cause a vasovagal reaction that can make you nauseous (or just lightheaded). I used to have that all the time.

Hope it gets better soon!

Denise

Thanks Denise.

Maybe there is still glue in my belly button...it looks pretty gnarly too.  Maybe that's why it's leaking...the glue should be gone it should be airing.  I am glad I am not the only one who felt nauseous touching the belly button...   Will get some of that liquid antiseptic tomorrow at the drugstore, and hope Friday at the doctor visit they can tell me what to do as well.

Linda

Not sure if I was in the same place, but about a week out of TT.  As a matter of fact, my PS had already removed the sutures from my belly button and looked great.  Then one morning it started to drain A LOT!  Come to find out I had an infection that had clogged the drain tubes and the build up of fluid just started looking for the weekest place.  I think you are too early out, but please pay attention to the color of the discharge and the skin color around the are.

Thanks Amy.

My drain tubes were removed last Friday, so not sure what this leak is caused from....except the possibility of an infection.  It isn't sore, but red around the edges.  Mind  you it has been sort of a reddish colour since surgery and I just assumed it was normal because it was an area created and worked on.  The leaking I just noticed yesterday.  I will be seeing the surgeon this Friday...so I will be showing him the problem.

Thanks for responding.

Linda

i'm 5 weeks post tummy tuck.  my PS told me that drainage is fine as long as it has no odor but if i noticed an odor to contact his office ASAP because that means infection.

hoping that you don't have any infection and hope you get better really soon!