Belly button healing stages are different for everyone. It depends on your body and the type of surgery performed. You should also note that you should not bath or shower for at least two weeks after your surgery. This can cause infection or swelling in your wound. It is best if you keep it dry for at least two weeks after the procedure.
If you have an infected belly button after tummy tuck, there are things that you can do to treat it. First off, make sure that it is not infected by checking with your doctor or surgeon if you have any doubts about it being infected. If they say yes then they will probably prescribe some antibiotics to help clear up the infection faster than normal so that you will feel better faster than normal too!
In this guide, we find out How To Clean Belly Button After Tummy Tuck, tummy tuck belly button healing stages, how to treat infected belly button after tummy tuck, and How long does it take for a belly button to heal from tummy tuck?

How To Clean Belly Button After Tummy Tuck
After you’ve had a tummy tuck, your belly button may get dirty. This can happen while you’re still in the hospital and after you go home. Even if it doesn’t get dirty, it’s still important to take care of your belly button after surgery because if it gets infected or damaged, that can cause problems with your recovery. In this article we’ll talk about how to clean your belly button after tummy tuck surgery so that you can keep it healthy and happy!
Take a shower regularly.
You should shower regularly to keep your belly button clean. Use a mild soap to wash the area and pat dry with a towel. Don’t scrub or rub too hard or you may damage the skin around your belly button, which could cause infection and scarring. Never use a washcloth on your belly button; this can irritate the wound and lead to infection. Avoid using harsh chemicals or cleaning solutions on your tummy at all costs!
Try an alcohol-free cleanser.
Alcohol can dry out and irritate your skin, so it’s best to use an alcohol-free cleanser. A gentle cleanser made for sensitive skin will be more beneficial for your belly button.
You also don’t want to use soap on your belly button because it can cause irritation and make you more prone to infection. Soap is harsh on the delicate tissues of the area, and it can leave residue behind when you rinse off after washing (this is especially true if you have sensitive skin).
Use your hands to clean it when bathing and after regular bathing.
The most important thing to remember is that you should never use alcohol on the belly button, as it can dry out the skin. If you have any questions about cleaning your belly button after surgery, ask your surgeon.
To clean your belly button, gently pat it with a cotton pad and mild soap while you are bathing or showering. Be careful not to rub too hard or else you will remove some of the sutures holding everything together!
Dry your belly button.
It is best to dry your belly button with a clean towel or cloth. Do not use a hair dryer for this purpose.
Paper towels will stick to the piercing, which could lead to infection, so it’s best to avoid that option as well.
Tips for cleaning a belly button piercing.
- Use a warm, wet washcloth to clean the piercing.
- Do not use alcohol or soap. Your piercing will likely be irritated and sore enough; adding any kind of harsh chemicals won’t help.
- Don’t use a Q-tip, either—your belly button isn’t like your ears and shouldn’t be cleaned with cotton swabs! If you’re worried about getting dirt into your piercing, just keep some clean gauze pads nearby and wipe it down with those when necessary.
- Finally, don’t clean the area too much or too often; doing so can cause irritation or other issues that may harm your new bellybutton jewelry (and possibly even your body as well). If this happens, simply stop cleaning for a while and let things heal!
tummy tuck belly button healing stages
So, you’ve decided to get a tummy tuck.
But you still have some questions about the procedure — including about what happens to your belly button after a tummy tuck.
Many people wonder this exact thing, as a botched belly button can make the tummy tuck not worth it at all. Rest assured that in most cases, the belly button won’t be altered or moved, instead the skin and muscle around it will be tightened.
If you opt for a mini tummy tuck, the whole procedure will take place below the belly button, which is a good option for those who are just concerned about a small pooch in the lower belly.
During the tummy tuck procedure, an incision will be made in the low abdomen through which fat and stretched skin will be removed, and any loose muscles will be sewn together. Another incision will usually be made around the belly button.
The remaining upper skin is lifted up as high as the rib cage and pulled down like a window shade to the lower skin near the pubic bone. The skin is now stretched tight and the surgeon then chooses the new ideal position to place the stalk of the belly button.
Your belly button is actually attached to the muscles below. During the procedure, it’ll stay attached to its “stalk.” In most cases, the surgeon will create a new opening for the belly button, especially if its shape has become distorted after weight gain or pregnancy.
If this isn’t done well, the belly button may end up looking distorted — either too flat, too deep, or the wrong shape. So, it’s important to ask your surgeon to see their portfolio and ask about their ideas for your naval.
If you’re healed from a tummy tuck and still dissatisfied with your belly button, you may consider an umbilicoplasty, which is a surgery to change the appearance of the belly button.
It can be helpful to see before and after photos of the belly button after a tummy tuck when deciding if the procedure is right for you. Check out the gallery of real patients below:
The recovery timeline after your tummy tuck will vary depending on several factors including your age, weight, and general health.
You may or may not have to spend the night in the hospital. Your drainage tubes, which pull fluid away from the abdomen, will likely remain in place for several days.
You’ll also need to wear an abdominal binder for about 6 weeks. This is basically a very tight band around the belly that supports the tummy and helps to avoid fluid buildup.
It’s especially important that you wear your binder and avoid strenuous activity so the belly button heals properly.
Your doctor should give instructions on how to care for your belly button after a tummy tuck. This may include cleaning the area with warm water or a saltwater solution.
It’s normal for the area to look swollen and even a bit crusty after surgery, and it may take as long as 6 months for the belly button to heal.
Call your doctor right away if you notice signs of infection in the belly button after a tummy tuck. These signs include:
A tummy tuck can be a good way to flatten the stomach and tighten muscles in the abdomen that may have gotten loose from pregnancy, weight gain, or just general aging, but many people wonder what’ll happen to the belly button as a result of the procedure.
Normally, an incision will be made around the naval and it’ll be lifted and put back in the appropriate place to fit the new shape of the stomach. Other times it may be necessary to make a new opening.
It’s always a good idea to see before and after pictures from your surgeon and pay close attention to the belly button area when viewing them.

how to treat infected belly button after tummy tuck
Abdominoplasty, commonly known as the tummy tuck, is a cosmetic procedure that tightens the abdominal muscles by removing loose skin and excess fat deposits. The primary purpose of undergoing the tummy tuck procedure in Miami is to achieve a more contoured, flatter, and toned appearance.
The tummy tuck is a reliable procedure for women who have given birth to a child and want to restore their pre-pregnancy body appearance. The tummy tuck is also an effective surgery for people who want a flat and toned abdominal appearance.
People with skin problems caused by aging can also undergo a tummy tuck to resolve the loosening of skin. For most women, enhanced aesthetics and appearance are the primary reasons to choose and undergo tummy tuck surgery in Miami.
In addition, a tummy tuck can produce dramatic results by sculpting your body’s figure, allowing you to achieve your cosmetic goals and appear slimmer, smarter, and more feminine because you will have a flatter, firmer, and more beautiful abdomen.
Your abdominal area will become more proportionate to your natural body figure and weight. So, if you have saggy, loosened skin caused by pregnancy or childbirth, you can undergo a tummy tuck to restore your body’s appearance.
While tummy tuck in Miami is a safe procedure, it can cause infections in the belly button and surrounding areas. The primary reason for the infection is poor hygiene and less effective postoperative care. Today’s article will discuss this issue!
Why is the button infected after a tummy tuck?
During the tummy tuck procedure, the surgeon makes an incision in the lower abdomen to remove excessive fat and sew the loose muscles. Likewise, the surgeon makes an additional incision around the belly button.
The second incision aims to lift the remaining upper skin and align it with the rib cage while pulling it down like a window shade near the pubic bone. As a result, you will have stretched and tight skin.
Depending on your cosmetic requirements and safety, the surgeon will choose the best position to place your belly button’s stalk. The recovery time after the procedure depends on various factors, including your overall health status, weight, and age.
Some patients experience inflammation in the delimitated area characterized by tenderness, edema, erythema, and increased body temperature. Research shows that diabetes, malnutrition, and immunosuppressed states can also contribute to the risk of infections in the belly button.
Likewise, overweight and obese patients who undergo tummy tuck surgery have an increased risk of infections in the belly button. Some studies conclude that skin bacterial flora is one of the most significant causes of infection in the belly button after the tummy tuck surgery.
These bacteria include S. aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Staphylococcus epidermidis. However, a few studies highlight that poor hygiene during the postoperative period can cause the accumulation of Enterococcus Faecalis and Escherichia Coli infections.
When you fail to follow the postoperative instructions, dirt, dust, fungus, bacteria, and other microorganisms accumulate inside your belly button. The area becomes favorable for microbes’ multiplication, causing a severe infection.
Signs of infected belly button after tummy tuck
The most common signs of belly button infection after tummy tuck is brown, yellow, white, or bloody discharge seeping out of your belly button. Another common sign of infection in the belly button during the recovery period is an unpleasant smell.
Moreover, you may develop a permanent scar near the lower abdomen or around the belly button. Although the scar improves over time, it does not fade completely. In some situations, the wound or scar appears wide and thick.
It is crucial to use a silicone scar cream based on your health provider’s instructions to reduce the risk of infections. Avoid getting a tattoo for at least six months to reduce the risk of complications.
If you notice your belly button appears open or constricted with frequent or infrequent discharge or pus, you may have developed an infection. Another sign of infection is a swollen belly button for a few weeks.
Call your health provider and seek immediate treatment if you feel the hardness in your belly button, the scar appears more prominent and visible, and more blood at the incision around your belly button.
How to treat infected belly button after tummy tuck
A tummy tuck is a highly reliable procedure and produces excellent results when you follow the postoperative instructions of your health provider. Your doctor will give a detailed plan on caring for your belly button after the procedure.
For instance, your health provider may ask you to clean the incision site with saltwater solutions or warm water. While your belly button may have slight inflammation after tummy tuck for a few weeks, it will disappear within six months as your belly button heals.
Besides, your surgeon will prescribe you antibiotics to deal with infections. Some surgeons administer intravenous antibiotics before the procedure to prevent the risk of infection in the belly button. It is crucial to apply Neosporin ointment to the incision site around your belly button at least two times a day for 2-5 days.
How long does it take for a belly button to heal from tummy tuck
Cosmetic surgery procedures are an excellent way to achieve your aesthetic goals. Tummy Tuck in Miami, also known as Abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure performed by a qualified plastic surgeon to tighten loose muscles, remove access fat from the abdomen, and ensure an aesthetically pleasing and contoured body.
A growing body of research evidence has highlighted the benefits of tummy tuck for women who want to lose fat in the abdominal region. It is an essential procedure for people who don’t have enough time for exercising and dieting. Bear in mind that undergoing tummy tuck won’t stop you from gaining weight.
Therefore, it is crucial to understand the advantages/disadvantages and risks associated with a tummy tuck. The purpose is to know the results you can expect and understand different post-operative caring techniques to prevent gaining weight in the future.
A belly button is an important part of your tummy and a symbol of feminine beauty. However, women who undergo tummy tuck may have a poorly shaped belly button. Some women also have an infected belly button after the procedure. Today’s article will discuss what happens to the belly button after the surgery and how you can prevent complications. Read on!

Infected Belly Button After Tummy Tuck
Research shows that operative site infections and seromas are common complications following tummy tuck surgery. Most studies show that post-surgery infections are prevalent in 1% to 3% of patients.
Inflammation is the belly button, and surrounding areas are usually characterized by tenderness, edema, erythema, and fever. Patients with diabetes, malnutrition and immunosuppressed states are at higher risk of belly button infections.
No Belly Button After Tummy Tuck
Tummy Tuck is an excellent procedure to remove excess fat from your belly or abdomen. The primary objective of this surgery is to tighten the muscles in the stomach area and smoothen the overall abdominal appearance.
However, the procedure can change your belly button’s appearance. After the surgery, a patient’s belly button can appear more horizontal and vertical. Although this problem resolves over time, sometimes, there is no belly button.
Remember, not having a belly button after tummy tuck is not a severe complication. The good news is that you can discuss it with your health provider and plan to create a belly button via a cosmetic procedure.
These can change the appearance of your belly button, making it appear more horizontal than vertical. If you’ve had surgery later in life and don’t have a belly
Belly Button Issues After Tummy Tuck
During the tummy tuck, the surgeon makes an incision in the low abdomen to remove the stretched skin and fat deposits. The surgeon sews the loose muscles and makes another incision around the belly button. Not taking care of the incision sites during the rehabilitation can lead to belly button issues.
The recovery timeline after the procedure varies depending on different factors, such as your age, health status, weight, and immune system. Because the drainage tubes that pull the fluid away from your abdominal region will remain in the area for a few days.
It is crucial to wear an abdominal binder for about 1.5 months. The binder is a tight band around your belly, supporting your muscles and preventing the accumulation of fluids.
That’s why we recommend wearing the binder and avoiding strenuous activity for proper healing of your belly button. Otherwise, you will experience belly button complications after the procedure. Always follow your health provider’s instructions to achieve your goals.
Yellow Discharge from Belly Button After Tummy Tuck
Most women experience a yellow discharge from their belly button after the procedure, causing a lot of frustration and panic. However, you must not worry because the thick release from the incision site or belly button is normal for 10-20 days. After all, this is liquified fat.
You can stop the drainage by covering your belly button with dry gauze. If the discharge continues after 20-25 days, make sure you contact your health provider. Your surgeon will give you instructions on how to deal with the problem.
Belly Button Leaking Fluid After Tummy Tuck
Some patients experience leaking fluid from their belly button after a tummy tuck. The primary cause of this problem is not maintaining proper hygiene during the recovery period. Germs, fungus, bacteria, dirt, and other environmental pollutants accumulating on the incision site trigger the leaking fluid mechanisms.
So, if you notice any signs of leaking fluid or infection in the belly button during the recovery period, call your health provider immediately. Sometimes, too much constriction or opening can lead to discharge or pus drainage from your belly button, seeping a yellow or white discharge.
White Inside Belly Button After Tummy Tuck
After the tummy tuck procedure, the primary cause of white inside the belly button is skin necrosis. It is crucial to prevent skin necrosis by applying ointments prescribed by your health provider.
At the same time, don’t stress because this takes a few weeks to heal. The whitish material appearing on your belly button is also due to removing dead skin cells by your body’s natural mechanisms.
Hard Lump Above Belly Button After Tummy Tuck
Although a tummy tuck is a safe procedure, some patients show concern about a bulging belly button or a hard lump above it. Inflammation and swelling in the surgical site are the primary reason behind the hard lump above the belly button.
Research shows that blood and lymphatic vessels perform the function of drainage for fluids. However, during the procedure, the surgeon cuts these vessels. As a result, the fluid accumulated causes a hard or tender lump. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Call your doctor if the pain is unbearable.
Belly Button Stitches After Tummy Tuck
Taking care of the incision site or stitches during the recovery period is crucial to avoid infections and other complications. Most surgeons recommend leaving sutures for 14 to 21 days to prevent incisions or stitches from opening.
Remember, tension and stress placed on stitches after the tummy tuck procedure is considerable, but make sure you follow your health provider’s instructions and give your body additional time to secure the wound.
Dark Belly Button After Tummy Tuck
The dark belly button after the procedure is due to the accumulation of dead skin cells and sebum oil secreted by the skin. If you fail to follow your surgeon’s guidelines, the deposits of dead skin cells and fluids may form an omphalolith.
Keloid Belly Button After Tummy Tuck
Keloid scars after the tummy tuck in the belly button area are not common. Therefore, it is wise to call your doctor immediately and seek appropriate treatment. There are numerous methods to prevent or treat keloid scars during rehabilitation.
For example, cortisone injections into the keloid belly button every 4-6 weeks will flatten the scars and fade their appearance. You can also use silicone sheeting to reduce the visibility of your keloid belly button scar.
Belly Button Closing After Tummy Tuck
The surgeon makes an incision in the low abdomen during the tummy tuck. The purpose is to lift the abdominal skin. The surgeon makes an additional incision around the belly button to release the fat cells or skin from the surrounding area. However, your belly button remains attached to the stalk.
In addition, it is normal to experience swelling around your belly button for a few days or weeks. Your belly button may also appear slightly crusty during the recovery period. It takes six months for the belly button to heal. Once your body has healed the wound, you will undergo another procedure under local anesthesia to improve your belly button’s shape.
How To Clean Belly Button After Tummy Tuck?
Each patient is unique, meaning the recovery process varies from person to person. Depending on your overall health status, you may not go to the office or work for one to two weeks. Ensure you follow your health provider’s aftercare instructions, clean the incision site, and wear compression garments for an efficient and quick recovery.
In addition, you must avoid strenuous physical activities, such as intense workouts and weightlifting for a specified period. The question is: how to clean your belly button after the procedure. Well, it is an easy task, requiring you to soak a cotton swap in hydrogen peroxide and clean your belly button. Most surgeons recommend cleaning the belly button at least once or twice a day.