Tummy Tuck problem

[Connie]

I had a tummy tuck 7 weeks ago and I still have an area about an inch wide and 2 inches long below the incision which is red, almost maroon. What is this and will it go away?

[danya]

that redness below the belly button after a tummy tuck is very common. usually it's due to venous congestion, meaning that the blood in the veins isn't draining as well as it used to.
this is because alot of the veins were cut during the surgery when the flap was lifted, and when the excess skin was removed.

this will resolve, although it may take a few more months.

of course, you do want to be sure that the redness is not caused by an infection, which can also present with redness, warmth, and tenderness. sometimes you'll also get pus, discharge with a foul odor, fevers, and/or nausea, or red streaks around the infection site when you have an infection, but those symptoms are not always present, especially if the infection is in its early stage, or if you are on antibiotics that are not adequate for the bacteria that you have.

so, once you've ruled out an infection, it's just venous congestion backing up the blood flow and it will get better as new blood vessels are formed and they figure out how to drain the blood and fluids away.

please keep us posted, connie.
danya

[danya]

my post referred to redness below the navel, but the same response applies to redness below the incision...
danya

[Connie]

Thanks! I was on antibiotics and have no symptoms of infection so I couldn't figure out what else could be going on. Your answer makes sense.

Other than that question I'm very happy with the results. I always had a pot belly and hated it so this is wonderful.