Belly Button Almost Closed After a Five Month Tummy Tuck.

I had a tummy tuck five months ago and my belly button is almost closed. The only thing that fits is a q-tip and pushing it hard. What should I do?

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13 Doctor Answers | Asked by angiem2220 in wharton, NJ

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Belly button closing may indicate separation from skin

Dear angiem2220, If your umbilicus (belly button) is now almost closed, there is a strong possibility that the umbilicus has separated from the skin and will completely close over. The most common reasons for this happening is due to tension on the incision around the umbilicus, too much activity soon after surgery, or smokers who resume smoking after a tummy tuck (or never quit in the first place). During a tummy tuck, an incision is made around the umbilicus so that... more

Belly button can sometimes narrow or constrict after tummy tuck

I agree that you likely have a constricted or stenosed umbilicus after abdominoplasty or tummy tuck. This is a fairly common condition that depending on the technique utilized by your surgeon can occur. In general, it is much better to have a smaller or subtle belly button than a large belly button. One of the tell tale signs of a bad tummy tuck is a large belly button that looks like a target sign - and this can be extremely hard to fix. My recommendation is to get a... more

Belly button scarring after a tummy tuck

You may find that steroid injection and/or massage may be useful in softening up the scar around the umbilicus. What may or may not also be helpful is gentle dilation of the bellybutton with a small marble that can be placed in the bellybutton (and taped over). This may be left in place overnight and may help avoid continued contraction of the umbilicus. Otherwise allow time for scar maturation to occur and understand that scar revision surgery may be necessary. As with any... more

Belly button shrinking after a tummy tuck

A tummy tuck is a safe and effective procedure to contour the abdomen, create a tight waist, and remove extra skin, fat, and stretch marks. The creation of a belly button is one of the most important parts of creating a beautiful tummy tuck. One possible risk for this procedure is excessive scarring around the belly button which can shrink its size. If this is happening, your best bet is to work with a board-certified plastic surgeon who has a great deal of experience in... more

Closed Belly Button after Tummy Tuck

This sometimes can happen but you can have this fixed with a small minor surgery that will open it back up.

Belly button too small

As healing occurs, sometimes there is contraction of the scar. If this happens to a circular scar like the one around your navel, it can cause narrowing and shrinkage. Go back to your surgeon and have him/her take a look. Any revision can most likely be done with a local anesthetic in the office. Also, I sometimes have my patients wear a stent in their navel if I am concerned that it is narrowing. A marble or bead of some sort can be taped over. It... more

Belly button narrowing is easily fixable

Occasionally during an abdominoplasty, when the new belly button hole is made too small, it will constrict as the incisions heal. This will not improve on its own. The good news is that it is easily fixable. The way that I have successfully reconstructed new belly buttons involves a small incision around the existing belly button and replacement with a skin graft. It works beautifully.

My belly button shrunk after a tummy tuck, what should I do?

It may sound like a trivial problem, but it should be fixed, since this may create hygiene problems and be a source of infection. Thankfully, these problems are a easy fix under local anaesthesia in the office. A Plastic Surgeon can shift a small amount of tissue into the belly button area and improve its appearance as well as making it much easier to clean.

Belly button (umbilical) healing and scarring following tummy tuck requiring revision

The belly button commonly heals with an unpredictable result due to the scar tissue that occurs with the original clamping of the umbilical cord. Once the scar has softened (typically 6-9 monhts) a scar revision or neo-umbilicoplasty can be preformed to open or create a new belly button.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

32 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Extreme Narrowing and Obliteration of Belly Button after Tummy Tuck

Regarding: "Belly Button Almost Closed After a Five Month Tummy Tuck. I had a tummy tuck five months ago and my belly button is almost closed. The only thing that fits is a q-tip and pushing it hard. What should I do?" Extreme Narrowing and Obliteration of Belly Button after Tummy Tuck is called UMBILICAL STENOSIS. The scar tissue around the belly button constricts and deforms it. I ASSUME you discussed this with your Plastic surgeon and are gathering more information.... more

Belly button scarring

It sounds like you have stenosis (narrowing) of your belly button post tummy tuck. Scar massage therapy may improve this. However, you will likely need a small procedure called an umbilicoplasty (which often can be done just under local anesthesia). I recommend you first visit with your surgeon who performed your tummy tuck to learn more about your options.

Belly button constriction

Sound like you have a stenosed umbilicus. You may need a revision of the umbilicus for it to stay open. You should check it out with your doctor.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Belly button narrowed five month after abdominoplasty/tummy tuck

You need to go back to your surgeon and have the belly button widened and/or lengthened. It is better to go back sooner rather than later. If the umbilicus (belly button) closes then squamous (skin) debris will continue to slough off in an enclosed space. This can lead to a cyst or possibly an infection.