Had a Belly Button Revision It is Shrinking Again-don't Want Stretch Marks from Steroid Injections?

I had a tummy tuck 3 months ago. My belly button got really tiny so i got a surgical revision 2 weeks ago. It appears to be shrinking again! She suggested steroid injection, but said it is possible that i could get stretch marks around my belly button from that?! I didnt go through all this to not be able to show it off! Has anyone had that where there were stretch marks after and/or the scar turned white?!

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3 Doctor Answers | Asked by blondie360

Doctor Answers (3)
Community Comments (1)

Belly button shrinking in tummy tuck

Hi, Because many doctors make round belly buttons with the "repopped" belly button, then there can be a tendency for contraction around the circle. You may need another umbilicoplasty. There are other ways to treat this. One is to stretch the belly button with some device in order to stop the process (hopefully) or to do a more jagged revision of the scar (w-plasty) to allow for less of a circular contraction. Steroid injections can cause thinning... more

Steroid Injections and Shrinking Belly Button

The shrinking belly button can be stented open with a marble or the like to prevent further constriction. Steroid injections can help, but they can occasionally cause skin discoloration or atrophy of tissues. Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Belly Button Too Small After Tummy Tuck?

I'm sorry about the complication you have experienced after tummy tuck surgery. Yes, steroid injections can be associated with increased vascularity and/or atrophy of the surrounding tissue. Sometimes it is safer to dilute the injection; precise injection is obviously also very important. Ask your plastic surgeon about the use of a small marble in the belly button ( as a dilator or spacer). Best wishes.

Comments (1)

blondie360 20 Apr 2013

Its me, the original question asker! Well, i did have a revision, and to keep it open better, i am using an ear gauge (you know those things that people use to stretch their ear holes out?!) and it really works! I still am not a big fan of how it looks, way too small (about 8mm) but i will just get it pierced as soon as i can to cover it up.....

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