Should I Have a Belly Button Revision?

asked 3 years ago by sjc1 in columbus, ohio
Latest answer by Raffy Karamanoukian, MD
Question viewed 2,250 times

I had a full tummy tuck about a year ago and am still having problems with a hypertrophic scar. Starting at six months, my surgeon tried silicon cream, silicon sheeting and the redness/itching has still not subsided.

I am very happy with the result and hopefully our next option, steroid injections, will eliminate the itching and redness but I fear my belly button will still be very scarred. You can see the stitching all the way around. Would a belly button revision likely make it look better or worse?

Thank you,
Shelly.

6 answers to Should I Have a Belly Button Revision?

Belly button scar revision is ideal after tummy tuck or abdominoplasty for visible scars

Belly button scar revision is an excellent procedure that will allow you to regain confidence in your abdominal area. Revision techniques have allowed me to improve the scar pattern and visibility in patients after tummy tuck and abdominoplasty.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

Belly button (umbilical) scar after tummy tuck

Belly button scars vary tremendously in their appearance with some being barely visible and others appearing red and thickened. This is quite difficult to predict. IT may be worth a revision because the circumstances are slightly different now with improved vascularity and less tension as well as greater knowledge of the way you heal. see video

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Umbilicus revision

A revision of the umbilicus may imrpove the quality of the scar. Perhaps this time the surgeon can use a subcuticular suture so that stitch marks do not appear on the skin.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Bellybutton revision after a tummy tuck

Tummy tucks are a very popular and effective way to contour the abdomen. Aesthetically, one of the most important components of a tummy tuck is the appearance of the bellybutton. In our practice, we typically create a vertical bellybutton and avoid placing a scar around the bellybutton by placing it at the bottom of this structure. However, we commonly have patients come to practice after having received a tummy tuck elsewhere for a revision of the bellybutton. If the patient has... more

B. Pat Pazmino, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

www.miamiaesthetic.com

A revision might be good

You might have a situation where a revision would help. I find those railroad track marks around the belly button very distracting because they stand out so much when the abdomen is exposed. Removing the scar and closing again with dissolvable sutures under the skin could make this much better. However, scar hypertrophy might again become a problem if that is your body's healing tendency.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

If it bothers you I would discuss a revision with your PS

It is hard to tell from the closeup picture, but the belly button appears small in addition to the suture tracks around the scar. Is that the case? Either way, I think there is some advantage at 1 year out for revision of this scar possibly either using only dissolving sutures beneath the skin or at the very least getting the sutures out very early to prevent the suture marks. There is some risk of causing narrowing of the umbilicus if attention is not paid to this.

York Jay Yates, MD
Salt Lake City Plastic Surgeon

www.yorkyates.com

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