Should I Continue Cortisone Shots Or Get a Belly Button Revision

asked 8 months ago by Gail1962 in Bloomfield, New Jersey
Latest answer by Fatema S. Alsubhi, MD, SSC-plast
Question viewed 448 times
Tags: belly button, cortisone, scar, umbilicoplasty

I just wanted to submit a picture of what my belly button actually looks like. I am 10 mos. TT Post op. PS started cortisone shots and says I have to wait 3 months for another shot to see what happens, since Im afraid it will totally close (only about the size of a very small pea right now) he said he will do a scar revision, but it can be a worst outcome, he does not suggest a zplasty. Im so unsure if I should wait further and see if cortisone shots work, since he did not reassure me.

9 answers to Should I Continue Cortisone Shots Or Get a Belly Button Revision

Hypertrophic scar

I think with examination of the scar we can tell if it will still respond to steriod. you stll can be benifit from the steroid injections in a shorter period between sessions likeevery 6 weeks . when the scar is already soften most likely it will be wide a scar revion can be done at that time.for there i wil go if ther eis any signs of hypertophy again will do the massage and silicon sheat so early .

Fatema S. Alsubhi, MD, SSC-plast
UAE Plastic Surgeon

Hypertrophic umbilical scar

Steroid injections can thin the scar too much and cause widening. Dr. Richard Fitzpatrick, a well known dermatologist advised me to use a combination of 90% 5-FU plus 10% Kenalog 10 mg which I like much better. You could try another 2 injections, but at this point I don't think you are going to get an adequate response as the scar is pretty far along in its maturation process. I would revise the scar and inject a little of the combination at the time of surgery. ... more

Lori H. Saltz, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

www.ljcsc.com

Steroids for Red Scars

I also recommend waiting for another two treatments of steroid injection. Your scars are quite raised and wide and to revise them now would be difficult. If they can shrink, then a revision with simultaneous steroid injection might be the best option. Regards, Daniel Medalie, MD

Daniel A. Medalie, MD
Cleveland Plastic Surgeon

Belly button scar after TT

I would take a different view from my colleagues who have answered this question to date. I would recommend a scar revision. Why? In most cases of TT where the belly button contracts it's due to tension on the scar line - unless you have a documented history of keloid. If your lower scar is ok you are not a keloid patient by nature. This tension is often unavoidable. In my practice, if I am trying to achieve a good TT result, the belly button is... more

Howard Webster, MBBS, MBA
Melbourne Plastic Surgeon

www.arcplasticsurgery.com.au

Steroid treatment of umbilical scar is prudent

Adding one more opinion to the consensus, it would be prudent to use the steroid approach and hope that the hypertrophic scar formation softens. A scar revision may ultimately be needed, however, though I feel that you still will obtain better results with this approach first.

Steven Turkeltaub, MD
Scottsdale Plastic Surgeon

www.turkeltaub.com

Steroid for belly button after tummy tuck

Your photo shows a significant hypertrophic (over healed) reactive scar after your tummy tuck. We suggest sticking with the steroid program, Kenalog at eight weeks intervals for three sessions before revision. Your doctor is right in that revision can cause more problems with such angry scar present. Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd

Peter E. Johnson, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Belly button scar post abdominoplasty

I would try additional steroid injections, a total of 3 each 1 month apart. I would also consider trying a non-ablative laser treatment on the scar to try to help the scar. ultimately you may need a revision. hopefully your lower scar healed nicer than the umbilical scar.

Rick Rosen, MD
Norwalk Plastic Surgeon

Tummy tuck, belly button, scar

The midline of the abdomen often has thicker scars than either side. I would wait 6-8 weeks after the steroid injection, and then repeat another time if necessary trying to get the skin to soften. after the scars soften they will still be a little wide and that's the time to do a revision AND add a little more steroid to the scar at the time of the surgery to help prevent recurrence. But for now, the best thing youj can do is be patient.

Ronald V. DeMars, MD
Portland Plastic Surgeon

www.drdemarsmd.com

Belly Button Revision

Based on the picture and the history that you describe, I would suggest the shots as you are having done and wait 3 months to see how your skin responds. At that time, you may need a revision surgery. Good luck.