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Concerns After Tummy Tuck, Hernia Repair, and Pelvic Adhesions Removal

I had a Tummy Tuck (5 weeks ago) performed by a plastic surgeon. At the same time, I had an umbilicus hernia repaired by a general surgeon, and pelvic adhesions removed by my OB/GYN.

I am extremely unhappy with the way my belly button looks. It seems to me that my plastic surgeon cut too big of a hole for my "new" belly button. I have a sort of crest shaped cut out which is about 1 1/4 inches wide by 1 1/2 inches long with the belly button crease partly inside the crest and partly above the crest. I have scoured through tummy tuck pictures on the internet and have not seem anything like this.

The plastic surgeon said this outcome is due to the other two doctors having to do work on me (which is hard to believe because they performed their part laparoscopically) and she tells me that my belly button is not going to look this way, but is going to look better down the line because it takes six months to heal. Can you tell me if this sounds normal to you?

The doctor did say that if I am unhappy with the results six months later that she would fix my belly button in the office by cutting out some of the flesh within the crest like seam line and pull it all together. I used to sew and I can't picture how she will be able to do this without leaving pleats emanating from the belly button to the surrounding stomach skin.

In addition, I have small pleats in my tummy tuck incision line and have "dog ears" at the ends. The doctor said she would fix the dog ears in 6 months, but are the small pleats normal? Also, I seem to have a bit of a tummy still. Is this swelling that will go away? I am so upset and would appreciate any advice you can give me regarding addressing my belly button concerns and possible repair with the doctor.

Asked 32 months ago by pattig356 in New York

Read my review "Tummy Tuck to Repair Diastasis Recti and Appearing Pregnant"

Sort 5 expert answers by:
+2

It sounds like you will need a revision.

Hi. Of course your appearance will change over the next several months, and you should not consider a revision for 6 months, but from your description, things will not improve enough on their own. The pleats may fade, and the dog ears can be removed. I don't know why you still have some bulging. It could be residual fat, or your rectus muscles may need further tightening. The belly button can probably be made smaller and more attractive with a purse string suture.
George J. Beraka, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+2

Unhappy with Tummy Tuck results

It is true that it takes several months for scars to heal, so it is difficult to have an idea of the final result for a while. But, in my experience, if something does not look good early on, it is unlikely that the healing process will make it look better as times goes on. This being said, I think it is still reasonable to wait at least 6 months before doing any revision because of the scar tissue. Small "dog ears" often shrink over 6 months, and larger ones often need to be revised in... more
Matthew Schulman, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Patience remains a virtue

Patti, Your surgery was a very short time ago.  You need to allow at least 6 months for scar contracture and skin tightening before critically evaluating your results.  Things will certainly change, hopefully for the better.  Good luck!
Kenneth R. Francis, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Pleats...

I can address your pleating problem...Its not uncommon to have to pull from the sides toward the middle during an abdominoplasty which can result (temporarily) in some small pleats. These will fade and disappear over the first 2-3 months post op. Also, so you know, there are many journal articles and whole sessions at national meetings devoted to belly button design. I don't think any of us have it perfect 100% of the time. I would wait and understand that a small office procedure to fix it may more
Robert Frank, MD
Munster Plastic Surgeon
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