Umbilical Float or Full Tummy Tuck for High Belly Button?

I am 110lbs, 5'4" and had twins. I now have a hernia, diastasis, low c-section scar and only a small amount of skin ABOVE my belly button (bb).

I have been on 4 consults and all say I have a high bb. Two would do the umbilical float (because of high bb & little skin) and the other 2 say Full Tummy Tuck.

I am torn. I'd like to do the float b/c for the FTT dr's say I'll need a 2nd vertical scar and a vertical scar (due to lack of skin & low c-sec. scar).

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belly belly button diastasis recti hernia scar female 5 ft 4 in to 5 ft 7 in after pregnancy 110-129 lbs c-section

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21 Doctor Answers | Asked by babyab in newy ork

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Floating the umbilicus or full tummy tuck

Looking at your belly, it is obvious that you have a very lax distended fascia which requires tightening. Once this is done, one could appreciate the skin excess. There is a long distance between the belly button and the breast bone and a see some skin laxity. I feel you have adequate amount of skin to do a standard abdominoplasty. When properly done you will have a flat belly, the umbilicus could be placed in it's ideal location and the scar can be placed as low as it needs to be. If... more

Floating umbilicus vs full tummy tuck vs hybrid tummy tuck

You have lots of fascial laxity and minimal skin laxity. You are in my opinion a poor candidate for a full tummy tuck because you will get a hip to hip scar just to fix the deep fascia, and that scar will be high and visible. I hate the umbilical float procedure. It involves cutting off the belly button and moving it lower, then reattaching it. In my opinion, the belly button never looks quite rightl, usually flatt, and often even looks bizarre. While I do not perform the procedure, I... more

Umbilical Float vs Vertical Scar WITH a Full Tummy Tuck

I think the way to go would be to use your old C section scar through which a full tummy tuck with a complete repair of your rectus muscle separation should be done. This will flatten the tummy and narrow the waist. You also have a somewhat sagging Mons pubis - I would raise it to a youthful position and secure it to the muscle fascia to prevent more upward pull. Finally, the decision on FLOAT VS VERTICAL scar should be made at the end of the case once everything else has been achieved... more

Floating umbilicus vs traditional TT

The floating umbilicus is a rare version of a TT. You don't have an easy abdomen but you do have substantial muscle laxity. Once this is proprly tightened, the umbi will rotate down a litle into a more normal position. I'd vote for a conventional TT, possible a slightly higher scar, no vertical scars at all because these look poor.

Full tummy tuck or belly button float ?

When a c section scar is placed extremely low and the patient has a high belly button, she has three options : 1) A conventional abdominoplasty with a small vertical scar to close up the hole after releasing the belly button . 2) Placing a new incision in the bikini line without additional vertical scar. 3) Performing a floating belly button. With any of the above techniques diastasis recti or ventral hernia could be repaired , if necessary. Any of the above options has... more

Tummy tuck with "umbilical float" San Diego

In agreement with full tummy tuck for the shape you will achieve, my preference over umbilical float is to pull all the way down and in from the sides for the lowest possible scar. If I cannot get it low enough to cover with your preferred panties without excessive tension, will add a short vertical suprapubic midline component that has never been a problem. It is so well hidden, and can always be revised in the office if it is visible. You only show a front view, but... more

Hi Belly button

Hi, You need a standard tummy tuck with some liposuction (yes, a little lipo even in your body can give sharp curves). If you consider where your panties will be sitting, then your belly button is not really high. If you float the belly button, then you create an abnormal situation. Keep the scar low. If the circle of the belly button does not come down enough to clear the transverse scar of the tummy tuck, then the circle needs to be made into a... more

Move or not move?

Your anatomy (long abdominal area), and lack of a lot of excess skin, is a real challenge for plastic surgeons. You have two choices, move the umbilicus position down, or accept a small vertical scar just above the usual (not higher) horizontal abdominoplasty scar. In my opinion, a tall woman with a long abdomen does not look good with her umbilicus at the same level as your upper hip bone. Stand in front of a mirror and decide. I would release your... more

Robert E. Zaworski, MD

4 reviews

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

How Do You Choose A Tummy Tuck Doctor

OMG. After reading all the responders' comments to your question of tummy tuck vs. umbilical float, I am totally confused, and I have done hundreds and hundreds of tummy tucks and a handful of umbilical floats myself. I disagree with the surgeons who say umbilical float is not a good operation and that you don't get a normal belly button. I have done it several times in very unique situations with positive and attractive results. That having been said, I personally... more

Umbilical float vs. full tummy tuck

Based on your photograph, I would definitely go with the mini-tuck with the umbilical float. If you have the full tuck, not only will you have a short vertical scar which you will hate, but the transverse scar will still be very high and you sill still have your C-sxn scar. The mini with the umbilical float will lower your belly button to a more normal level and your transverse scar should be where your C-sxn scar is with no vertical scar. It appears that you will benefit from the... more