Is the Umbilical Float Tummy Tuck a Good Idea for Me?

asked 1 year ago by Sportyboysmom
Latest answer by Ernest D. Cronin, MD
Question viewed 858 times
Tags: belly button, floating belly button, torso, vertical scar

I am scheduled for Breast Lift, Implant Exchange, and Tummy Tuck. I am 5'7 and weigh 135 pounds. My doctor said I don't have enough skin to pull down during the tummy tuck and that I will likely have a small vertical scar where the old belly button was. He is giving me the option of the TT with small vertical scar or doing the Umbilical Float TT and my belly button would be lowered. I have a long torso,but some skin laxity above the belly button. What would be best?

10 answers to Is the Umbilical Float Tummy Tuck a Good Idea for Me?

Keep the belly button where it is with tummy tuck

There was literature years back which discussed moving the belly button down a centimeter or two in a mini tummy tuck where skin laxity did not allow a full procedure. The concept made sense though as results are analyzed, the belly button belongs in only one place and if lowered the result can look 'wrong'. The natural belly button is located along a line at the top of the pelvic bone. If you hook your thumb around your waist, your index finger will point to the belly button. Also... more

Peter E. Johnson, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Umbilical float tummy tuck

No. It is probably not a good idea. You will be better off doing a standard tummy tuck even if a small vertical scar is needed. Also there is a good chance you will not need the vertical scar.

Ernest D. Cronin, MD
Houston Plastic Surgeon

Don't float in your case

In looking at your pictures, I would expect you'd be able to undergo a full abdominoplasty without the need for a small vertical incision. If you do need it, ie. your skin around your belly button can't reach the lower incision, a small vertical scar is not a big deal. Additionally, once the skin has had a chance to relax, you'll be able to remove it (the vertical scar) if it bothers you. I think you'll find the float procedure doesn't remove enough skin... more

David L. Kaufman, MD
Folsom Plastic Surgeon

I would FLOAT your bellybutton

The procedure you are referring to is also called a "modified" tummy tuck. It is rarely used and reserved for those unique physiques whereby the person has a higher than normal belly button. From what i can tell this could be you. I have had several very nice results utilizing this technique. The bonus is there is no scar around the belly button. Good luck

Charles Virden, MD
Reno Plastic Surgeon

www.virdenmd.com

Umbilical float variant of Tummy tuck

An umbilical float can be considered in those rare cases where a patient's loose abdominal skin is mainly in the lower tummy, there is a minor degree of loose skin just above the belly button, and the belly button is relatively high and would still look good even if it was lowered by a centimeter or two...just enough to stretch out that mild amount of loosed skin just above the belly button. If the belly button is NOT high but instead is in a normal position like yours, it is not a... more

Robert M. Grenley, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Is the umbilical float tummy tuck a good idea?

Looking at your photo, it appears that you have a fair amount of excess skin with some visible folds just above your umbilicus. In order to tighten that skin to the same extent possible with a vertical scar, your umbilicus would have to be significantly lowered, which will look strange. The vertical scar is generally pretty small, and will probably end up pretty low on your abdomen. Good luck. My response to your question/post does not represent... more

Craig S. Rock, MD
Houston Plastic Surgeon

Floating belly button tummy tuck is seldom a good idea.

Hi. I am no sure you need a tummy tuck at all. But if you do it, the traditional approach is probably best, with the vertical scar. The floating operation would lower your belly button two inches, and I think it would look too low. see video

George J. Beraka, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Is the Umbilical Float Tummy Tuck a Good Idea for Me?

Great question. Based upon you history posted and the photo I would offer the small vertical scar option as the better of the two choices. Best of luck.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

Umbilical float procedure is not a great tummy tuck

I've tried the umbilical float procedure on a few patients and have always regretted the decision - I can never seem to achieve the degree of supre-umbilical skin excision that I can with a 'full' tummy tuck with a short vertical umbilical hole closure. This is just my own experience, but I don't recommend the umbilical float procedure to my patients.

Scott Sattler, MD
Bellevue Plastic Surgeon

Vertical Scar

In my experience the vertical scar is a better option. A low umbilicus looks odd and is difficult to hide and very difficult to correct if it is too low. I think you may have more laxity than you think and the vertical incision should be pretty small. They will usually heal quite well and can be hidden relatively easily. Good Luck!