13 weeks post TT, belly button is still protruding. Will I need a revision or will it go back in? (Photo)

Hello and thank you for your question regarding the protruding belly button 13 weeks post-tummy tuck.

Given the timeframe since your surgery, it's likely that you may need a revision to address the protrusion. Belly button revisions are typically straightforward procedures and can often be performed under local anesthesia in the office setting. While shapers may provide some temporary improvement, they are unlikely to significantly resolve the issue at this stage.

I recommend discussing your concerns with your plastic surgeon to explore the possibility of a revision and determine the best course of action. While waiting is an option, it's unlikely that the protrusion will significantly improve on its own at this point.

Wishing you the best of luck as you navigate this process. I hope this provides clarity regarding your options.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS
Plastic and Aesthetic Surgeon

Dear Exquisite161550,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

As you are not yet fully recovered from your tummy tuck more time is needed for your belly button to heal. Continue to follow the advice of your plastic surgeon. You can consider a revision to the belly button in a few months if it does not improve.

You are still early in the healing process and still have swelling. Be patient and it might still settle in more.

To make an accurate assessment regarding the outcome of a plastic surgery procedure we generally need to see a complete set of proper before and after pictures. If you don’t have before, and after pictures, then ask your surgeon to forward the pictures they took.
Getting a natural looking bellybutton is the hardest part of Tommy tech surgery and represents the hallmark of quality work.
Certain anatomic variables are easier to work with than others.
In individuals who have shallow bellybuttons with long belly button stalks tend to be challenging.
This is especially true on individuals who have a thin, subcutaneous fat layer.
Often the bellybutton was stretched from previous pregnancies and getting the bellybutton to pull in against the muscle Fascia may be difficult. A bellybutton that has a deep opening can be cut short and this allows for a higher quality outcome.
if the bellybutton is shallow, then this becomes difficult because shortening the bellybutton will remove all the skin. If the bellybutton is shallow, then this becomes difficult because shortening the bellybutton will remove all the skin. On individuals who have shallow bellybuttons that have been an elongated from previous pregnancy the best the surgeon can do is try to attach the bellybutton as close to the muscle fascia as possible with sutures.
Again, this becomes more challenging on individuals with thin, subcutaneous fat layers.
From the pictures you’ve included, your bellybutton looks reasonably good.
It is the hardest part of the procedure, and some people have anatomic variations that are technically difficult to work with.
Without seeing before pictures, we can’t assess your candidacy for the procedure.
Belly button revisions after tummy tuck surgery are technically difficult and don’t always create. The improvements patients had hoped for.
From your picture, it looks like your bellybutton is quite shallow, and I don’t think there’s much more skin that can be removed without excising all the dermis.
This is going to make it difficult to get a “pulled in” appearance.
I question if a revision is indicated or is going to make much difference.
Recognize that revision surgery can easily make things worse as well.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD