Crinkly Skin over Belly Button After Mini Tummy Tuck

Loose skin above the belly button is an indication for a full tummy tuck. With the mini tummy tuck the belly button is not detached, so the skin above it cannot be tightened. While the skin (and muscle) below the belly button can be tightened with a mini tummy tuck, about twice as much skin can be removed with a full tummy tuck. This provides enhanced tightening that can improve abdominal skin laxity all the way up to the ribs.

Usually to scar for mini and full tummy tucks is at the same level. The length of the scar is determined by how much skin is removed and how wide the removal, and not by the technique. Since mini tummy tucks are usually removing less skin, the scar is usually smaller.

A hybrid technique is available, sometimes called an umbilical float. This allows for repositioning the belly button lower on the abdomen to tighten slightly loose skin above the belly button. Since the umbilical stalk is cut with this technique, it can cause problems if a full tummy tuck is desired in the future.

The best way to determine which tummy tuck technique is right for you is to get a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon who does many tummy tucks. Second opinions can also be helpful when there is some debate over what will work, or you are not comfortable with the plan.

The majority of patents who present
for abdomioplasty following pregnancy require a full abdominoplasty.  It’s not unusual for patients to desire
a lesser procedure, but they are often unhappy with results of mini
abdomioplasty.  This procedure has
limited applications and should be used only when the primary anatomic
deformity is located beneath the level of the umbilicus.  When the primary deformity is located
at this level mini abdomioplasty gives excellent results.

Unfortunately the procedure is
often utilized when greater anatomic deformities exist.  When this occurs, it’s not unusual for
patients to require secondary revisional surgery. 

Based on your history it appears
that you have residual excess skin above your umbilicus.  This has caused the crinkly skin you
describe.

Although it’s impossible to know
exactly what you need without performing a physical examination, it appears
that a full abdominoplasty is indicated. 
This procedure would convert your mini abdomioplasty to a full
abdominoplasty with umbilical transposition.  It might also require a small vertical
scar in the lower abdomen to address the previous site of your umbilicus.

It’s important that you discuss
these issues with your plastic surgeon. 
Your surgeon should be able to help develop a treatment plan that’s
appropriate for you.

 In my opinion, the mini tummy talk is an  operation that  produces very limited results and is very rarely indicated. It involves a shorter incision but does not address the majority of the abdominal wall issues present for most patients who present consultation. For example, the area of skin excised is quite small. The abdominal wall musculature is addressed below the umbilicus leaving the upper number wall potentially lax. The appearance of the umbilicus is not necessarily addressed sufficiently.

For most patients who have had pregnancies and/or weight loss a full abdominoplasty is necessary to achieve the desired results. Of course, there are downsides (including a longer scar and probably a longer recovery time) but for most patients the benefits outweigh the downsides. It is not unusual to see patients who've had mini tummy tuck  surgery present for  revisionary surgery.
It is important to work with a well experienced board-certified plastic surgeon to obtain advice (based on good ethics and judgment) to  improve your chances of a successful outcome and minimize the need for further surgery.
I hope this helps.