Options for Improving Belly Button Appearance After Tummy Tuck?

There may be many reasons for the funny and puckered appearance of the belly button or umbilicus.  If approved by your surgeon, I would suggest using a silicone cream/ointment (if not infected) combined with a sunscreen/block. Glass marbles have been used to stent open a closed umbilicus and reduce swelling. Glass marbles can be found at a craft's store. Occasionally I prefer glass beads because a small string can be placed which makes them easier to retrieve or remove once in place. Sterilize or cleanse the bead before each and every placement.

Hello Taylor. Thank you for your question regarding the appearance of your belly button after a tummy tuck. It’s not uncommon for patients to have concerns about the appearance of their belly button following this type of surgery. The puckered appearance you're describing can occur because the skin heals and contracts around the belly button after surgery.

Firstly, you can discuss with your plastic surgeon the possibility of a belly button revision procedure. This minor surgery can correct the puckering and create a more natural appearance. Techniques such as removing excess scar tissue, reshaping the belly button, or even recreating it entirely can be employed to achieve the desired result.

Another option to consider is non-surgical treatments. Procedures like microneedling or laser therapy can help improve the scar tissue's appearance around the belly button, making it look more natural.

Additionally, consistent application of scar-reducing creams and ointments can aid in the healing process and improve the overall appearance of the belly button over time.

It's important to have a thorough discussion with your plastic surgeon to explore these options and determine the best course of action based on your specific situation. Good luck, and I hope you achieve the appearance you desire.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS

Thanks for your question -
After one year you are probably have the final look of your belly button.
It depends somewhat on how much of your original belly-button remains but in most cases a revision can be performed under local anesthesia to improve the appearance.
Be sure to find a board certified plastic surgeon.
I hope this helps.

When a Plastic surgeon examines another colleagues' Tummy Tuck one of the items that screams excellence, defines attention to detail and  mastery of the operation is the appearance of the belly button.

We all know what a belly button should NOT look like. It should not look like a vertical slit, nor like a narrow or pinhole golf tee which cannot be seen from the side.  And it should not look like "puckered lips".

A Sexy belly button should be an "innie", which is located center or just off center of a shallow bird-bath like depression in the tummy skin which can be seen from the side. The belly button opening should be round and funnel like but not too large where it would resemble an open bodily orifice. Ideally, the upper rim of the belly button (10 o'clock to 2 o'clock) should hood and cast a minor shadow on the depth of the orifice. And, yes, it should located in the midline (even though in many women it is off midline) and at a specific height in relation to the hip bones and the clitoris (not too high or too low).

At over 3 years after your Tummy Tuck, your result is final. however, all is not lost. While a wide-open misplaced belly button is much harder to repair, a narrow slit of a belly button in the proper location CAN be redone with an UMBILICOPLASTY procedure.

Good Luck!

Dr. P. Aldea

Patients who have had a tummy tuck and wish to improve the appearance of the belly button have many different options. It is possible to read you the tummy tuck if you have enough looseness in your lower abdominal skin. This will allow your surgeon to re-create a brand-new bellybutton. If you do not have enough laxity, the belly button maybe we contour with an umbilicoplasty. During this procedure, the skin around your belly button may be redraped to provide a more pleasing appearance.

To learn more about tummy tucks, see photos, and help you decide which one is best for you, please visit us at the link below:

If you had an abdominoplasty in 2007 and your belly button is not satisfactory, you may want to consider a revision of the umbilicus. Sometimes this is a very simple straight forward procedure that can be very satisfying.

After a tummy tuck procedure, some individuals may be dissatisfied with the appearance of their belly button (umbilicus). Here are several options for improving the appearance of the belly button after a tummy tuck:1. Revision Surgery: If you're unhappy with the appearance of your belly button after a tummy tuck, you may consider undergoing revision surgery specifically targeting the umbilicus. Your plastic surgeon can discuss the specific concerns you have and develop a tailored surgical plan to address them.2. Belly Button Revision: A belly button revision, also known as umbilicoplasty, is a procedure that focuses on enhancing the appearance of the belly button. This can involve reshaping the umbilicus, adjusting the size or position, or correcting any asymmetry or irregularities.3. Belly Button Piercing: Some individuals choose to enhance the appearance of their belly button by getting it pierced. However, it's essential to wait until you've fully healed from your tummy tuck surgery before considering any type of piercing. Additionally, discuss this option with your plastic surgeon to ensure it's safe for you.4. Non-Surgical Options: In some cases, non-surgical treatments such as dermal fillers or injectable biostimulators may be used to improve the appearance of the belly button by adding volume or smoothing out irregularities. However, these options may have limitations and are typically not as effective as surgical interventions.5. Scar Management: If scarring around the belly button is a concern, various scar management techniques such as silicone gel sheets, silicone gel creams, or laser therapy may help improve the appearance of scars over time. It's essential to follow your plastic surgeon's recommendations for scar care to optimize results.6. Cosmetic Tattooing: In cases where the belly button lacks definition or pigment, cosmetic tattooing, also known as micropigmentation, can be used to enhance its appearance. This technique involves depositing pigments into the skin to create the desired shape and color.It's important to discuss your concerns and aesthetic goals with your plastic surgeon during the consultation process. They can assess your specific situation, discuss the available options, and recommend the most suitable approach to help you achieve the desired results for your belly button appearance after a tummy tuck.

Occasionally, the belly button requires a minor revision. this can be done in the office with local anesthesia and little or no down time. Talk to your doctor, he will probably be happy to take care of this for you.