Options for Improving Belly Button Appearance After Tummy Tuck?

Question

I had a tummy tuck and some lipo work done in March of 07. Before the surgery I could see my belly button. Presently, my belly button looks like puckered lips, and I am unable to see it. I would like to know if that will change over time? I would also like to know if there is anything that I could do about the appearance of my belly button?
I am happy with the results of the surgery but expected my belly button to look better. I really do not like it. It looks like I had something done.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

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.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

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

Steven H. Williams, MD · Answer

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.

Peter A. Aldea, MD · Answer

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

Pat Pazmino, MD, FACS · Answer

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:

Options for Improving Belly Button Appearance After Tummy Tuck?

Answers (8)

Answer: Creating a Sexy Belly Button

Answer: Creating a Sexy Belly Button

Answer: Improving the belly button if you're after a tummy tuck

Answer: Improving the belly button if you're after a tummy tuck

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Options for Improving Belly Button Appearance After Tummy Tuck?

Answers (8)

Answer: Creating a Sexy Belly Button

Answer: Creating a Sexy Belly Button

Answer: Improving the belly button if you're after a tummy tuck

Answer: Improving the belly button if you're after a tummy tuck

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.