My belly button is too low after surgery, and very painful. Is this normal? See previous question (Photo)

Question

I didnt have a mini or that panniculectomy, my abs were closed back up, i dont know what to do! it took forever to save for this and im more embarrassed by my alien stomach now than before the surgery. i at lease looked like i had a belly button before now its so low, in terrible pain and just a slit.

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

With an umbilical float procedure the umbilicus is detached from the abdominal wall and is brought down with your skin.  It is very difficult to raise it if this is the case.  Fixing the point at which it is retethered to the abdominal wall may help.

M. Scott Haydon, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and the picture. I'm sorry that you are not satisfied. It looks like you are still quite early. It will take a good 3-6months to appreciate the maturation. With regard to your umbilicus, it looks a little below your iliac crest but seems an appropriate distance from your scar. It could be the height and anatomy of your pelvis makes it look abnormal. I bet when everything settles down you will really like your result. Without seeing a preop picture it is hard to discern just how far it was moved. Hang in there!

J. Garrett Harper, MD · Answer

Looks like you had what's called an umbilical float and this is one of the reasons that I try and stay away from this procedure.  Most patients would rather have the incision around their belly button and a small vertical incision down at their bikini line than have a belly button that is lower than what it was previously.  It's going to be a struggle to get your belly button back up to where it was, but no doubt it can be improved.  Just give it six months and wait to see how it settles.

Earl E. Ferguson III, MD, FACS · Answer

I would give things several more months to settle out before you worry too much. Things can change a great deal during the first year and the umbilicus may round out enough to put you at ease. There are minor changes that can be made to the umbilicus under local anesthesia if necessary later on.

Benjamin Chu, MD, FACS · Answer

It looks like they lifted the skin of the abdomen and left the belly button attached to the abdominal skin flap and then pulled the whole skin down and removed a long strip of skin.  This will always lower the belly button.  Usually it only lowers the belly button about a centimeter or so but yours looks like its 5 cm lower.  The belly button should be at the height of the top of the iliac crest in most individuals.  This will be very difficult to correct if not impossible.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Not sure but appears as "free floater" bb. Thus the position goes inferiorly in this operation. Best to =discuss with for surgeon in person...

Christine Sullivan, MD (retired) · Answer

It is important that you contact your board certified plastic surgeon's office to discuss your specific concerns. best wishes!

My belly button is too low after surgery, and very painful. Is this normal? See previous question (Photo)

Answers (7)

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