I had a tummy tuck two months ago, but the dr didn't give me a new belly button, just moved mine way down. Is this normal?

Question

I have terrible pain from it. It always feels like a burning pulling feeling.i kept saying I feels like my belly button should be higher because it hurts andhas gotten worse as the numbness has started to go away is this normal?

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

It sounds like a mini abdominoplasty. Regarding the pain and discomfort you need to return to your plastic surgeon determine treatment for this issue.

Edwin C. Pound, III, MD · Answer

There are two ways to address the belly button with a tummy tuck operation.  You can cut around it and leave it attached by its stalk to the muscles below it or you can cut through the stalk of the belly button and pull it down along with the surrounding skin.  The second approach is most useful in patients who have a high belly button position.  As for the pain that you are experiencing, I don't think anyone here can address that.  You need to take that up with your doctor or another plastic surgeon who can examine you in person.

Thomas P. Sterry, MD · Answer

It sounds to me like you had a panniculectomy, not a tummy tuck.  That means the surgeon took away some hanging fatty tissue, but didn't actually manipulate the belly button.I suppose another possibility is that he did a "Mini-Tummy Tuck".  If you post photographs we can all comment more.Good Luck!

Grady B. Core, MD · Answer

This should be enough time for things to settle down. If you are having a lot of residual pain and the position of your belly button is way off I would seek another opinion. Many times abdominoplasty problems can be corrected, however,  if you had an umbilical float then most likely it burned some bridges in terms of the revision which is why I never do them. Repairing a tummy tuck after an umbilical float where the belly button winds up too low usually involves either elevation readavancement of the upper abdominal skin flap with either  a lower midline scar above the horizontal pubic incision (from the umbilical hole moving downward) or readvancement of the skin above the umbilical hole all the way to the horizontal pubis incision ( optimal) which would eliminate the lower midline scar issue. However, only a physical exam would determine if you need a revision to repair things and what type of revision. Revisions are usually not as painful since the muscles don't usually need repair again.

J. Garrett Harper, MD · Answer

The lower belly button happens when you undergo what's called an umbilical float.  Some surgeons do this because they don't have enough loose skin to get the old belly button site all the way down to the bikini line incision (this way there is no vertical incision seen) or when they come across someone with a belly button hernia.  I am not a big fan of the float and think that lowering the belly button can look way less natural than keeping the belly button where it was and just accepting a small one inch scar in between the new belly button and the bikini line.

I had a tummy tuck two months ago, but the dr didn't give me a new belly button, just moved mine way down. Is this normal?

Answers (5)

More Tummy Tuck Questions

Is it okay to be alone three days after a hernia repair and tummy tuck?

What should I do for extreme pain & swelling 3 1/2 mos post op & what does irregularity in the rectus muscles mean? (Photo)

Can tummy tuck before pregnancy lead to preterm labor or other complications?

I can't stand up straight 3 weeks post op Tummy Tuck. Is this normal?

When can I ride my motorcycle? (photo)

When can I get back to working out after my Tummy Tuck without muscle repair or lipo?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS