Do I have to get my belly button remade when I have a tummy tuck?

Hello and thank you for your question. It is a common misconception that after tummy tucks people get "new" belly buttons. It is actually your same belly button. The belly button is like a tree...the leaves are like the portion of the belly button you see. The trunk is like the stalk of the bellybutton which travels through you abdominal tissue and attaches to your abdominal wall. The roots are like the arteries that provide blood to the belly button that come through the abdominal wall. What this means is that the belly button does not move. It stays exactly where it is but when the excess skin and fat is removed and the remaining skin and fat are pulled down the belly button is just brought through the flap. So it is your actual belly button and it is not really "remade." However, if you have a full tummy tuck, in most cases the hole for the belly button ring can actually be removed with the extra skin and you can then see your belly button more clearly and the hole for ring will no longer be there. I hope this helps. Ankur Mehta MD

Thanks for your question. There are different types of tummy tuck procedures, and as surgeons we match the best surgery for each individual patient. In the classic abdominoplasty procedure (most common), the existing belly button remains in the same position, but a scar is made around it. This is done to help remove all the excess skin that is required. There is also a mini tummy tuck procedure that is done which does not alter the belly button in any way, but most patients are not a candidate for this operation. My suggestion would be to schedule an appointment with a board-certified plastic surgeon to find out what your options are. All the best. 

There are different types of tummy tucks performed depending on the location and severity of abdominal skin laxity and the presence of rectus diastasis (muscle separation). For example, if you have abdominal skin laxity and rectus diastasis only below the level of your belly button then your belly button can be left alone. When there is upper abdominal skin laxity and rectus diastasis then a circum-umbilical incision is made to allow for tightening of the upper abdominal skin and repair of the rectus diastasis. Please seen an experienced board certified plastic surgeon to learn about the best option for you.