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

Question

I was wondering if there was a way to do a tummy tuck without having to remake the belly button because I have my belly button pierced.

Ankur Mehta, MD · Answer

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

Scott Reis, MD · Answer

Great question! Without pictures to give an idea which type of abdominoplasty procedure (tummy tuck) will best address your concerns, it's tough to say. If you don't have any/much excess loose skin above your belly button you may be a candidate for a mini tummy tuck where the belly button is just moved down a little. If you do have excess loose skin above your belly button, you'll be better off with a full/traditional tummy tuck where your belly button is cut and and the repositioned. Even if this is the case though you can still have the belly button re-pierced after everything heals

David S. Motoki, MD · Answer

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.

Ian MacArthur, MD, FRCSC · Answer

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.

Lawrence N. Gray, MD (retired) · Answer

If you have minimal skin laxity, you can have an umbilical float, which will lower the belly button slightly. Your piercing would need to be removed for sterility at the time of surgery.

Richard Kofkoff, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

A pierced belly button is not a problem when doing a tummy tuck.  As for the need to create a new belly button that depends on the extent of the procedure.  A mini tummy tuck would not affect the belly button at all.  A full tummy tuck, on the other hand, would require separating the belly button from the surrounding skin and then re-inserting it into it's new position after the loose skin has been removed.  It's still the same belly button but it will likely have a somewhat different appearance.  The final option is the "float procedure" in which the belly button is separated where it attaches to the muscle so there is no external scar but the position of the belly button will be lower on the abdomen.  You should discuss these options with your surgeon during your consultation.

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

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