Is it too late to use a belly button shaper at 11 months post-op? (Photo)

Question

I am 11 months out since I had my tummy tuck and my belly button still looks like a coin slot. Is it too late to use a shaper? I asked my surgeon shortly after the tummy tuck if there was a need for a belly plug and he said none of his patients ever had to worry about a belly plug and that I would be fine. I just wanted to know if it was too late to try and shape it now being that it’s almost a whole year out. Don’t want to waste the money if there’s really no chance of it stretching. Thank you so much for any help!!

Albert Ko, MD · Answer

Hi there! Thanks for your question.I would say its never TOO late to try a belly button shaped to open up your belly button a bit. If that doesn't work, you may require additional surgery/procedures to correct it.I hope that helps!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Cool8531,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Although you have achieved most of your healing, skin will stretch and you might get some benefit.  You may have to wear the plug for several months.

Cagil Meric Erenoglu, MD · Answer

It looks like a shaper will not help after it has healed. It looks like it needs a revision if you are looking for a better belly button shape. I would also recommend you to loose some more weight, as your skin fat gets thinner, the belly button relaxes more and the vertical shape that you complain can correct itself.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

And not sure looking bellybutton is the Hallmark of a quality tummy tuck. Is the most difficult part of the procedure. Surgeons who get consistently natural looking bellybuttons tend to also get test results and all other aspects of the procedure.
I don’t think placing a form body in your bellybutton ever has the potential of changing the appearance whether done after surgery or in the future. The appearance of the belly button is partially determined by individual differences of the umbilicus and how to surgery is performed.
Some people have shallow belly buttons that are slightly more difficult to work with compared to deep belly buttons.
Revising belly buttons typically does not lead to great improvements.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Is it too late to use a belly button shaper at 11 months post-op? (Photo)

Answers (5)