Is it necessary to continue packing the belly button 2 months post tummy tuck (skin removal only)? (photo)

I pack the belly button and I only do it for 1 month. In some cases, it's important to pack longer. It's probably best to follow what your plastic surgeon has recommended.Good luck, Dr. ALDO

I appreciate your question.



I would recommend that you discuss this question with your surgeon as every surgeon has their own respective post op protocol for his/her patients.  Your surgeon is your best resource as he/she is most familiar with your medical history and how you are healing at this time.



The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.



Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative plastic surgery.



Best of luck!



Dr. Schwartz



Board Certified Plastic Surgeon



#RealSelf100Surgeon

there shouldn't be any significant changes to your BB this far post-op. You should be able to stop packing and allow things to continue to heal/settle at this point without worrying about significant changes. 

Thank you for sharing your excellent question.  By two months after surgery your incisions, and scarring, have largely occurred and you should not see signficant changes in the appearance of your belly button going forward.  In my opinion you can stop using a waist trainer and packing the belly button.  Hope this helps.

At our center I normally keep the packing in the navel for 1 week. But surgeons have different regimens. You should discuss this with your PS. Good luck!

Hi melloI would defer to your surgeon.  Professionally, I only pack the navel for the first five days.  Since the navel has an intact blood supply, it doesn't tend to shrink-it is stable.If your surgeon is on the fence about it, perhaps ask if you can stop the packing, and follow it.  First sign of shrinkage, start packing again.All the best.Sek

I am not sure what you mean by "packing."  You can stop now.  Some patients can develop an aggressive cicatricial tightening that leads to stenosis.  I personally like having patients use a small marble and/or ear bud to mold and further invaginate the umbilicus.  This is similar to what some people do after pregnancy.  My latin patients actually turned me onto this trick and it worked well.  

Thank you for your question, and congratulations on your tummy tuck procedure.  Your belly button appears to be well healed in the picture provided.  I routinely stop packing the umbilicus after one week, or sometimes less, with excellent results.  My advice would be to follow the advice of your surgeon, given that he is the only one familiar with the surgical techniques used during your procedure and your postoperative course.  Best of luck to you.  

Thank you for your question. I do not pack belly button after a week . It should settle by this time. Please talk to your PS and follow instructions.

After two months things should be quite stable, and we might think you are safe to stop. In our practice we stop packing after one week with good success.