Does the belly button always get relocated with an abdominoplasty? (photos)

Question

I was wandering if there is a chance that my belly button will stay or get moved to a higher position after the procedure?

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Most patients will be placed in an abdominal binder, which they will wear the first week. There is usually a fair amount of swelling and the binder should be opened several times a day so that there are no pressure points. After the first 7 to 10 days the patient is placed in an elastic garment for compression over the next six weeks.

Swelling can persist for several months and will gradually improve and will look better at three months, six months, and even one year. Frequently the pubic area and the scrotal and penis area for men can become very swollen and discolored during the first two weeks due to gravity as this is the lowest area for swelling to accumulate.

It may take several months for a tummy tuck patient’s scars to soften, for sensation to return, and for relaxing of the tight sensation in the abdomen. In the case of extensive surgery, abdominoplasty recovery can be uncomfortable and may take longer. Scars may stay red, become thick or widen. It can take 12-18 months for the scars to settle.

These can be improved with topical treatments such as BioCorneum, Scar Guard, Scar Fade and Mederma. Redness can be improved with laser treatments and the scars can be kept narrow with products such as Embrace.  On occasion, keloids or hypertrophic scars can develop and will need treatment including Kenalog, 5FU and laser.Considering all of the different incisions that can be completed with the tummy tuck procedure, there is the potential that re-positioning can occur if the incision is made around the belly button. If you ever find yourself concerned about issues you are having during the healing process then a post-op follow up with your surgeon should be scheduled right away. Good luck to you!

Ankur Mehta, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for posting photos along with your question. The belly button is like a stalk that is attached to your underlying abdominal wall. The actual location of the belly button doesn't change very much at all. The belly button stays in the same place while the skin above it is moved downwards. Once the skin is moved downwards, a hole is made where the belly button lies and the belly button is just brought through and sewn in place. Hope this helps!Ankur Mehta MD

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,The belly button is never moved in either a full or mini tuck, with the exception of an obscure technique called 'floating the bellybutton', something that should never be done. What gets moved is the skin of the abdomen. Go visit a few ABPS certified/ASAPS member surgeons. Best of luck!

M. Scott Haydon, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and the photos. With a full TT the BB is left attached at the stalk below. Once the excess skin is removed and the muscle tightened the upper flap is tacked inferiorly. The BB is then brought out through a new opening, but the BB itself is still yours. It doesn't change with respect to the hips for example. You definitely don't want it moved upward in your case. That would look abnormal. Best of Luck!

Mahlon Kerr, MD, FACS · Answer

the belly button stays attached to your muscles and while the skin position will change relative to the belly button the actual location on your stomach remains the same relative to height and center. Hope that helps. Visit with a few BCPS to learn more about your options. Good luck!  Dr K

Robert D. Wilcox, MD · Answer

Dear tummy dad,

The bellybutton should not move after a tummy tuck unless you are doing a modification called a floating bellybutton technique which your surgeon would certainly have explained to you.

I hope this has been helpful.

Robert D. Wilcox, MD

Vasdev Rai, MD · Answer

Belly button stays "where it was" after tummy tuck.  It is just relocated into abdominal skin that now moves down over it.

Mehdi K. Mazaheri, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. With a full abdominoplaty a new hole is created to bring out your umbilical stalk. With that said, Your belly button stays in relatively the same location on your abdominal wall.

Mary Jo Wright, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and your photos. Normally the belly button remains attached to the abdominal wall and is relocated  through a new skin incision depending on skin and fat removed. However if it is a mini abdominoplasty there may not be a need to relocate the belly button. I highly recommend you seeking a board certified plastic surgeon.

Ali Mosharrafa, MD · Answer

The position of the belly button typically does not change from a traditional abdominoplasty.  The skin opening is made over it directly to preserve its location.

Hope this helps.

Dr. Ali Mosharrafa

Does the belly button always get relocated with an abdominoplasty? (photos)

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