Is my belly button abnormally low? And how likely is it that my belly button could look natural? (photos)

Question

I had a mini tummy tuck based on my surgeon’s recommendation and 4 months later had an umbilical float procedure done by another surgeon who claimed that it was my only option after having the mini tuck. He claimed I would have had a “significant midline incision” otherwise. My belly button has been left abnormally low and I still have excess skin. Would a revision with neoumbilicoplasty be possible? And how likely is it that my belly button could look natural?

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear JAD5685,
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

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

Unfortunately, after having an umbilical float, your revision options are very limited.  The blood supply to the umbilicus is now solely dependent on the skin around it.  Cutting this skin to attempt to raise the level of the umbilicus may cause loss of the blood supply and necrosis (loss of the skin/umbilicus). 
Dr. Taranow

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Was your second surgeon aboard certified plastic surgeon?

The floating bellybutton will lower the belly button and this is an inappropriate procedure for those who need a full tummy tuck.

Having a previous mini tummy tuck does not change or exclude having a full tummy tuck later.

I don’t understand why someone would feel you need a vertical scar but I wasn’t there and the information is out of context to that visit and that person‘s opinion.

Once the umbilical stock has been severed it can no longer be put back in its original position.

A neoumbilicus well most likely not look on that natural but the same can be said for how the belly button looks after poorly done tummy tucks in general.

What creates a natural good looking belly button is a three-dimensional contour change that gradually comes into a funnel shape at the central abdomen.

At this point you either live with your current result, converted to a full tummy tuck and lose your belly button plus minus having a re-created new belly button if you desire.

To me the belly button itself is not as important as the overall central abdominal contour which can be shaped nicely if in the hands of a meticulous detail oriented talented plastic surgeon.

At this point I suggest meeting with different plastic surgeons and see what each has to say. Perhaps you’ll run into someone who has a particular knack for creating a new belly button with pictures to show.

It may require interviewing quite a few plastic surgeons to find someone to do this procedure well for you.

In the end your surgeon was responsible for the outcome of the procedure and likewise you were responsible for choosing that provider.

Personally I’ve only had to re-create a belly button twice in my career.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD

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