Deep belly button one year after surgery, is it unreasonable to have surgeon fix this? (photo)

Question

One year after having a tummy tuck my belly button is a tad over an inch deep making it difficult to keep clean. My surgeon was annoyed when I asked about it and said do you expect me to fix this? Am I being unreasonable? Should I expect him to fix this problem or should I just live with it. Needless to say, I really don't want to be cut again.

Sarah Mess, MD · Answer

Based on your photo, I'm not sure that I would recommend a revision. You have what appears to be a good result, a pleasing shape, and no obvious scarring. You might be able to achieve the results you are looking for with a revision, but there are risks with any surgery. I'm not sure the upside is worth those risks in your case. Thank you for sharing!

Joel Patrick Maier, MD · Answer

As far as tummy tuck belly buttons go, yours looks fantastic. You have a natural appearance with hooding over the top and no visible scar. This is a difficult thing to achieve. If you are able to keep your belly button clean (although a pain understandable), then I would not do anything. Thanks for sharing!

Nathan Eberle, MD, DDS, FACS · Answer

your result is good, I would not revise it IF you were my patient, realize it could get "worse" or you could have a complication from the revision, you have a good result, be happy with it

Adam Tattelbaum, MD · Answer

Hi Maggie, sorry to hear you have any concern over your belly button. From the picture you have sent it really looks like your surgeon did a nice job. The belly button is small, unobtrusive, and natural looking. You are not wrong. In tummy tucks the belly button is often made deeper. When the abdominal wall muscles are brought together the stalk of the belly button is brought downward between them. This is simply a trade off in the surgery. The stalk will often pull up or down and sometimes right or left as the tissues stretch and relax  during healing.While the belly button could be released and a cuff of tissue removed it still may not pull up as much as you would like. If it really bothers you  it may be worth a try,but it  could also affect your nice aesthetics.Hope this helps.

Erica Anderson, MD · Answer

The belly button may be different than your "original", but has a nice aesthetic outcome. I do not recommend any revision. Best wishes.

Deep belly button one year after surgery, is it unreasonable to have surgeon fix this? (photo)

Answers (5)