Will Cortisone Shots Correct Belly Button Issues 9 Months After Tummy Tuck?

Question

I had a tummy tuck 9 months ago and my belly button has a bit of a scar around it and started to close up. It is really tiny now. I tried putting in the soft earplugs to keep it open but even that just pops out, so I called my PS and was told to come in so he can have a look. He gave me a cortisone shot (three shots)right in the belly, this was done yesterday. The PS told me that he will do it again in three months if it is not open up, then again in another three months. Does that really work

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello Gail1962,

	I respectfully dissagree with the responders to your post except Dr. Beraka.  Scar contracture will unlikely be helped by injections of any sort.  In fact, it will most likely cause tissue thinning, skin discoloration, a shinny appearance to the skin, and visible blood vessel formation.  The most reliable treatment for your problem comes from the knowledge gained by treating severely burned people and their scar contractures. 

	A technique called Z-plasty divides and lifts your current scar into multiple, small triangular shaped flaps and then repositions them back down in the opposite direction.  This serves to redirect skin laxity into lengthening the scar, and stop the contractile process. 

	Best of luck.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

cortisone is good for thick, red , itching scars.

	a small opening may do better with a local revision surgery to increase the size

Steve Laverson, MD, FACS · Answer

You likely have stenosis of the umbilical entrance due to hypertrophic scar contracture.  Corticosteroid shots are a good first step for treatment.  Do your best to keep the inside of the belly button clean (irrigate in shower, Q-tips, alcohol, etc.) until this problem resolves.  If steroid injections do not open the entrance to your belly button (they may soften the scar, but in my experience are unlikely to widen the opening), surgical revision in the office is indicated.  My approach is to excise the scar and perform Z-plasties, or shorten the umbilical stalk, carefully reclose, and prevent recurrence by injecting corticosteroid during healing, and perhaps stenting the closure.

Kamran Khoobehi, MD · Answer

Your surgeon is taking care of your concerns. You may need revision and you surgeon can take care of later.

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

Some individuals are prone to thicker and pigmented scars, and this can affect the belly button closure as well. Steroid injections, often Kenalog, can be helpful to relax and soften the scar if the belly button has been affected and is worth the try. If the steroid fails to solve the problem, a revision of the belly button might do.
	Best of luck,
	peterejohnsonmd

Will Cortisone Shots Correct Belly Button Issues 9 Months After Tummy Tuck?

Answers (8)

Answer: Cortisone injection will help if you have hypertrophic scar,but not if you have scar contracture

Answer: Cortisone injection will help if you have hypertrophic scar,but not if you have scar contracture

Answer: Cortisone shots after tummy tuck

Answer: Cortisone shots after tummy tuck

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Will Cortisone Shots Correct Belly Button Issues 9 Months After Tummy Tuck?

Answers (8)

Answer: Cortisone injection will help if you have hypertrophic scar,but not if you have scar contracture

Answer: Cortisone injection will help if you have hypertrophic scar,but not if you have scar contracture

Answer: Cortisone shots after tummy tuck

Answer: Cortisone shots after tummy tuck

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.