If a belly button dies how does it affect tummy tuck? What is the danger involved and how will it affect the results?

Question

I had a previous hernia repaired (stalk cut) prior to wanting a Tummy Tuck. I had one Dr say he won't do a belly button because of the risk, had another say the is a risk and he will try, and one wasn't concerned. Curious If a belly button dies how does it affect tummy tuck? What is the danger involved and how will it affect the results?

Christopher J. Davidson, MD, FACS · Answer

If you have a full abdominoplasty, there is no way to preserve the belly button.  If you have a mini abdominoplasty the belly button will likely survive.

Carmina Cardenas, MD · Answer

Definitely if the hernia repair transected the navel, then the blood circulation was also transected, so, the navel will not survive during the TT, but if you have several years after the hernia repair there are some chances that the blood circulation was restored at least partially, so the chances of necrosis would be probably 50-50. What happen if the navel get necrotic? Nothing, after the necrotic tissue fall off then your body will heal it by itself and will create a scar tissue that will look almost exactly as the original navel.But you have to know that the process in between it get necrotic and heals a 100% will take a good 2 months, so you have to be prepared, but most than likely nothing serious will happen.Have a great journey.Dr. Cardenas

Brent Moelleken, MD · Answer

You should seek the advice of plastic surgeons who perform many revisional tummy tucks and umbilicoplasties.As you have correctly noted, there is no blood supply from the umbilical stalk if the stalk was transected.An incision around the belly button should therefore be avoided, or the belly button might die.There are, however, other options that could be considered that would still allow you to have a tummy tuck.  These options will involve intraoperative decision making, so an experienced surgeon is a must.

Richard J. Brown, MD · Answer

It won't affect the overall tummy tuck except that you may no longer have a belly button. That is all. The other stuff that is done during a tummy tuck is not affected by the belly button. If the belly button dies you may have to have it removed and closed. It certainly can happen when you have a hernia.

Christopher Saunders, MD · Answer

You do have an option that was not discussed in the other doctor reviews.This is to do a surgical delay of the belly button.A "delay" is a procedure that is done to increase the blood supply. The stalk has been cut to your navel, but a delay procedure or two can increase the blood so you could have a normal full tummy tuck.The procedure is done with local anesthesia in the office and is easy. I have performed this with success. The first delay I make incisions from 12 o'clock to 6 o'clock down to the muscle. The blood supply of the navel is maintained by the opposite side.One month later, the delay is repeated, but this time from 6- 12 o'clock on the opposite side. The procedures are easy and work can be resumed the next day.One month later, the full tummy tuck can be done.It doesn't guarantee success but has high success rates.Talk to a doctor about doing a delay procedure on your navel.  I believe this is the answer.Hope this helps!Dr Chris Saunders

Lewis Ladocsi, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Igirlid.  Most patients would be very unhappy if they lost their belly button after a tummy tuck.  The risk is mostly cosmetic, although necrosis could lead to an infection.  If you don't think you would be unhappy with the appearance of your abdomen if you lost your belly button, then proceed with your surgery and hope for the best.  If not, i suggest you discuss other options for improving your abdominal contour.

If a belly button dies how does it affect tummy tuck? What is the danger involved and how will it affect the results?

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