Belly Button Feels Sore After Tummy Tuck

Question

After my Tummy Tuck, my new fake belly button gets sore inside sometimes. I never had that problem with my original belly button. What is causing it?

David Rankin, MD · Answer

It is very common to have soreness in your belly button after a tummy tuck. It depends how far out you are from your procedure to determine if this needs to be looked into by your surgeon. Soreness immediately post-op and even up to a couple months out is a normal consequence of surgery and is part of the healing process. Also, the muscle tightening on the inside often contributes to this especially when your belly button is tacked down to the muscle layer during surgery to preserve a nice aesthetic appearence. If you are further out from surgery, you may have some hardened scar tissue in your belly button. In this case, you may benefit from scar massage and/or steroid injections to help soften this area.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question about experiencing pain in your new belly button following a tummy tuck. It's not uncommon to have some discomfort or sensitivity in this area as you recover from surgery.
The pain in your newly formed belly button is likely due to the creation and healing of new nerve endings. These nerves can be sensitive or even raw as they recover from the surgical procedure. It's generally expected that this type of pain will diminish over time as the healing process progresses.
In the meantime, for managing the discomfort, over-the-counter pain medications like Tylenol (acetaminophen) can be effective. Additionally, you might consider discussing with your plastic surgeon the option of using a topical numbing cream, such as lidocaine, to help alleviate the pain.
Patience is key in this situation, as the discomfort is likely temporary and should resolve as your body continues to heal. However, it's always a good idea to stay in close communication with your surgeon, especially if the pain persists or if you have any concerns about your recovery process.
I hope this response has been helpful in addressing your concerns about belly button pain following a tummy tuck. Wishing you a smooth and comfortable recovery.
Good luck.
Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Shahram Salemy, MD, FACS · Answer

It's common to have some discomfort around the belly button after a tummy tuck, but with time (several weeks) it should resolve.  Communicate to your surgeon your symptoms and concerns so that he can follow the situation and reassure you, but I wouldn't worry about it at this point.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

In all kikelihood, it is not a problem whatsoever and merely reflective of the pain secondary to the muslce tightening procedure.
However, it could be something else such as incarcerated preperitoneal fat, etc. Discuss your concerns with your surgeon.

Christopher L. Hess, MD · Answer

After a tummy tuck the belly button can have a different cavity than before surgery.  I recommend using peroxide on a Q-tip to really get down in there.  Do this once or twice a day only when it get sore.  When it's not sore daily cleaning with a Q-tip and soap and water is fine.  The soreness should resolve with time as it heals in.

Belly Button Feels Sore After Tummy Tuck

Answers (6)

Answer: Discuss your concerns with your surgeon

Answer: Discuss your concerns with your surgeon

Answer: Make sure it very clean

Answer: Make sure it very clean

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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

Belly Button Feels Sore After Tummy Tuck

Answers (6)

Answer: Discuss your concerns with your surgeon

Answer: Discuss your concerns with your surgeon

Answer: Make sure it very clean

Answer: Make sure it very clean

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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.