Can my belly button be revised to be deeper after tummy tuck? (Photo)

Question

I am very unhappy with my "designer" belly button and am wondering if it can be made to be deeper, and not so flat. I was told it was because I was thin, but I was already thin before surgery and had a very deep belly button. I feel like she tied off the stalk too high or something. Can anything be done? I also hate how large it is.

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @evsxmommy, thank you for your question. It is important to take into account several aspects among which is the surgical technique applied and and establish a surgical plan that meets your needs and expectations. The best course of action is to consult one or several board certified plastic surgeon with experience in abdominoplasty and revision surgery for more information and options tailored specifically to your needs. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD. American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science” Member (IFATS), Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery member (SCCP).

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello !

It is understandable that you are unhappy with the appearance of your belly button. Changes in the appearance of the belly button can be a common concern after undergoing surgery, such as a tummy tuck.

The depth of the belly button is influenced by several factors, including the amount of fat and skin around it, the shape of the stalk that connects it to the abdominal wall, and the way it was sutured during surgery. In some cases, it may be possible to revise the appearance of the belly button through a surgical procedure called a belly button revision.

However, it is important to note that any surgical procedure carries risks, and it is important to discuss your concerns with a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon. They can assess your situation and advise you on the best course of action.

It may also be helpful to discuss your concerns with your original surgeon, as they may be able to provide insight into why your belly button appears the way it does and offer potential solutions. Ultimately, the decision to undergo any additional procedures should be carefully considered and made in consultation with a qualified medical professional.

I hope this helps,
best of luck !

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding whether it is possible to make your belly button deeper after a tummy tuck.  This procedure is called an umbilicoplasty.  
Umbilicoplasty is a surgical procedure that is performed to alter the appearance of the belly button or umbilicus. It is typically done for cosmetic reasons to improve the appearance of the belly button or to correct deformities or abnormalities.
There are several different techniques used in umbilicoplasty, depending on the specific concerns of the patient. For example, if the belly button is too large, your plastic surgeon may remove excess skin and tissue to create a smaller, more proportionate belly button. If the belly button is too small or inverted, the surgeon may use tissue grafts or flaps to create a larger, more prominent belly button.
In your case, the umbilical stalk needs to be anchored with a permanent suture. Your umbilical repair is relatively straightforward to correct.
Umbilicoplasty can be performed as a standalone procedure or as part of a tummy tuck or other body contouring procedure. Recovery time depends on the extent of the surgery, but most patients can return to normal activities within a few days to a week after the procedure. As with any surgery, there are potential risks and complications, which should be discussed with the plastic surgeon prior to the procedure. I hope that I have answered your question regarding whether it is possible to make your belly button deeper after a tummy tuck.

Adam Tattelbaum, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. In slender patients the belly button looks more superficial because there is nothing deep to "pull it into". That said sometimes the bally button can be tackd down more. It is also possible that you may have a small umbilical hernia pushing the belly button outward. If so fixing that may help. Either way your PS will have to examine you determin what may help best.

Best wishes

Best wishes

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear evsxmommy,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Albert Ko, MD · Answer

Hi there, thanks for your question! The short answer is yes, revisional surgery can be done. However, it would need to be assessed in person. I would reccomend an in-person consult with a board certified plastic surgeon.

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

Sutures can be placed to move the skin closer to the underlying fascia and thereby make the bellybutton more recessed.  This along with slightly narrowing the width can help make the bellybutton smaller.  One should make sure there is no underlying hernia and take care to not suture anything under tension as that will make the scar worse.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photograph. It is likely possible to improve upon your current results with a revision of your belly button to reduce its size and depth, but only an in-person consultation will provide you the best determination.

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. 
Reach out to your surgeon with your concerns. Schedule a consultation for a revision to your belly button. Best wishes!

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, go back to your surgeon and discuss your concerns with your belly button and she can discuss the options.

Can my belly button be revised to be deeper after tummy tuck? (Photo)

Answers (15)

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