Should I Continue Cortisone Shots Or Get a Belly Button Revision

Question

I just wanted to submit a picture of what my belly button actually looks like. I am 10 mos. TT Post op. PS started cortisone shots and says I have to wait 3 months for another shot to see what happens, since Im afraid it will totally close (only about the size of a very small pea right now) he said he will do a scar revision, but it can be a worst outcome, he does not suggest a zplasty. Im so unsure if I should wait further and see if cortisone shots work, since he did not reassure me.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our office specializes in belly button scar revision after tummy tucks.  I would recommend an aggressive course of scar management with laser, IIT, and topical therapy (Plato's Medicinals Scar Serum) to improve your scar.

Daniel A. Medalie, MD · Answer

I also recommend waiting for another two treatments of steroid injection. Your scars are quite raised and wide and to revise them now would be difficult. If they can shrink, then a revision with simultaneous steroid injection might be the best option.

	 

	Regards,

	Daniel Medalie, MD

Howard Webster, MBBS (Hons), FRACS · Answer

I would take a different view from my colleagues who have answered this question to date.  I would recommend a scar revision.

	Why?

	In most cases of TT where the belly button contracts it's due to tension on the scar line - unless you have a documented history of keloid.  If your lower scar is ok you are not a keloid patient by nature.

	This tension is often unavoidable.  In my practice, if I am trying to achieve a good TT result, the belly button is often under some tension, and hypertrophic scars are not uncommon.

	However - after a few months, the tension is gone, and the hypertrophic scar can be excised just under local anaesthesia as an office procedure walk in walk out, in my practice for no cost.  It's very simple.

	The aim is to have a neat scar sitting just "inside" the belly button at the end, which allows you to wear a bikini or gym gear without being conscious of a visible scar. I am always revising these scars in my office in order to achieve that aim - if the primary surgery doesn't do it.

	When I revise a belly button scar, I get the patient to wear a little silicon rubber "ball" or rolled up tape for a month or two in the belly button.  Its easy just to hold that in with some tape.

	The problem of the cortisone injections is that the scar hypertrophy can be managed - the scar will soften and fade - but the belly button still won't look very good as the scar itself is broad.

	The fact that this has occurred is not your doctor's fault - all TT surgeons see this - but it can be simply managed.  I tell all my TT patients that an umbilical revision as an office procedure is common, as we are aiming for a result which allows the belly button to be exposed with comfort.

	 

	Hope this helps, good luck.

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

Based on the picture and the history that you describe, I would suggest the shots as you are having done and wait 3 months to see how your skin responds.  At that time, you may need a revision surgery.

	 

	Good luck.

Fatema S. Alsubhi, MD · Answer

I think with examination of the scar  we can tell if it will still respond to steriod. you stll can be benifit from the steroid injections in a shorter period between sessions likeevery 6 weeks . when the scar is already soften most likely it will be wide a scar revion can  be done at that time.for there i wil go if ther eis any signs of hypertophy again will do the massage and silicon sheat so early .

Should I Continue Cortisone Shots Or Get a Belly Button Revision

Answers (10)

Answer: Belly Button Revision

Answer: Belly Button Revision

Answer: Hypertrophic scar

Answer: Hypertrophic scar

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Everything you need to know about Belly Button Surgery

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Should I Continue Cortisone Shots Or Get a Belly Button Revision

Answers (10)

Answer: Belly Button Revision

Answer: Belly Button Revision

Answer: Hypertrophic scar

Answer: Hypertrophic scar

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Belly Button Surgery

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