Belly Button Scars After Tummy Tuck. Is there a reason for surgeons to make the opening around the navel so large?

Question

I've been researching tummy tucks and looking at before and after photos online. I have seen some really natural looking belly buttons after TT surgery and then I've seen some REALLY strange, ugly ones! Of course if I have the surgery done, I want a well-placed, low TT scar, but I am terrified to come out of surgery with a circle-shaped scar the size of a quarter around my navel! I don't see why surgeons choose to make the opening around the navel so large. Is there a reason for that?

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

To some degree the tummy tuck belly button scar cannot always be predicted. A circular, horizontal or vertical incision can be made but the wound may heal with varying resutls according to tension and the individual's unique wound healing tendencies.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Understandably, the appearance of the umbilicus is of great importance to many patients undergoing tummy tuck surgery; after all, it may be the only telltale sign of having undergone the tummy tuck surgery when the patient is wearing a swimming suit or undergarments. The umbilicus should be positioned carefully; if it is too high or too low, it may be a sign of tummy tuck surgery. Ifit is too round or slit like it may also look "surgical". Most patients prefer a relatively small and oval-shaped umbilicus. I hope this helps.

Michael A. Jazayeri, MD · Answer

You have asked a great question!

	Honestly, I don't know why some belly button shapes are unusual as the technique exists to make the belly button look as natural as possible.

	That is why it is important to look at before and after photos to make sure you like the work of a surgeon.  A  plastic surgeon may be technically proficient but lack the artistic ability to view things in an aesthetic fashion.  For the most part, this is God given.

Kenneth R. Francis, MD, FACS · Answer

Most plastic surgeons will accept your request to create the belly button shape that you would like.  Sometimes, however, we are limited by what the patient has as their anatomy.  Take a look back at the before and after photos you mentioned.  I would bet that even with a round quarter sized scar the after belly buttons still look better than their before counterparts.  Good luck!

Robert T. Buchanan, MD (retired) · Answer

Most Plastic Surgeons attempt to create as small a scar around the belly button as possible. I, and many of my colligues, use a moon shaped incision so the scar is not round and has a small superior hood hiding part of the scar. Sometimes, the resultant scar is not totally due to what is done at surgery but how you heal. Talk to your surgeon about your desires and ask for pictures of his/her usual results.

Belly Button Scars After Tummy Tuck. Is there a reason for surgeons to make the opening around the navel so large?

Answers (5)

Answer: You can request a specific shape

Answer: You can request a specific shape

Answer: Belly button scars after tummy tuck

Answer: Belly button scars after tummy tuck

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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Belly Button Scars After Tummy Tuck. Is there a reason for surgeons to make the opening around the navel so large?

Answers (5)

Answer: You can request a specific shape

Answer: You can request a specific shape

Answer: Belly button scars after tummy tuck

Answer: Belly button scars 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.