Is having an indentation where old bellybutton was normal? (Photo)

Question

I first had my TT and DR repair in August 2020. It was mostly successful - skin was removed and I kept my old bellybutton. However, I ended up with a revision in February 2021 to improve the results. This time, my surgeon was able to remove more skin, and I ended up with a new bellybutton. Unfortunately, my skin wasn’t elastic enough to stretch and fully remove the old bellybutton, so he just closed it up. Now it’s indented and I’m wondering - is this normal? Can anything be done to improve it?

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

The linear scar represents the closing of the old belly button.  The scar can be revised to help smooth it out.  A little fat grafting may be recommended as well.  See your surgeon for an evaluation.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, this is normal when you can't get the hole out, something that is far better than a long transverse tummy tuck scar at the same level on your abdomen. It is simple to fix by performing an in-office scar revision under local anesthesia. You got the best tightening possible and your surgeon was very forward thinking!

George Marosan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. Normally, there is a slight indentation in the upper abdominal midline, but there's no indentation below the belly button. This can be corrected under local anesthesia by fat grafting this area to smooth out the lower abdomen. Good luck.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

It probably has been enough time to consider another revision of that area and try to remove some of the thinner tissue.

Is having an indentation where old bellybutton was normal? (Photo)

Answers (4)