Tummy tuck time? Why does my belly button look like this? (Photo)

Question

30 year old with three kids thinking about getting tummy tuck. Why does my belly button look like this ? After having three kids I have stretched belly button ? Would love to get a new cute belly button and tighten my abdominal muscles. Looking for a good surgeon in Chicago.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question regarding your belly button and the pictures you shared. Based on the images and your description, it appears you have a protuberance at the base of your belly button, which is likely an umbilical hernia.

An umbilical hernia is essentially a sac that can contain fat or, in some cases, a portion of the small intestine. If you experience sudden abdominal pain, it’s critical to seek immediate medical attention, as this could indicate an incarcerated hernia. This condition occurs when part of the intestine becomes trapped, leading to strangulation, restricted blood flow, and potential tissue death. Although rare, a strangulated hernia is a life-threatening emergency.

Fortunately, an umbilical hernia can be repaired during a tummy tuck procedure. When performing a tummy tuck, the surgeon makes an incision low on the abdomen and carefully dissects up to the belly button and beyond. During this process, the hernia is visualized, and its contents—whether fat or intestine—are returned to the abdominal cavity. The hernia opening is then closed, creating a smoother and more natural abdominal contour.

This procedure also allows for the creation of a new, aesthetically pleasing belly button, which seems to align with your goals. Additionally, your abdominal muscles can be tightened to restore a flatter appearance, especially after the stretching caused by pregnancies.

In some cases, the hernia repair portion of the procedure may be covered by medical insurance, so it’s worth discussing this with your plastic surgeon and insurance provider. The combined surgery, which includes a tummy tuck and hernia repair, is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes about 3 to 4 hours.

I recommend seeking a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience in both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Don’t hesitate to consider surgeons outside of Chicago, if needed, as choosing the right surgeon, is essential for achieving the best results.

I hope this answers your questions and gives you confidence in pursuing your goals. Best of luck!

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Ramsen Azizi, MD · Answer

Your belly button situation is pretty common after one (or many children). That little button looking outpouching is most likely a small umbilical hernia which creates an outtie. It is from increased pressure inside the belly during pregnancy. We usually fix small belly button hernias like this during tummy tucks. You also have the old belly button piercing which is common. Not only is it important to fix the hernia, but you have to do a good belly button technique to recreate the innie because yours is stretched out right now. This is why I take a good amount of time on my belly buttons during the tummy tuck procedure because they are the most visible part of the TT. Make sure to check the postop pics of the surgeon you are considering to see a good amount of consistent "cute" belly buttons that make you happy. Best of luck on your journey!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear ro_chi,
based on your photos, you look like a good candidate for a TT. Full tummy tuck should tighten your abdominal muscles and remove the excess skin. Flanks liposuction would give you a better shape. Based on your photos, there is a chance that you have an umbilical hernia. I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon because 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

Christopher Pannucci, MD, MS · Answer

Hi ro_chi,
The umbilical bulging shown in the picture is likely an umbilical hernia, although an examination by a qualified provider would be required for confirmation. The umbilicus is a scar remnant where your umbilical cord used to go through the abdominal wall and up to your liver, attaching you to mom before you were born. As such, it is a weak spot in the abdominal wall. With pregnancy, sometimes a gap in the fascia/abdominal wall will occur, allowing inside-the-abdomen fat to bulge forward outside of the abdominal cavity. This is by definition a hernia.
I would suggest meeting with a qualified board certified plastic surgeon to discuss lower abdominal optimization, including hernia repair and/or creation of a new umbilicus, in addition to a tummy tuck.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,Christopher Pannucci MDBoard Certified Plastic SurgeonPlastic Surgery NorthwestSpokane, Washington

Henry Wilson, MD, FACS · Answer

Most likely you have an umbilical (belly button) hernia. Sometimes these can be repaired at the time of tummy tuck (if small) and some will require repair prior to the cosmetic procedure. Good luck!

Ramiro Morales, Jr., MD · Answer

Thank you very much for your question and pictures.  It appears from your pictures that you have an umbilical hernia.  This can and should be repaired at the same time as your tummy tuck.  Some Plastic Surgeons are trained in doing this and can do it otherwise depending on who is doing your surgery, we often times involve a general surgeon to do the hernia repair at the same time as the tummy tuck surgery.
Be sure to see at Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who operates at either an ambulatory surgery center for your combined surgical procedure.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You may have a small hernia in your belly button, which is not that uncommon and can be fixed during the tuck. An examination is needed to be certain and possibly a CT scan.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

You appear to be a good candidate for a tummy tuck.  This will remove excess fat and skin, repair abdominal wall laxity and give you a cute belly button! The result will be a flatter, tighter tummy.  You can add liposuction for extra contouring as well.  Visit with a few  board certified plastic surgeons in your area.  Be sure to review credentials and before/after photos and schedule consultations with those who meet your criteria.  The ASPS website may help you identify surgeons.

Tummy tuck time? Why does my belly button look like this? (Photo)

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