I am 4 weeks post op and my belly button looks awful to me. Is this going to open and look like a normal belly button? (photo)

Question

This is my before picture and now picture. I had a TT and an umbilical hernia repair. I feel like it looks the same as it did the day after surgery. This makes me so nervous. I was hoping to show off my tummy this summer but not with this bellybutton. Will this change that much?

Robert F. Centeno, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos.  While I understand your concern about the appearance of your belly button.  I would counsel you to reserve judgement for another couple of months.  Circumferential incisions and the type of procedure that you had can cause excessive and prolonged swelling that can persist for a while.  This swelling can make things look very different than they will in a few months.  The good news is that once things heal, if they do not reach the goal you were expecting, revision is straigtfoward procedure.  Best wishes on your recovery.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Speak with your surgeon to discuss your concern. You are still healing, therefore there is still substantial swelling to that area. Best,

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photographs.  I can see your concern but as you are recently out from surgery swelling may be causing the current appearance of your belly button which should improve spontaneously with time.  If your belly button does not mature into an appearance that you like, a small in-office procedure can be done to further refine it.  Best wishes!

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

Your belly button is one of your first scars. This is where your umbilical cord was attached to your mothers placenta and carried nutrients to you in utero and waste products away from you and back to your mother. Once the umbilical cord was cut, the stump or scar left behind is your "belly button." Scars have a poor blood supply and that is why your healing belly button looks funky or strange after your tummy tuck. It is very early after surgery and your belly button is swollen too. This will change after a few months and its appearance will continue to improve. If you go out in the sun, apply sunblock to prevent darkening or hyperpigmentation of your belly button.

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

4 weeks post op is really too soon to judge your final results. It can take up to 6 months for all of your swelling to subside. Discuss your concerns with your surgeon at your next post op appointment.My best,
Dr. Sheila Nazarian
@drsheilanazarian on Instagram

Anne Taylor, MD · Answer

Hello--When you have a hernia and loose umbilical stalk, it is hard to get it really  small and tight- and while your post op pic looks a little swollen, it should come down. And if not, it can be revised in the office very easily. So hang in there-- you are very early and need a few more months of healing.Good Luck.

Daniel Krochmal, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you very much for your question.At 4 weeks, you are still very early out from surgery.  You still have quite a bit of swelling, and the scar tissue has not settled.  I would continue to see your surgeon, and follow their advice.  If after several months you aren't happy with your result, you should voice your concerns to your surgeon and see what they recommend.  Best of luck!

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

The way the BB looks after a tummy tuck can be a make or break for the overall result as this is one scar that is difficult to conceal. We always suggest to those looking for a tummy tuck to review after pictures to make sure they understand how their surgeon approaches the procedure. In your instance the umbilical hernia can make the healing and the "inset" much harder as there is competition between hernia repair, and the circulation in the BB. Also with the hernia there can be a bit of fat that gets trapped within the BB and can give a swollen appearance even after the hernia is closed. For now, relax and let things heal as best they can, make your surgeon aware of what troubles you, and know that there is a "fix" if needed down the road.

Robert Brueck, MD · Answer

If you are 4 weeks there may be some change but probably not a lot.I would go back to your surgeon and discuss with him exactly what you were hoping f.or

Stephanie Power, MD, MSc, FRCSC · Answer

It is important to discuss any concerns regarding your healing with your plastic surgeon.  At 4 weeks post-op, there is still swelling present and your scars are quite immature.  Swelling will continue to settle over the next few months and scar maturation may take up to one year post-operatively.  I recommend being patient as you continue to heal.  The appearance of your belly button will likely change over this time period.Best, Stephanie Power MD, MSc, FRCSC

I am 4 weeks post op and my belly button looks awful to me. Is this going to open and look like a normal belly button? (photo)

Answers (12)

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