Umbilical float or full tummy tuck? (Photo)

Question

My surgery is scheduled for March 24. My PS suggested an umbilical float. The more I research it, the more convinced that may not be the best option for me. I am 5'5, 155lbs, 2 very large babies, nueroma in previous hernia repair scar. Comments and advice welcomed please!!

Jason E. Leedy, MD · Answer

I don't do umbilical float abdominoplasties.   It's not a good idea in my opinion.  If the belly button is high, then that's fine, the patient may simply need a small vertical incision at the lower pubic portion of the standard abdominoplasty incision to allow closure of the hole where the belly button used to be.  It is better to do that then float the umbilicus.  By doing the float the belly button often ends up too low, which looks really weird.  Ask your doctor about alternatives.  Best of luck!

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Thank you for your pictures.  A tummy tuck with an umbilical float is for a very limited population of patients.  You would be a more appropriate candidate for a full tummy tuck.Best wishes.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Based upon the pictures submitted, I would recommend a tummy tuck to obtain the best improvement.Kenneth Hughes, MD

Joel Patrick Maier, MD · Answer

I would not recommend an umbilical float. A full tummy tuck with a nicely done umbilicoplasty would be the best outcome. Alternatively, you could also have a "mini-tummy tuck" to help clean up the loose skin in the lower abdomen. Before you plunge into a relatively involved procedure, best to get multiple in person opinions with surgeons who do a lot of tummy tucks, ask to look at photos of their work. Thank you for sharing.

Robert F. Centeno, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. While you are a candidate for both procedures, It is my opinion that a full tummy tuck will give you a better result.  You can have enough skin removed, have the incision safelly closed and not have your mons or scar raised too high.  The umbilical float procedure works well in patients who have a very long torso and high belly button, but you do not appear in photos to fit that profile.   If it is used in somone with a more normal torso length, the belly button appears to be too low postop, despite trying to anchor it to is normal position.  If your surgeon's concern is that he/she will not be able to close the incision due to tension, then other options include doing a mini-tummy tuck only or leaving a small vertical scar at the incision line...both of these approaches are more conservative but would not lower your belly button unnaturally.  Having said that, I still think a full tummy tuck will give you the best outcome aesthetically.   Discuss all of these options with your surgeon.  I hope this helps!  Best wishes!

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Based on your
photograph, you are a great candidate for a full tummy tuck with liposuction.  This can be done through a low and short
incision, all completely below the bikini line. 
The belly button can be designed to look natural and have no scars on
the exterior.   Your muscles can also be
plicated resulting in a flat abdomen. 
Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of
real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate
their results.  The most important aspect is to find a surgeon you are
comfortable with. I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified
board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs.  Based on the position of your belly button relative to the amount of skin excess and muscle laxity I would favor a full tummy tuck over an umbilical float.  Hope this helps.

Christopher W. Chase, MD · Answer

Based on your photos, I do not see any reason why you would benefit more from an umbilical float versus a standard abdominoplasty.In fact, I believe you would get a much better result from a standard abdominoplasty and would not recommend an umbilical float for you.About the only time I would perform an umbilical float tummy tuck would be if the skin of the umbilicus has been devascularied due to surgery, hernia, etc. and does not have the typical stalk of blood flow that allows for it to be separated from the surrounding skin and sewn back into position once the excess tissue has been removed and the abdominal flap brought down over the umbilicus.  It appears that you have a normal umbilicus with normal blood flow so there would not be a need to float it (keep it attached to the surrounding skin and move it down along with the abdominal flap.)You are wise to do your research. Make sure your surgeon is a real plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is experienced in abdominoplasty.

Steven J. Rottman, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. You appear to be an excellent candidate for a full tummy tuck. The abdominal skin excision could give you an excellent contour as well as improve the tone of the anterior abdominal wall. Please see a board certified plastic surgeon for an in-person examination to discuss the specific details of the procedures. Ask to see before and after photos to get an idea of what can be achieved. Hope this helps!

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

Hi GoBucksMom!In my hands, I would prefer to do a full tummy tuck without a belly button float approach. The way I perform this surgery is by using suture advancements under the skin flap and discontinuous liposuction dissection of the upper tummy. I can lower the skin flap by about an inch or some extra on most patients.Talk to your surgeon about these other options or consider a second consultation. Best wishes, Dr. Aldo :)

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