Full Tummy Tuck Belly Button Untouched?

Question

I had a FTT 4 days ago. I have a hip to hip incision and 2 drains. However, my belly button is untouched.. I am very short waisted so it looks fine, the placement is perfect. My question is everything I read about untouched belly buttons say that it is a mini TT. I definitely needed a full as I had a pouch above my BB.. Has anyone ever heard of a FTT without touching the BB?

William B. Rosenblatt, MD · Answer

Concentrate on getting well --- it's too late to worry about what your doctor did. You should have known about this before the surgery, not try to deal with it after.

Richard J. Brown, MD · Answer

Sounds like you had an umbilical transposition. There are many ways to perform surgeries and a few ways to handle the belly button. In your case your surgeon did nothing wrong, they just did not discuss the technique used. Sometimes we change our minds during a procedure and this could have happened in your case. Your belly button was cut across beneath the abdominal wall and when your skin was pulled tight it was brought down and secured to your abdominal wall in it's new position. If you are happy then nothing else is needed.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

Your plastic surgeon should have or may have discussed the operative plan with you during your consultation or pre-operative exam.  If you had a minimal problem above the umbilicus you may of had an umbilical translocation.  Instead of cutting around the umbilicus externally the umbilical stalk is transected at the level of the fascia and can be moved down about 2 cm and still appear normal.  It is possible that this method was used for your case.   If you are happy with the result then you have your answer. I pay particular attention to the umbilicus in every abdominoplasty since it is the most visible area.  The low transverse scar can be hidden with  your underwear or bathing suit.  Patient satisfaction is the goal of every plastic surgeon.

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

Sounds like you are pleased with the outcome.

	There are several possibilities that I can think of. Your surgeon may have tightened the upper abdomen despite not releasing the navel. Another is that the navel may have been lifted off the abdominal wall and then returned to its original position, or to a slightly lower one. 

	A question like this should bed directed to your surgeon. 

	Best wishes.

Victor Ferrari, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear Baby Mickey.  Tummy tucks are not necessarily defined by the handling of the belly button.  Most surgeons define them by the length of the proposed scar and/or the time it will take to do the procedure.  If you have a good final shape, then the surgeon did a good job regardless of what it was called.

Full Tummy Tuck Belly Button Untouched?

Answers (7)

Answer: Full Tummy Tuck Belly Button Untouched?

Answer: Full Tummy Tuck Belly Button Untouched?

Answer: Mini Tummy Tuck or Full Tummy Tuck

Answer: Mini Tummy Tuck or Full Tummy Tuck

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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Full Tummy Tuck Belly Button Untouched?

Answers (7)

Answer: Full Tummy Tuck Belly Button Untouched?

Answer: Full Tummy Tuck Belly Button Untouched?

Answer: Mini Tummy Tuck or Full Tummy Tuck

Answer: Mini Tummy Tuck or Full Tummy Tuck

Browse related questions

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.