Can a Full TT be done after a Float TT?

Question

I had an umbilican float tummy tuck one year ago. It was a disaster and left me with an extremely low belly button and a ledge/step off below my scar. Can I have a full tummy tuck? Would I risk doing damage to my belly button? I have plenty of skin that can be removed.

Michael A. Fallucco, MD, FACS · Answer

In many cases a full tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) can be performed as a revision, and it may significantly improve both the position of the belly button and the contour issues you’re describing.

An umbilical float technique detaches the belly button from the abdominal wall to reposition it downward without making a new incision around it. While this method can work well in certain patients, it can lead to issues like a belly button that appears too low, or an unnatural contour — especially if there’s more excess skin than the technique is designed to handle.

In a revision full tummy tuck, we typically recreate a proper belly button position by reattaching it through a new opening at a more anatomically correct location. As long as there is sufficient blood supply and soft tissue support (which is usually the case after a year of healing), this can often be done safely and effectively. The step-off or ledge below your scar can also be addressed by re-draping the skin and revising the scar as the old scar will be removed, and attention to Mons reshaping will be performed.

Every revision case is unique, so I would need to evaluate your skin laxity, scar placement, and umbilical anatomy in person or via telemedicine to design the best plan for you. But in most cases, revision surgery can give patients a more natural, smoother result and restore confidence in their abdominal contour.

If you're in the Jacksonville, Florida area or like to discuss via telemedicine and are able to travel, I'd be happy to consult with you to discuss your options and create a plan tailored to your goals.

Matthew S. Kilgo, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.
If your umbilicus has been previously "floated", a traditional tummy tuck would likely lead to umbilical necrosis because the remaining blood supply would be divided. If you still have significant excess skin, two options would be a full abdominoplasty with delayed umbilical reconstruction or a reverse abdominoplasty. 
Good luck. I hope this helps.

Ralph M. Rosato, MD · Answer

The blood supply to your belly button is from the surrounding skin. To do a traditional tummy tuck you need to cut around the navel. ( The navel will not survive) Your surgeon can make a new navel but it may not have the same appearance as your current navel.  Find an experienced surgeon and discuss the options with them.

Can a Full TT be done after a Float TT?

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Can a Full TT be done after a Float TT?

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