Skin removal - removing that skin and recreating a new belly button? (photos)

Question

Hello doctors, A question for the brave ones! In wanting to remove a skin exces from the belly (I was 85kg now 65kg, 180cm heigh male, 50y.o.), i wonder if it's possible do a circular (Diameter 10cm) cut around the belly botton, removing that skin and recreating a new belly botton. No visibible scars. Thanks

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding skin removal and removing skin around your belly button to develop a nonvisible scar. Even though this sounds possible in attempting this procedure, it does not work. I've tried it on several patients before. It does not work because the tension on your belly button can not withstand the source of the repair. Also, there are radial spokes that go out from the belly button. This looks like spokes on a bicycle wheel, which are your skin folds. Therefore, plastic surgeons do not perform tummy tucks as you describe. Instead, there are several different types of tummy tucks. Specifically the horizontal, vertical, inverted T, fleur de lis, reverse tummy tuck, and lateral tuck. However, the tummy tuck with just an incision around the belly button does not work. Thanks for your inquisitive question; I hope this helps answer your question regarding the recreation of the belly button. 
Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. ("Verified" Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, and International College of Surgery, and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

If a circular area of skin is removed from around the navel is too large it will cause unnatural results including puckering of skin.  Think of a draw string effect.  This would not be acceptable to most people.  I encourage you to consider a tummy tuck.  It could be skin only if you prefer.

Andrew Ray, DO · Answer

In my opinion unfortunately taking the skin away to the extent you are thinking would pull against the belly button and cause widening of the belly button and visibility of the scar.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Marcello 1968,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Skin removal - removing that skin and recreating a new belly button? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Skin removal

Answer: Skin removal

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Skin removal - removing that skin and recreating a new belly button? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Skin removal

Answer: Skin removal

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Panniculectomy

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.