Umbilical Float TT - Said I have too much skin for it? (photos)

Hello and thank you for your question regarding the umbilical float technique. Thank you for your history and your picture.

During an umbilical float procedure, the umbilicus is detached from the underlying abdominal surface, and the abdominal skin and fat are pulled down. Usually, the umbilical float technique is reserved for patients with a minimal amount of excess abdominal skin. Your plastic surgeon is indeed correct. You have too much lower abdominal skin to have an umbilical float procedure. If you underwent an umbilical float procedure, your belly button would be in a completely unnatural position. Your floated belly button would be too low, approximately 1 cm above your tummy tuck scar. This would not be aesthetically pleasing.

Most experienced plastic surgeons would agree that there is minimal risk of needing the vertical incision where your prior belly button was previously located. Most plastic surgeons should be confident that they can remove the excess skin from the lower abdominoplasty or tummy tuck incision to well above your belly button.

Please watch videos on YouTube regarding the standard tummy tuck. Also, watch videos on YouTube regarding the umbilical float procedure. In conclusion, most plastic surgeons would agree that you should not undergo the umbilical float procedure due to the amount of lower tummy skin you have. Additionally, I would not worry about the vertical scar from the belly button. First, I don’t think it will occur; second, if it does occur, the vertical scar heals very well and is barely noticeable.

Good luck with your tummy tuck. I think you will achieve excellent results without the umbilical float technique. I hope I’ve answered your question regarding the best approach for your tummy tuck.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS

Thank you for your inquiry! During a Tummy Tuck, the abdominal muscles are tightened, fat is liposuctioned, the mons is lifted, and the excess abdominal skin is removed at the low incision. When the skin is pulled down, so is the belly button. With an umbilical float, the belly button would be so close to your waist line, at your pant line. Schedule a consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to help you meet your goals.

I am not a fan of the floating belly button because sometimes it winds up off center and looks odd. You might do very well with noninvasive, no downtime, EMSculpt treatments to tighten your abdominal muscles.