Is it okay to get a belly button piercing after a tummy tuck?

Question

Is it okay to get a belly button piercing after having a tummy tuck done 2years ago?

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

At 2 years after a tummy tuck, a belly button piercing is usually possible if the umbilicus healed normally and there is no active irritation, open skin, thick scarring, or blood supply concern. The piercing should be placed by an experienced professional who understands that the belly button anatomy and scar tissue may be different after surgery.

The main risks are infection, irritation from jewelry, delayed healing, or a scar that becomes more noticeable. If your belly button was reconstructed, has a tight scar, poor sensation, recurrent drainage, or any history of wound healing problems, it is best to have your plastic surgeon examine the area before piercing. Seek care promptly if redness, worsening pain, swelling, pus, fever, or spreading warmth develops afterward.

Brandon Lambiris, MD · Answer

Under normal circumstances a belly button piercing 2 years after a tummy tuck should be very safe to do. I encourage you to reaching out to your plastic surgeon for additional guidance or to answer any unique concerns you might have.
Dr. Brandon Lambiris Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon–Sarasota, FL

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

In almost all cases it is okay to get a bellybutton piercing a year or so but after a tummy tuck.  If you have any special concerns, your plastic surgeon may be able to give you more guidance.

Ned Snyder, IV, MD · Answer

Thanks for submitting your question.  and YES, you certainly can get a belly button piercing after a tummy tuck, especially since you are 2 years out.  Have fun, and thanks for reaching out!

Caner Kacmaz, MD · Answer

This is one of the most frequently asked questions. Lots of patients want to pierce their belly buttons after a tummy tuck surgery. Sometimes piercings can cause inflammation of scars and make them more noticeable or even cause infection. That’s the reason I recommend my patients to wait 12 months until the scars are fully healed.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Fantastic302320,

every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.

Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

If it’s been 2 years since your surgery, there were no issues with your recovery, and your belly button is back to normal, then it should be no problem.

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry! Yes, it's completely fine to get a piercing post abdominoplasty as everything is healed.

Warren Schutte, MD · Answer

It is ok to get an umbilical piercing, but you risk the piercing rejecting itself d/t the scar tissue around the belly button. This would lead to more scarring. If you do get a piercing there, make sure they are piercing deep from the scar tissue and only through healthy tissue.

Erman Ak, MD · Answer

Yes, it’s generally safe to get a belly button piercing 2 years after a tummy tuck, as long as your belly button has fully healed and there’s no thick scar tissue, irritation or ongoing sensitivity.
* Wait at least 6–12 months post-op (you’ve already passed that)* Choose an experienced piercer* Make sure your belly button shape and skin quality are stable
If you’re unsure about internal scar tissue or skin thickness, have your surgeon examine the area first.
Erman AK, MD. Plastic Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgeon.

Is it okay to get a belly button piercing after a tummy tuck?

Answers (12)

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