Why do I have a hole for a belly button after full tummy tuck and muscle repair? (Photo)

Question

Shouldn't my umbilicus be sewn to the skin to create a new belly button?

Austin Hayes, MD · Answer

During a full tummy tuck the belly button is left attached to the abdominal wall, and the abdominal skin is elevated so that the excess can be removed. The skin is trimmed and the incision is closed at the lower abdomen. A new hole is created in the abdominal skin, the belly button is pulled through and sewn in place. There are various ways to bring the belly button out. The question is best directed to your surgeon, because they will be able to tell you how they surgically create their new belly button. Sometimes the blood flow to the belly button can be compromised and it may shrink and pull back. This may be creating the "hole."

Bram Kaufman, MD · Answer

As the other surgeons have discussed, the belly button remains attached to the abdominal wall and is sewn to the overlying abdominal skin. If a large cuff of skin is left on the belly button, the ultimate appearance will be a scar around the belly button, much like a bulls eye, which is not the most aesthetic result.  If a smaller amount of skin is left on the belly button before attaching it to the abdominal skin and the new hole in the abdominal skin is small then the scar will be along the edge of the belly button and less visible. One issue I have seen occasionally is that smaller, round scar is that it can contracting (shrink) as it heals. It is normal for scars to contract as they heal and the amount of contracture is different for everyone. If it contracts a lot then it will pull in, much like a purse string. That narrows the opening of the belly button. The treatment for that problem can be as simple as time and allowing the scar to relax, steroid injections, or a minor surgical procedure that can be performed in the office. Depending on your exam and how long after your surgery, your surgeon can advise you on the best course. I hope this helps.

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

Typically the navel, which is left attached to the abdominal wall, is sutured into the skin that is just over that navel after the excess has been trimmed. I cannot tell much of anything from this photo  other than what looks like a nice contour.  If the incision is not attached to the navel underneath, the most likely cause is that the sutures pulled out and the navel retracted back.  This should be easy to tell during an examination by your surgeon. All the best.

Humberto Palladino, MD, FACS · Answer

You are right, your original navel is left in place and a new opening is created on the skin flap and sutured to your belly button skin. Now, depending on many factors the skin from the umbilicus sometimes lacks blood supply and there is more scarring and belly button shrinks. Looks like is too early to do anything, you should heal completely in the next six months. and if you need a revision you can discuss this with your plastic surgeon then. Hope this helps.

William C. Rigano, MD (retired) · Answer

It appears your belly button scar closed inwardly after healing.It can be opened up and enlarged a little bit. A  minor procedure like that can be done under local anesthesia.That area typically has less sensation after a full tummy tuck.Talk to your surgeon.

Why do I have a hole for a belly button after full tummy tuck and muscle repair? (Photo)

Answers (5)

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