Can i get a scar revision for my belly button 2 years post-op? (photos)

Question

I'm almost 2 years post op my tummy tuck and I was never really a fan of the scarring around my belly button. Its a nice shape but the scar is too thick and the stitching track marks are obvious where my surgeon used external stitches. Would it be possible to revise and excise the scar and make sure external stitches are used only on the inside of my belly button so there are no stitch marks around the outside?

Amir Sadr, MD, MSc (Plast), FEBOPRAS · Answer

Dear R4INBOW
Thanks for sharing your question and photo. There is always the option of scar revision specially now that 2 years has passed. You need a clinical examination and based on that you may even have a scar revision under local anaesthesia. Your skin type also dictates if you may develop a hypertrophic scar after surgery.Just looking at your scar, I think you would get a lot of improvement after scar revision. I hope you find this answer useful.

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Looking at the photo you have provided I would suggest starting with some kenalog injections.  This will allow your Surgeon to try to soften the scar and reducing the thickness.  I would suggest speaking with your Surgeon to see if this is something they recommend or excise it.  Best of luck to you.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear R4INBOW,
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

Jonathan Heistein, MD · Answer

Yes, you can have this revised.  I would suggest that you have the entire scar redone and possibly even injected with a steroid simultaneously.  An in person consultation would be necessary to confirm that approach but your surgeon can certainly do that for you.  Best of luck!

Ram Kalus, MD, FACS · Answer

A scar revision can always be undertaken, but the type of scar you make is partly related to the surgery, and mostly to your genetics. Please consult with an experienced board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options. Best of luck to you.

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.
You can have a revision on your belly button. Reach out to your surgeon for a consultation to discuss the options. Best wishes!

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

A scar revision could be tried, or you can have micro-needling to improve the scars. Micro-needling will be a few sessions with at least 2 weeks in between each one.

Peter Andolina, DO · Answer

It is possible to revise your belly button scar but you may end up with a belly button that is slightly larger than what you have now. Also, it seems as if the scar is a bit thickened and raised and so there is a concern that you may scar that way again if you did any other procedures. That being said the scar can be revised and it can be done in a way that does not use any external sutures.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Yes, you can absolutely consider a scar revision to improve the appearance of your belly button.  See a board certified plastic surgeon near you for a consultation.  I've included a video on scar revision that I hope you find helpful.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Belly button revisions tend to be limited in the amount of improvements possible.
Some plastic surgery procedures can be revised easily and others you get one shot at doing it right and after that things simply just become more complicated and difficult each time you try to improve.
In my opinion belly buttons should be kept small and short causing or allowing the belly button stalk to pull in on the mid abdominal skin creating a natural three-dimensional contour.
Attempts at belly button revisions especially scar revisions end up exercising the outside edges of the scar and this makes the opening for the belly button larger. like I said, generally the goal is to keep the belly button small so doing a scar revision sort of creates the opposite effect.
Each plastic surgeon will have their own review, skill, experience and abilities.
My personal experience has been but attempts of belly button revisions often simply create a change but does not necessarily make them better.There are inherent advantages and disadvantages for using various suture material.
When vetting plastic surgeons to choose the right provider I typically encourage people to judge tummy tuck results based on who gets the most natural looking belly buttons as one of the hallmarks of quality work.
Delivering consistent quality looking belly buttons is one of the harder aspects of the procedure. It is a finesse part of the procedure that is time consuming and differentiates those who are truly great compared to the rest of the crowd.
Once created there are inherent limitations on what can be done to improve the outcome as described above.
 You can certainly follow up with your provider and see what he or she has to say about doing a revision.
Alternatively you can request second opinion consultations.
Before paying for someone else to do a revision you may want to ask to see evidence of previous belly button revisions because they tend to be more difficult than people sometimes think.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Can i get a scar revision for my belly button 2 years post-op? (photos)

Answers (11)

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