Does stomach gradually look natural again after tummy tuck?

Question

It seems most tummy tucks show unnatural looking stomach, very flat and very stretched with no hills and valleys or softness to the tummy. Does the stomach gradually get back to more naturally looking appearance with hills and valleys round definition to the belly, or is all down to the surgeon’s technique and therefore potentially looking unnatural forever? Does the belly button get lower over time? It looks unnatural and higher, can à revision lower it?

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Over time the tummy tissues will soften and look more natural.  The patient's results can still be influenced by weight gain or loss as well.  The belly button position will not change without intervention.  Not all tummy tucks are performed with the same results.  It's so important to do your homework when selecting a surgeon.  Be sure they are board certified.  Review before/after photos of their work and ask lots of questions at your consultation.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Peaceful395724,

I understand your concern. However, you need some time in order to fully heal prior to seeing the final results. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.

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

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question about whether the stomach regains a more natural look after a tummy tuck.

Congratulations on your results so far — your body shape looks very nice after your tummy tuck. It’s common in the early healing stages for the abdomen to appear very flat, tight, or overly smooth, especially in the first few months. However, as your tissues relax, swelling subsides, and the skin softens, your stomach will typically start to look more natural with time. Many patients find that the abdomen gains back some of its natural contour and softness, often revealing more “hills and valleys” in the months following surgery.

That said, your observation about the belly button looking high or unnatural should be brought up to your plastic surgeon. The belly button should ideally sit just above the level of your hip bones. If it appears too high or unusually shaped, that may be the result of technique, tension, or placement during surgery. In some cases, a belly button revision — also known as an umbilicoplasty — can correct the position or appearance to achieve a more natural look.

If you're still healing and under one year post-op, give your body more time. But if the belly button remains bothersome, I would recommend contacting your plastic surgeon to discuss the concern. If you're not comfortable going back to your original surgeon, consider seeking consultations from other board-certified plastic surgeons with experience in tummy tuck revisions and belly button corrections.

Wishing you all the best in your continued healing and confidence in your results.

Sincerely,
Dr. J. Timothy Katzen, MD, MBA, FASMBS, FICS
(Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and President of the American Board of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons)

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

A tummy tuck should not give an unnatural appearance and there should very little hills and valleys.  The umbilicus is usually concave and you should have a waist that is narrow and the hips are wider.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Miguel Mota, MD · Answer

Modern techniques help give patients more natural results. But swelling may take up to six months so it does get better with time.

Breast of luck,
Dr. Miguel Mota

Does stomach gradually look natural again after tummy tuck?

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Answer: Tummy tuck appearance

Answer: Tummy tuck appearance

Answer: Does stomach gradually look natural again after tummy tuck?

Answer: Does stomach gradually look natural again after tummy tuck?

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Does stomach gradually look natural again after tummy tuck?

Answers (8)

Answer: Tummy tuck appearance

Answer: Tummy tuck appearance

Answer: Does stomach gradually look natural again after tummy tuck?

Answer: Does stomach gradually look natural again after tummy tuck?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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