Does stomach gradually look natural again after tummy tuck?

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

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)

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.

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

Hello dear! The abdomen doesn't stay this flat and taut permanently. Over time, the tissues tend to settle and adapt to the new shape. This results in a rounder, smoother appearance. The skin remains elastic and will therefore mold slightly as it recovers from surgery. On the other hand, the belly button, in most cases, won't change much after surgery, as it is permanently positioned during the procedure. And yes, revision surgery is possible to correct the position of the belly button if, after a while, you feel it looks unnatural or is too high. You can write to us at 829-554-6062 for all the recommendations regarding your surgery.

You tuck will get better over time as swelling decreases. However, your belly button will not move unless it is surgically moved.

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.

After a tummy tuck, the stomach often looks very tight, flat, and sometimes unnatural due to post-surgical swelling, skin tension, and the way the abdominal muscles are tightened. However, over time, the appearance can become more natural as swelling subsides, tissues relax, and the skin settles. Here’s what typically happens:
1. Does the Stomach Look More Natural Over Time?
Yes, in most cases. Initially, the skin and muscles are very tight, making the stomach look stretched and firm. Over the course of several months (usually 6-12 months), the tissue relaxes, allowing for more natural contours, including some softening and a more natural shape with slight hills and valleys. However, the degree of naturalness depends on several factors:
• Surgeon’s technique – A skilled surgeon can preserve some natural contours rather than making the stomach overly flat.
• Your anatomy and skin quality – If you naturally have a softer, more contoured abdomen, you may regain some of that shape as healing progresses.
• Fat retention and distribution – If some fat remains after the procedure, it can help create a more natural look.
2. Does the Belly Button Get Lower Over Time?
Not usually. If the belly button looks unnaturally high after surgery, it’s likely due to the way the skin was redraped rather than swelling. The belly button is usually repositioned during a tummy tuck, and while swelling around it can change its appearance slightly, it won’t shift much over time.
3. Can a Revision Lower the Belly Button?
Yes, a revision surgery can lower the belly button if it’s placed too high. This would involve adjustments to the skin and possible recreating a more natural-looking navel. However, not all high belly buttons require revision – sometimes, the surrounding tissue just needs time to settle for a more natural look.