Does stomach gradually look natural again after tummy tuck?

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.