Tummy tuck - What is the best way to "pack" or keep the navel open?

This is a very good question as the belly button does tend to constrict and tighten with time. A tip that I have used is to
keep it open with an ear plug. The type
of ear plugs that you use to muffle sound when you are sleeping are ideal. I do advise some of my patients to gently
insert an ear plug at night and make sure they do remove it in the
morning. I also encourage them to
massage the umbilicus to stretch the scar and keep it from tightening up.

If your bellybutton is developing some thickening and scarring and contracting injecting it with steroid can soften the scar.  Occasionally I have recommended patients use earplugs which you can buy at the pharmacy to help keep it open. Be sure you check with your surgeon about these options. I would be careful about wearing that ear plugs continuously because they can put excess pressure on the skin.