To float the belly button or not? (Photos)

Hello and thank you for the question. You do seem to have a high-riding belly button and likely a good candidate for float. Having said that, the definitive answer can only be given after an in-person examination. I would seek consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon for a complete evaluation. Best,

Dear Mom.Bod.Bye,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.,

With an umbilical float, the surgeon can do a complete muscle separation repair, and the belly button can be re-attached in its original location or moved lower. In your case, the natural position is a little bit higher than average to begin with so it can be lowered and look good. If you do a full tummy tuck in a situation where the belly button is on the high side, it may not be possible to remove all of the skin in the lower abdomen up to the BB, which means that if the scar is to be low you may require a T-closure or some sort of vertical scar in addition to the scar around the umbi. Although it is not possible to make a definitive recommendation without an in-person exam, I think the mini with umbi float could be a very good option for you.

A physical exam will be necessary to determine if a float or full TT will be required.Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Thank you for your question and photos. You are not a candidate for a mini tummy tuck and I would not float your belly button. My reasons: 1. you have lots of loose skin above the belly button, 2. a lower belly button gives an aged look to the abdomen (I disagree that "it yields a longer looking torso that is desired". Look at magazines with women in bikinis and see young female torsos and the BB position! The higher it is the younger looking abdomen), 3. muscle repair needs to be done from the breast bone to the pubic bone, otherwise you will end up with un upper abdominal protrusion or fullness in the long run, 4. I would remove your BB and create one later to avoid BB scars. If you end up with a small vertical scar at the level of the pubic horizontal scar is a better option than a low BB. The scar usually can be removed within a year from the abdominoplasty.If you are committed to go ahead with your surgeon, I would discuss your concerns. Otherwise, seek a second opinion from a board certified plastic surgeon experienced in advanced body sculpting techniques for an in person consultation/evaluation. Good luck.