Is it possible to lift my sad looking belly button without a tummy tuck? (Photo)

Question

Since having liposuction years ago my belly button sags down, even if I lose weight. One side of my upper abdomen seems to be more 'empty' than the other side and therefore that particular side sags even more. I also have some fibrosis. Other than a tummy tuck is there anything I can do to just lift the belly button (as per picture 2) So far I've tried HIFU and RF. Was considering a belly button lift or endolift? If not, what style of TT would I need and could the fibrosis also be reduced?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our office has many different treatments for scars depending on the depth of atrophy or hypertrophy. Scars require a combination approach using our HI DEF protocol which uses a combination of lasers, topical scar modulation, and RF treatments to pixelate scars, improve contour, reduce hyperpigmentation, and improve the visibility of the scars so that they are no longer visible in ambient light. Everyone has a unique pattern of scarring and we employ our HIDEF technique to improve texture, color, contour, and topography. We often use a combination of treatments that begin with a careful examination to examine the micro texturing of the acne scars. Atrophic scars and indented  scars can benefit from injectable fillers such as Radiesse, Sculptra, and Restylane with or without subcision to remove tethered scars and atrophic depression. Hyper-redness in scars can be improved with V beam laser, Excel V, BBL, IPL, and Venus RF to improve  the redness and reduce the visibility of deep scars. Fractional Thulium laser and clear & brilliant can also reduce the inflammation and redness of the scar when combined with topical therapy. Fractional lasers such as Fraxel, erbium, and CO2 laser can be combined with radio frequency and also fractional RF to improve textual issues and microtopography. Subcision and TCA cross are also used for deep ice pick scars and narrow valley scars in order to improve the micro texture.  Above all, our combination approach with our clinical nurses and board-certified plastic surgeons can improve the quality of your skin by using at home Melarase creams combined with PRP treatments in our office to improve your skin quality and tone. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an experienced team of experts in order to reduce your scarring.
 
Finally, hyperpigmentation of scars can be improved with at-home Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads to help reduce active PIH and melanin deposition.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Russi22,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Based on these photos it appears that mayor reason for your BB appearance is fat around it. Once this is addressed with correct liposuction of abdomen, you may end up with good looking BB. In person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon with experience in liposuction is recommended. Good luck.

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello !

It sounds like you're experiencing some cosmetic concerns related to your abdomen after having liposuction. It's common to experience some changes in the appearance of the belly button and surrounding area after liposuction, particularly if there is some degree of fibrosis (scar tissue).

While non-surgical treatments like HIFU and RF can help to improve skin tightness to some extent, they may not be effective for addressing more significant sagging or asymmetry in the abdomen.

A belly button lift, or umbilicoplasty, may be a possible option to help lift the belly button and improve its appearance. This procedure involves making an incision around the belly button and reshaping it to create a more aesthetically pleasing shape.

Endolift, which involves using a laser or radiofrequency device to tighten the skin from within, may also be a possible option. However, it's important to note that the effectiveness of endolift for treating belly button sagging and asymmetry is not well-established and may vary depending on the individual.

If the degree of sagging and asymmetry in your abdomen is significant, a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) may be a more appropriate procedure to address these concerns. A tummy tuck can address both excess skin and fat in the abdominal area, as well as tighten the underlying muscles, resulting in a smoother, more toned appearance.

During a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon, they can assess your individual concerns and recommend the best course of action. They may also be able to recommend treatments to reduce the amount of fibrosis in the area before undergoing a surgical procedure.

I hope this helps,
best of luck !

Is it possible to lift my sad looking belly button without a tummy tuck? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Belly button

Answer: Belly button

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Is it possible to lift my sad looking belly button without a tummy tuck? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Belly button

Answer: Belly button

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Everything you need to know about Endolift

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