Are outer belly buttons after tummy tucks permanent? (photos)

Question

I don't mind my scar after surgery. I don't even mind all of the reddish/purple stretchmarks I'm still left with. But my belly button? I had an innie before pregnancy years ago. Then, I had an umbilical hernia and had it repaired a year before my tummy tuck. I thought for sure my surgery would give me an innie again. But instead, I'm left with an outtie everyone loves to point out. Can it be fixed? Is it possible that my stretch marks will lighten? They got worst after surgery. No rude remarks!

Andrew Wolfe, MD · Answer

Based on your photos, your tummy tuck was performed fairly recently and you still have a bit of swelling.  As your swelling subsides, I would expect the contour of your belly button to improve significantly, though this may take several months.  IF you are left with a less-than-ideal belly button shape it would be fairly straightforward to trim off some of the excess skin left in your old belly button to tighten it up within the circular incision.  For now, try to be patient as the healing progresses, and visit your Plastic Surgeon for any concerns.

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

Hello!  Thank you for your question and photo!   Typically the belly button can be changed to a certain degree during the tummy tuck procedure when re-insetting at the appropriate position.  Depending on your discussion with your plastic surgeon preoperatively, the appearance may or may not be changed or left at the discretion of your surgeon.  It it certainly is possible to create an "innie" by anchoring it down to the abdominal wall or shortening the stalk length.  I am unsure how much time postoperative you are, but I would allow for swelling to subside for several weeks/months before telling for sure the final result. After that time, if your results still do not meet your expectations, an umbilicoplasty, revision of your belly button may be considered. Best wishes!  Hope that this helps!

Andrea Marando, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photo. The shape and projection of the belly button can normally be changed during an abdominoplasty; it mainly depends on the surgical technique used by the surgeon and what had been discussed before. On the basis of the photo attached, I would say that there is some swelling and possibly some skin excess on the umbilicus itself. My recommendation would be to massage it gently for 2-3 min every day for about 4 weeks. Should it not settle to a degree of satisfaction, then consult your surgeon and I am sure he will be happy to help. With regards to the stretch marks, they will lighten in time.All the best.Andrea Marando

Richard J. Brown, MD · Answer

It does look like you have swelling that will go down somewhat over the next several months. Being that said pregnancy and the hernia do stretch the skin and if not a lot of the skin was removed and the belly button not tacked down you may still have that "outie" appearance. I would give this 3-6 months and see how it settles then address any further issues with your surgeon.

Are outer belly buttons after tummy tucks permanent? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Outie Belly Buttons and Abdominoplasty

Answer: Outie Belly Buttons and Abdominoplasty

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Are outer belly buttons after tummy tucks permanent? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Outie Belly Buttons and Abdominoplasty

Answer: Outie Belly Buttons and Abdominoplasty

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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