Do you think this belly button will stay off center? (photos)

Thank you for your question and your picture. I can certainly see from the picture what you are concerned about. It does appear at this point that your umbilicus is slightly off center. It is possible that this could be somewhat due to swelling and post-surgical change. You are obviously fresh from surgery and things can improve over time, so I would encourage you to wait until at least 6 months or more post-op before drawing any final conclusions. During surgery, there are many things that affect positioning of the umbilicus. Sometimes, patients start with asymmetry that cannot be corrected. There are certain landmarks that we reference to position things as evenly as possible. And keep in mind, nature never makes things perfect, so a little asymmetry in the body is actually pleasing to the eye.I think in the end, you appear to have a really fantastic result from your surgery and I think with time you will like it even more. The question you have to ask yourself is when you are wearing clothes, such as a bathing suit, is the slight asymmetry that you see when you are naked going to be noticeable to anyone else when they do not have another central point of reference.....I would say likely not. If it still bothers you anyway, then there are things that can be done to fix it, and you should discuss these options with the plastic surgeon that performed your procedure. Best wishes!

I appreciate your question.It does appear to be off center.It would be better to assess when you are better healed and also in clothing.If it is really off at that point, you may need a revision.The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative plastic surgery.best of luck!Dr Schwartz

Dear momsey232Bellybutton position can be impacted by a multitude of factors. pre-surgical asymmetry (look at your before pictures) and  asymmetric rectus plication are two common reasons. In your case, you should wait until scarring is mature, this is usually near  6 months, then you can consider revision. Sometimes a minor revision can improve the location and make the asymmetry less noticeable without a new scar. Alternatively, it can be done with a larger procedure with new scars.

Thank you for your question, and photograph, and I can see your area of concern.  For all the reasons you mentioned belly buttons may be a bit off center, but unfortunately I do not think that yours will become more balanced with a resolution of swelling.  I would wait 6 months or more for your results, and then evaluate whether a belly button revision is necessary, but be aware that it would leave you with an additional scar on your abdomen.

and yours is off center, plain and simple.  There is a very small chance you started this way but then an attempt could have then been made to center it better when choosing the belly button site.  Best to allow for full healing before making decisions.  These off center belly buttons do happen to the best of us and you will need a revision to help move it to the left if you are willing to accept the scars that will result from that.  Let your surgeon know and find out what options you have and what costs you are looking at so you can prepare.

Thank you for your question.  It does appear that your belly button is off center.   You should give it time for the swelling to go down, and then re-evaluate.   Also, it may be worthwile checking your spine curvature to make sure this is not influencing the position.   I wish you a safe recovery.Dr. Gill

Thank you for your question. Please give some time for the swelling to come down and reevaluate. There are multiple factors produce this type of problem. Pl express your concerns to your PS

Hi, Momsey232.  Your belly button location is determined by 1) length of belly button stalk, 2) placement of belly button incision.  You seem to have slightly off-centered belly button.  Although you can wait to see how your swelling decreases over the next 3-6 months, I don't think the belly button location will change much.