What Happens to Your Belly Button After Liposuction?

If you are a good candidate for liposuction there will be no change in the appearance of your belly button. Small incisions are made at the pubic hairline and within the base of the belly button but the belly button is not replaced.

I am concerned about your statement that the belly button is stretched out. This implies that the skin has lost some of its elasticity. Liposuction can cause some skin retraction but a consultation would be important to understand the degree of laxity present. If the skin is inelastic then liposuction can deflate the skin and make the appearance of the abdomen worse. You may see the skin of the upper abdomen begin to fall over the belly button. We call this hooding.

Seek out a board certified plastic surgeon to evaluate your abdomen and explain the best options to achieve the results you desire. Good luck

Hello. With liposuction the desired amount of fat is removed and the belly button remains in place. I cannot stress enough the importance of using an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon. If your surgeon does not have the necessary experience they will not treat the area properly and the belly button could droop at the superior fold, resulting in more expensive revision surgery.


Jaime Perez, MD
Liposuction Specialist
Plastic Surgery Center of Tampa

The appearance of the belly button can be affected by liposuction, particularly if the procedure involves the abdomen or surrounding areas. Here's what typically happens to the belly button after liposuction:1. Minimal Changes: In many cases, liposuction of the abdomen or surrounding areas may have minimal impact on the appearance of the belly button. If the liposuction is performed carefully and the surrounding tissues are not overly manipulated, the belly button may retain its natural shape and appearance.2. Possible Indentation or Alteration: Depending on the extent of liposuction and the individual's anatomy, there is a possibility of slight indentation or alteration in the appearance of the belly button. This can occur if fat is removed from the surrounding areas, causing the skin to retract and potentially changing the contour of the belly button.3. Healing Process: After liposuction, the belly button area may experience swelling, bruising, and temporary changes in sensation. These effects are typically temporary and should resolve as the healing process progresses.4. Postoperative Care: It's important to follow your plastic surgeon's postoperative care instructions carefully to optimize healing and minimize the risk of complications. This may include wearing compression garments, avoiding certain activities, and keeping the surgical area clean and protected.5. Individual Variation: The impact of liposuction on the belly button can vary significantly from person to person. Factors such as skin elasticity, tissue quality, and the amount of fat removed can all influence the outcome. Additionally, the skill and experience of the surgeon performing the procedure play a significant role in achieving desirable results.Overall, while liposuction of the abdomen or surrounding areas can potentially affect the appearance of the belly button, most patients experience minimal changes, if any. It's essential to discuss your goals and concerns with your plastic surgeon during the consultation process to ensure that you have realistic expectations and understand the potential outcomes of the procedure.