Why does my belly button look weird? (photos)

Question

Hello. Back in November of this year, I had a TT with hernia repair of the belly button. But why does it look so ugly? It looks worse than before. Did it not heal correctly? Please help:)

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,I am sorry that your belly button doesn't look normal.  Your hernia may have returned, but that is not what is bothering you with it's appearance. 'Normal' belly buttons are not sudden, well-like depressions in a flat surface. There should be a normal curvature inward on the surface of your abdomen that leads to the belly button proper; your abdomen is flat all the way to the belly button. Additionally, your actual belly button skin is excessive, and almost appears protruding.A remedy is a surgical procedure that would address both of these issues. Trimming the excess belly button skin is relatively easy and the result permanent. Creating a gentle curve in the abdominal wall towards your belly button incision is more uncertain and would depend on a few anatomic issues including the tension of your skin and the depth of the subcutaneous tissue near the belly button. It would involve anchoring the belly button down to the muscle wall, thereby drawing the abdominal skin inward. You would need to be evaluated to determine what could be done and how much of an improvement could be anticipated. Best of luck!

Afshin Parhiscar, MD · Answer

Dear MmyqueenbBellybuttons heal differently and that  is certainly true. However, I think your scar has thickened and is noticeable and you could benefit from an umbilicoplasty to "tack the skin back in".I would suggest returning to your surgeon and if there is no hernia once you are examined, discuss a scar revision and umbilicoplasty. Your abdominal shape looks great!! congratulations!!

Robert Drielsma, MBBS, BSc, FRACS · Answer

Your first step is to determine whether or not the the hernia has returned.  If not you could achieve a better aesthetic result with a belly button revision which in many cases can be done under a local anesthetic.  Return to your plastic surgeon for a discussion regarding your concerns.

Benjamin Chu, MD, FACS · Answer

The belly button stalk has to be invaginated with the muscle repair.  A certain length must be made so it is not too short or too long.  You current belly button length is too long.  There are two options one to repair the muscle and invaginate the belly button so its deeper or resect the extra skin so its shorter.  It would be easier to resect the extra skin so its shorter.  You should talk to your plastic surgeon about each option.

Heather J. Furnas, MD · Answer

Check with your plastic surgeon. If your hernia has returned, he or she may recommend that you see a general surgeon for a hernia repair.To see a tummy tuck result after complete healing, click on the link below.All the best.

Why does my belly button look weird? (photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Belly button is too long

Answer: Belly button is too long

Answer: Is Belly Button Hernia Back after Tummy Tuck?

Answer: Is Belly Button Hernia Back after Tummy Tuck?

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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.

Why does my belly button look weird? (photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Belly button is too long

Answer: Belly button is too long

Answer: Is Belly Button Hernia Back after Tummy Tuck?

Answer: Is Belly Button Hernia Back after Tummy Tuck?

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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