Is my belly button too low or my scar too high or both? 10 months post TT. (photos)

Hi!  It does appear as though your scar is a bit high and/or your belly button a bit low but determining which would require your preop photos as well as an in person exam.  This is a tough problem to fix completely but the distance between your scar and belly button can be lengthened a bit.  It would require one or two revision procedures spaced about 6 to 12 months apart.  Best of luck to you!G. Robert Meger MD

Dear btrejop6,I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after thorough examination you can get proper recommendations and advice. You might be a candidate for a scar revision.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Dear btrejop6,Scar placement after tummy tuck is always a concern. Your scar appears a bit high but not excessively so, and sometimes that may have been the lowest the surgeon could safely pull it down. At 10 months out, if you do not like the scar placement or appearance, it can be revised and made a bit lower. There are techniques such as anchoring the scar which can lower it effectively. I would suggest having an honest discussion with your surgeon, and possibly seeking a second opinion if you are not satisfied. Nirmal R. Nathan, M.D.Certified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic Surgeons

It's very hard to answer your question based on a photograph.In my practice, the central portion of the tummy tuck scar is generally located 6-8 cm above the vaginal cleft, depending on the height of the patient.  The side portions of the scar are placed wherever the patient wants to be able to wear a bathing suit.  This needs to be a discussion at the time of marking for surgery, and I generally ask patients to put a bikini bottom on in the area they would like to wear it later.  I use that outline as a guide for my surgical plan.As for the belly button, it is placed in everyone at the very top of the hip bone - whether they have had a tummy tuck or not.  Run your hands down your sides from the ribs and when you feel the top of your hips on both sides, they should be at the level of the umbilicus.Frankly, there isn't all that much that we as plastic surgeons can do to control the quality of the scar.  Sure, we try to close in proper layers and relieve tension from the skin, but other than that, it's more of a genetic issue.I'm sorry if your are unhappy with your outcome, but the best person to help you out with this is likely to be your original Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.Good Luck!

The shape and contour of your abdomen is quite nice. I prefer to place the scar lower but many plastic surgeons place the scar higher to avoid a vertical scar from the belly button that has to be incised to allow for the skin to move down. The scar can be managed with bleacher and perhaps IPL or laser treatments and the dog ear can easily be corrected in the office with revisional surgery. I would focus on the improvement in the shape of your abdomen and the tightening of the skin. There are many nice one-piece bathing suites that will show the nice shape you have and cover the scar. Be happy!

are appreciated and unfortunate as surgery is done and you cannot return to your pre-op state.  Your belly button technically is where it was anatomically since it was brought out through your tummy flap as confirmed by the cirumumbilical scar present.  But the scar is too close to it, suggesting your scar is too high.  My incisions are placed 2 inches above the vulva and the lateral tails of the scars dependent on what type of swimsuit my patients like to wear.  Scar placement should have been discussed in depth with you prior to the procedure so you could choose what would work best for you.  What you have is one option.  Another is a vertical scar between the transverse scar and your belly button.  Finally, my preference is to give up your belly button and reconstruction one later as its much better than a circular belly button that you have.  Your surgeon may be a good or reputable surgeon but your concerns are quite valid.

I understand and sympathize with your concerns btrejop6.  Based on the photos, I would agree that one or both things have occurred.  An in-person exam is necessary to determine the best course of action to help you achieve your surgical goals.  Trust is the most important factor in the patient-doctor relationship so if you are not feeling that with your previous surgeon, I would absolutely seek a second opinion with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss what options you may have.  Best of luck to you!

Dr. Max