Low and reused belly button. Is it normal to have a belly button so low? (Photo)

Question

Updated with photo - Hello, I had a tummy tuck done and I am not liking my results. I feel my belly button is too low. My belly button is 2 inches off the top of my pubic area. The doctor also didn't give me a new belly button, I still have my original belly button. I'm 5'7 which makes it look it crazier. Is it normal to have a belly button so low or not to receive a newly constructed belly button?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and for sharing your history and pictures.
Looking at your picture, it's slightly challenging to discern precisely what was performed. Usually, your original belly button is detached and repositioned on the abdominal wall during a tummy tuck. This reuse of the original belly button is a common practice. It's relatively rare for plastic surgeons to create an entirely new belly button.
Regardless, the position and shape of your belly button can be revised. This revision can be done under local anesthesia. I suggest that the belly button be repositioned higher and reshaped to be more round.
An alternative option is to remove your belly button completely and have it tattooed by a medical-grade tattoo artist. While this is an easier procedure, it may not suit your aesthetic preferences.
Therefore, I would suggest considering a revision of umbilicoplasty or belly button surgery for repositioning and reshaping. I trust this helps answer your question regarding your low repositioned belly button and whether it's normal for it to be positioned so low.
Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question.  Unfortunately without photographs it is difficult to offer advice and I would advocate showing your before/current results.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

It sounds like part of the issue is that the scar is high and therefore the pubic hair is higher than might be expected . Seeing pictures  would help

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Energetic285719,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Cagil Meric Erenoglu, MD · Answer

Hi, Energetic285719! Thank you for your question and photo.
Regarding your photo, it seems like you're on early weeks after your operation. After 1st year, when your skin becomes elastic again, a touch-up can be done by removing the skin including your belly-button and reconstructing a new belly-button which is located higher and more natural way. The length of your torso looks good enough to handle that kind of re-excision.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You did not post your before photos, and some people do have a low lying belly button. I would suggest discussing your concerns with your surgeon. He/she may have been trying to avoid a small vertical scar if the belly button was raised.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

An examination is needed to determine what occurred with the position of your belly button.  I encourage you to return to your surgeon to discuss your concerns and possible options for reconstruction.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

The umbilicus location does not change with a standard abdominoplasty.  If one performs a "sliding umbilicus" during an abdominoplasty, then yes, the height of the belly button will be lower.  
Depending on the looseness of the upper abdominal skin, the distance between the umbilicus and the abdominoplasty incision may be affected.  If the upper abdominal skin is not very redundant (loose) pre-operatively, then the distance your surgeon may stretch the skin during the abdominoplasty procedure may be restricted leaving the tummy tuck scar higher then desired.
Yours appears a tiny bit high, but acceptable.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Based on only 1 posted photo you must inquiry to the surgeon or clinic used if you had a free floating bely button TT? As it appears. Revision is possible but very difficult. Best to seek virtual or in person consults....

Mark Eberbach, MD · Answer

Please repost with a proper photo.

It is impossible to give any objective opinion without one.

Good luck

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