Is there hope for my botched belly button? (Photo)

Question

I had a tummy tuck with hernia and muscle repair 6 months ago. My belly button, however, is flat, scar is prominent and it is in the shape of an upside down triangle. I was told by my surgeon that nothing can be done the scar can only be revised in a year. I am extremely unhappy about this and can't bare having anyone see my navel. Please advise on if anything can be done? I'm based in johannesburg, any surgeons who specialise in this procedure i could contact?

Robert M. Lowen, MD · Answer

This scar can be revised, and waiting a year is a good idea, although it may not require a full year for everything to soften up. It may be possible to bring the upper points of the triangle closer together to make the belly button more vertical, and recruit some of the skin between to make the belly button deeper.  This may take several stages, but be optimistic.  Consult a board-certified plastic surgeon for a second-opinion who can make an in-person evaluation.

Terrence Higgins, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions and photos.
Certainly your board certified plastic surgeon who performed your surgery can address the belly button revision ( in office).
Waiting for at least 9-12 months before scar revision is appropriate.
Best of luck to you.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

but as your surgeon said, you should be patient.  Waiting a year is good advice.  As for what needs to be done, it appears there is a redundancy of your native umbilicus and if so, it needs to be released with the scar and the excesses removed and the belly button re-sutured.  Any well trained plastic surgeon can do this for you and in ideal situations, you should let your surgeon do this for you.

Stefan Rene Adair, MD · Answer

There is hope for revising your umbilicus. This will involve a reexcision and reinset  for a more natural looking hooded shape.
Best of luck.
SA

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