My old belly button piercing is still showing after my tummy tuck. Is there any way to get rid of It?

Question

I am 4 weeks post op with my tummy tuck. I am happy with my results except a concern I have though, is that while my old belly button is gone, the piercing hole is not. It is right above the scar, almost directly on the scar. Can it be cut off or get rid of it somehow?

Lawrence Iteld, MD · Answer

Occasionally, an old piercing may remain after tummy tuck. Worry not- this can be removed by converting the old piercing into a small up-and-down scar that should fade over time. Typically this can be done in the office in just a few minutes.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photograph.  If you are looking to simply exchange the scar of the piercing for a more vertically oriented line then this can be done with a small in-office procedure once your skin regains some elasticity.  If you are looking to remove additional skin so that the entire scar is removed as occurred with your tummy tuck you will need to wait a year or more to gauge any skin laxity that remains for a possible revision.  Voice your concerns with your surgeon, they can offer you the best advice.

M. Mark Mofid, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. You can remove your old belly piercing scar.  Depending on the amount of skin laxity after full recovery from your abdominoplasty, the scar can be excised and moved lower to the abdominal scar from the tummy tuck.  If the skin is taught, then the scar can be excised in exchange for a small vertical scar.    Most patients will opt to live with the piercing scar than a longer vertical incision.

Sanjiv Kayastha, MD · Answer

Yes, your old belly button piercing can be removed. This is a simple procedure that can be done in the office with local anesthesia. Ask your surgeon about this.

My old belly button piercing is still showing after my tummy tuck. Is there any way to get rid of It?

Answers (4)

Answer: Belly button

Answer: Belly button

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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My old belly button piercing is still showing after my tummy tuck. Is there any way to get rid of It?

Answers (4)

Answer: Belly button

Answer: Belly button

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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.