My once innie belly button is now a major outie it’s freakishly large 10 days after my tummy tuck. Will this get better? (Photo)

Question

Will my belly button start to go down and resemble a belly button again?

Itzhak Nir, MD, FACS · Answer

Some swelling of the umbilicus is normal, but if you had a previous "outie" you may have had a hernia in the belly button area. Make sure you discuss the swelling with your surgeon and have him explain to you exactly what is going on. If it does not go away in 2 more weeks then it is not just swelling. I hope this has helped.

Jan Hochtritt, BSc, MD · Answer

Thank you very much for your question and the attached picture. It is still very soon after surgery so swelling is to be expected. There are different techniques of reconstructing enable and every plastic surgeon has their favorite method. You have an out to eat no because there is a lot less fat around the navel, Which probably is one of the reasons you got a Tummy  Tuck in the first place. So far everything is looking nice. Congrats for the nice result. Have a wonderful rest of the day and greetings from the beautiful island of Jamaica

Gary L. Ross, MBChB, FRCS · Answer

This is not unusual and things will improve. I would not be concerned at present but only your PS will be able to reassure you.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

Dear Murph,Thanks for your question and photo.It is not unusual to have swelling in the umbilical area for several weeks after surgery.

Emily J. Kirby, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your tummy tuck! It is very normal for the belly button (umbilicus) to hold on to swelling for a long time. It's really a trade-off we choose when surgeons decide to make your belly button nice and small. If the belly button were larger, it would not hold on to as much swelling, but then it is not as cosmetic. My patients massage the belly button using their fingers and Eucerin cream starting about 2 weeks after surgery. Ask your surgeon if this is right for you. Rest assured that over time the swelling will go away and the belly button will shrink back down. It is very uncommon to develop a hernia after a tummy tuck, but it is best to check with your board certified plastic surgeon if you are having pains in this area. Best of luck to you!

My once innie belly button is now a major outie it’s freakishly large 10 days after my tummy tuck. Will this get better? (Photo)

Answers (5)

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