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)

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

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!