When the belly button is brought out through the abdominal skin during an abdominoplasty, it must be sutured into place. However, this suturing can be accomplished with a stitch that runs around the belly button but underneath the surface of the skin and dissolves in 4 to 6 weeks. Yes, there has to be a scar around the belly button, ideally placed down in the depressed area of the belly button contour, but there is no need for external sutures around the belly button that require removal and can potentially worsen the scarring around the belly button. If external sutures are placed, ideally they should be removed in approximately seven days. Best wishes.

Thanks so much for your inquire, If dissolvable stitches are used around the belly button, they don’t need removal and will gradually dissolve on their own over a few weeks. If non-dissolvable stitches are used, they are generally removed around 7 to 14 days after surgery. Most surgeons will schedule a follow-up visit within the first week or two after surgery to assess healing and determine if any stitches need removal at that time. It’s essential to follow your surgeon's specific instructions and attend all follow-up appointments, as they will monitor your belly button and overall healing progress. Sincerely, Dr. Emmanuel Mallol

Most of the stitching is dissolvable and woven under the skin to prevent stitch marks. Stitches around the belly-button are non-dissolvable and typically removed two weeks post tummy tuck surgery.

I prefer to use internal sutures that dissolve and leave surgical tapes for 1 months. However, if I use outside sutures, I leave them 2 weeks.

This depends on your surgeon. It can be anywhere from a week or more, depending on your recovery rate and the type of sutures used. If your sutures are absorbable, they don’t require removal.