3 months post op Tummy Tuck, my belly button is dark. Is this normal? (photo)

Question

I had a tummy tuck on June this year and although my belly is flat I can't show it because of my belly button. Can someone help me on how to improve it. It's really pigmented.

Michelle Spring, MD, FACS · Answer

The belly button can appear darker after a tummy tuck for a couple of reasons.  The base of the belly button (the "stalk") is sometimes darker than the surrounding skin, and although most people do not notice this prior to surgery, once the stalk is pulled out with more tension on it, the darker skin becomes more visible.  Certain skin types also have more of a tendency to hyperpigment.   This usually improves over many months to years, but if the pigment has a vascular component (a red hue), lasers can  help improve the scars.  If the pigment is brown, topical bleaching creams such as hydroquinone can help.     Most scars will improve significantly from the way they look at 3 months after surgery!Best wishes,Dr. Michelle Spring

Tiffany McCormack, MD · Answer

It is common for the scar around the belly button to hyperpigment.  I see that your abdominoplasty scar is dark as well.  It has only been 3 months, I think these will both fade more over time.  You may be able to have a laser treatment to speed the process along.  There are also scar creams and hydroquinone (skin lighteners) that may help.

Stephen J. Ronan, MD, FACS · Answer

This is hyperpigmentation and is also seen on your scar.  Try some hydroquinone type products like Obagi Clear (#3) twice a day for 3 months.  Good luck.

J. Garrett Harper, MD · Answer

Sometimes when areas of skin get stressed like after surgery, their pigment can change color.  Any healing and scarring (which is concentrated around the belly button after a tummy tuck) can go through color changes but should lighten with time.  Just give it a few more months and then if it doesn't normalize, think about using Lytera from SkinMedica or another "bleaching" agent but just be careful not to make it too light!

Constance M. Barone, MD · Answer

Yes it is normal because you have a tendency for hyperpigmentation and your belly button stalk was probably alway this color but now that you can see it, it appears dark.   Discuss with your surgeon and Hydoquinone cream can help lighten the pigment.    Best to you.

3 months post op Tummy Tuck, my belly button is dark. Is this normal? (photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Normal but can improve with time

Answer: Normal but can improve with time

Answer: 3 months post op Tummy Tuck, my belly button is dark. Is this normal?

Answer: 3 months post op Tummy Tuck, my belly button is dark. Is this normal?

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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3 months post op Tummy Tuck, my belly button is dark. Is this normal? (photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Normal but can improve with time

Answer: Normal but can improve with time

Answer: 3 months post op Tummy Tuck, my belly button is dark. Is this normal?

Answer: 3 months post op Tummy Tuck, my belly button is dark. Is this normal?

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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.