Can I still get a tummy tuck with a belly ring? Will the surgery stretch out the hole?

Question

I wanna get a tummy tuck soon and I’m just starting to research doctors for consultation but Im not sure if the surgery will stretch the hole or if it will be fine

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry. It's quite a common question for those considering a tummy tuck who also have belly button piercings.

In a standard tummy tuck procedure, the navel is often repositioned due to the removal and tightening of excess skin. As a result, there's a good chance your belly button—and therefore your piercing—will be moved. The piercing hole could be slightly altered due to this repositioning.

Before the procedure, you'll need to remove any body jewelry to avoid any complications. During your consultation, it would be beneficial to discuss your concerns about your piercing with your surgeon. They will be able to give you a more accurate prediction based on your specific case.

Remember, the ultimate goal is to provide you with the best possible aesthetic result while ensuring your safety.

I hope this response provides some clarity for you. Best of luck on your journey.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Loose skin is removed during a tummy tuck. This means that there’s a good chance your piercing will be removed. However, once you’ve recovered, you can get your belly button pierced again.

Wayne I. Yamahata, MD · Answer

During a standard abdominoplasty, the umbilicus is transposed. In most cases the original umbilical opening and openings from jewelry, will be removed as a part of the excess tissue.

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @Babii Doll, thank you for your question. It really depends on the individual patient, when we talk about a tummy tuck there is an excess of skin that is removed. If there is a significant amount of skin above the navel, it may be possible to reposition the navel itself. Ultimately, the best way to determine if you will have your belly ring or make a new one is to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS.

Christopher Pannucci, MD, MS · Answer

Hi Babii Doll,
Assuming your belly button is pierced at the 12 o'clock position, the holes (both entry and exit) would typically be excised during a tummy tuck...specifically, both are included in the tissue that is removed. 
All tummy tucks (except the mini, which "floats" the belly button) will put a new scar around the belly button, as it is moved to its new location. 
Hope this helps!
Best,Christopher Pannucci MDBoard Certified Plastic SurgeryPlastic Surgery NorthwestSpokane, Washington

Moises Salama, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. No, you cannot have tummy tuck surgery with your belly ring on. You will need to remove it for surgery. Since a your belly button is reconstructed during a tummy tuck, you will need to re-pierce your belly button. Hope this helps. Please always consult with a board certified plastic surgeon. Take care, Dr. Moises Salama, board certified plastic surgeon.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Babii Doll,
in case of a tummy tuck, your surgeon will create a new belly button. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Jon S. Wilensky, MD · Answer

Yes, you can still have a tummy tuck with a belly ring. Your belly ring will need to be removed prior to Surgery. In the tummy tuck, all of the skin from above your mons pubis (pubic bone) to just above the top of your belly button will be removed. The skin above the belly button is then freed up and drawn down to the pubic bone to complete the abdominoplasty. Your belly button is never fully detached from your body. It is cut around in a circular fashion and freed up to where it attaches to your tummy from when you were a baby. At the very end of the tummy tuck, a new opening is created and your belly button, now usually smaller and with a much more appealing shape, is secured in place with dissolvable sutures. Once you are healed, in 6 months, you can obtain a new piercing of your belly button.

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.
After having a tummy tuck the belly ring hole will no longer be present. The surgeon will be creating a new belly button. Schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options. Best of luck!

Joseph Batac, MD · Answer

Good day and thank you for your question. Depending on where the piercing site is located it is usually excised at the time of your surgery. You will most likely need to have your belly button repierced. Good luck with the rest of your journey!
Cheers,Joseph Batac, M. D. Double board certified plastic surgeon

Can I still get a tummy tuck with a belly ring? Will the surgery stretch out the hole?

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