Belly button shrinking after tummy tuck. The same thing happened after revision. Why is this happening? What should I do now?

Question

I had a TT Apr 2013 and my belly button shrunk so small I couldn't even fit a q-tip in it. My surgeon did a revision Apr 2014 and it is the same thing. I'm so frustrated. Does he not know what he's doing? Why does my bb keep shrinking so small? What should I do now?

Vivek Bansal, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I would have a meeting with your surgeon, and if no options are offered, then ask for a referral to one who may have other options. You may just heal this way, and another surgeon may not have a different outcome. Genes are very powerful. I hope this helps!

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

Bellybutton shrinkage after abdominoplasty can happen for a number of reasons. These can range from infection, open wounds, poor blood supply, the propensity for over healing, or others. Usually improvement is possible by

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

belly button revisionthis should be fixable under local anaesthetic with local flaps or skin removal

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Your belly button is shrinking because its blood supply is minimal. Each time there is an operation the blood supply is decreased.  This produces a scarred/stenotic belly button.  May need a new belly button created

Charles A. Wallace, MD · Answer

There is a correct way to suture a belly button to give it the natural shape desired.  Blood supplyto this area after surgery is critical.  We make sure that the compression garment is folded at the top soas to not cut off blood supply.  The belly button is usually the last thing to heal and I have revised a fewover the years with good results.

Norman G. Morrison, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Belly button shrinkage
is a common problem, and you are not alone. Surgeons usually advise their patients to use a marble to keep it
open. Ask your plastic surgeon if he
would advise the same

Paul H. Rhee, MD, FACS - Account Suspended · Answer

Your belly button is likely 'shrinking' because there is some degree of secondary healing taking place.  Secondary healing is your body's way of closing an open wound.  In a normal scenario (like a wound on your arm or leg), it is beneficial for your body to do this.  In this scenario, your revision requires a method of revision that creates a normal appearing belly button with tissue that does not have to heal in this fashion.

Belly button shrinking after tummy tuck. The same thing happened after revision. Why is this happening? What should I do now?

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