2 c-sections and a belly button piercing scar: do I need a tummy tuck to fix it? (photos)

Question

I’ve had two children by C-section and weigh 100 pounds. But my belly button frowns and I have a piercing scar.

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

The photo shows a slim abdomen with mild loose and wrinkled skin around the belly button and lower abdomen, as well as a visible piercing scar. A tummy tuck is usually the most reliable way to remove true loose lower-abdominal skin, improve the lower scar area, and reshape the belly button when skin laxity is the main issue. It can also repair muscle separation if present, but that requires an exam.

If your main concern is mainly the piercing scar or the frowning shape of the belly button, smaller options may be possible, such as scar revision, umbilicoplasty, or limited skin tightening. Those options will not remove extra abdominal skin the way a tummy tuck can. At 100 pounds, liposuction is unlikely to be the main answer unless there is a small localized fat pocket. An in-person consultation can determine whether a full tummy tuck, mini tummy tuck, or targeted belly button/scar revision best fits your anatomy and goals.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for sharing your pictures and history regarding your concerns about your abdomen post two C-sections and a bellybutton piercing. After careful examination of your skin condition, I suggest a tummy tuck as the most effective solution to correct the appearance of your bellybutton and abdomen.
Your skin exhibits stretch marks and laxity, which unfortunately makes liposuction an unsuitable option. Merely making an incision around the bellybutton won't provide significant skin tightening either. Therefore, a tummy tuck appears to be the most appropriate course of action.
During a tummy tuck, an incision is typically made in the pubic region, followed by dissection up towards the bellybutton. This procedure involves tightening the abdominal muscles and removing excess skin from the pubic area to above the bellybutton. Additionally, the bellybutton will be reconstructed to enhance its aesthetic appearance.
I hope this provides clarity and guidance regarding your options for improving the condition of your tummy after two C-sections and a bellybutton piercing.
Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

A tummy tuck can tighten loose skin, remove excess fat and reshape your belly button so it doesn’t “frown”.

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your questions regarding a tummy tuck and for including a photo.

A tummy tuck will get rid of excess skin, fix the separated muscle (if applicable), and would also remove your c-section scars.

I would recommend an in person consultation with two or more board certified experienced plastic surgeons for realistic expectations and see if it is safe for you to have surgery.

Best wishes!

Tommaso Addona, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. 
Without evaluation and proper photos, it is difficult to say. However, the excess skin may require a tummy tuck to improve. I recommend meeting with a board certified plastic surgeon for proper evaluation and to discuss your options.

Payman Danielpour, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes!
A tummy tuck will remove most of your loose skin and piercing and leave you with a very flat and beautiful abdomen.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

If you are not planning future pregnancies, I recommend abdominoplasty with mesh reinforcement. The mesh creates a more hourglass figure by compressing the abdominal wall resulting in early satiety and helps maintain a reduced weight.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Finny George, MD · Answer

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. It is hard to say from these photos but some stretch marks are visible which would indicate that a tummy tuck may be your best option. An in person evaluation is always best.

Samuel Golpanian, MD · Answer

While a tummy tuck will likely be able to remove your old c-section scar and piercing, you may end up with a small vertical scar (in addition to the longer horizontal scar) due to insufficient excess skin (based on this picture).

Andre P. Marshall, MD · Answer

Hi Gregarious248316, 
It is hard to make a full assessment with limited pictures and exam. After childbirth the abdominal skin is often irreversible stretched and can only be optimally repaired with skin removal such as a tummy tuck. Given the laxity of the skin above the belly button you would likely need a full tummy tuck, but a proper recommendation would require an examination and consult. Best wishes in your surgical journey.
Dr. Andre P. MarshallDouble Board Certified Plastic SurgeonBeverly Hills, CA 90210

2 c-sections and a belly button piercing scar: do I need a tummy tuck to fix it? (photos)

Answers (18)

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