How to fix the wrinkling/loose skin above belly button and my belly button? What surgery do I need? (Photos)

Question

I got a TT 12/15 w/an umbilical hernia repair(due to twins) by a cert PS. I wanted a full but he claimed I was too thin. I am almost 5’ 8” And weigh around 120 lbs. Within 5 1/2 weeks my umbical hernia reappeared so he redid the surgery. The second time I lost my belly button and there’s a bugle around it with stitching scars. Within weeks of that I have another hernia about an inch or so above the belles button area. The bigger problem is I have very loose wrinkly skin above the belly button.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear MIshell,it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. Belly button reconstruction is the most delicate part of tummy tuck surgery. I spend almost an hour on belly button reconstruction so that my patients get the best possible outcome. If you have any doubts you can always ask for a second opinion. You will get the best recommendations after a thorough examination.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

Thank you for this question. For the loose upper skin you can consider a reverse tummy tuck. This will help with the B.B. too. If the B.B. is the primary goal consider a nonsurgical skin tightening procedure or Sculptra with microneedling. Best wishes. Dr. Aldo

George Marosan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. You will need a modified full tummy tuck, muscle and hernia repair +/- mesh. You had two previous hernia repairs which failed, and this could be more like tissue failure as opposed to poor surgical technique. You will end up with a small vertical scar in the lower abdomen if the belly button opening cannot be removed. I would discard your belly button, and create a new one 2-4 weeks postop under local anesthesia. See a board certified plastic surgeon experienced in advanced body sculpting techniques for an in person consultation/evaluation. Good luck.

Yuly Gorodisky, DO, FACOS · Answer

if you are bothered by loose skin above the belly button you could consider a full tummy tuck.  You have to understand that if there is not enough skin to reach from the old belly button to the horizontal scar, you may have a vertical scar below the belly button in addition to the horizontal scar in the pubic area. The hernia may be addressed by tightening the abdominal muscles all the way from the top to the bottom of the abdomen. If the hernia is a reoccurring problem, a mesh may need to be used for additional support.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

When you bend, you will see extra and loose skin. There are minimally invasive radiofrequency skin tightening options like Renuvion which might work very well for you.

How to fix the wrinkling/loose skin above belly button and my belly button? What surgery do I need? (Photos)

Answers (5)