Will my Belly Button Shrink?

Question

Its been 2 weeks after getting my full tummy tuck with lipo to my side flanks well im pleased with how my results are. Its just everyone says my belly button looks huge the size of a quarter will it shrink? Doctor says im still swollen alot

S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear Iris, The answer to your question as to whether your belly button will shrink depends on how your surgeon did your umbilicoplasty.  If he or she did a wide excision of the fat around the edge of your new belly button opening, then I doubt seriously your belly button will shrink.  On the other hand, if the fat was not removed, there may be some closing or tightening of the belly button. 

	In general though, I think swelling would make it look smaller and not bigger, therefore I doubt that swelling is causing your belly button to look larger.  I recommend measuring the opening using a metric ruler, and the measurement should be taken every 2 weeks.  Give it 3 months.  If it stays the same or gets wider, speak to your plastic surgeon about a revision (this unfortunately is a known potential complication).  On the other hand, if it gets smaller, then your worries are over.

James F. Boynton, MD, FACS · Answer

The belly button can swell after tummy tuck because there is always some tension in the area and somewhat more challenged blood supply serving the belly button. At 2 weeks after the procedure, It may still settle down. If it is still "quarter sized" after 3 months, then I would discuss this with your plastic surgeon to find out what your options are.

William T. Stoeckel, MD · Answer

It has only been 2 weeks since your surgery and you should expect a significant of swelling to improve over the next several months. If the circumference of the belly button is wide, then you might be disappointed with the final results, but if the belly button just looks overly swollen, then this will likely improve dramatically. It all depends on how your surgeon performed your procedure.

Matthew Schulman, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, my experience is that belly buttons tend to stretch over time after a tummy tuck. If it looks wide already, you should not expect it to get better over time. It may stay the same, but may also get wider. I perform about 12 cosmetic belly button surgeries per month on patients from all over the country, and the majority of these women come to me because they are not happy with the belly button after a tummy tuck. This is why it is so important to make the belly button look great at the time of the tummy tuck...it is the only visible scar and unfortunately I find that many surgeons don't pay enough attention to it.

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

In trying to answer this question, it would be helpful to see photos, preferable from before and after your surgery. 

	You probably do have swelling at only 2 weeks after your TT. But if the navel is as wide as you describe, I would not expect it to become more narrow with time. Swelling is not likely to change the diameter of the navel. 

	There are patients in whom the scar will contract, sometimes causing a navel that is the correct size at surgery to shrink and become too small. It is possible that that will occur, so I would advise several months of patience before considering an attempt at correction. Continue to follow up with your surgeon.

	Thanks for your question, and best wishes.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Although the concerns you have regarding the size of your umbilicus are understandable, it is much too early to evaluate the end results of surgery. I would suggest that you continue to follow-up with your plastic surgeon,  continue to be patient, and eliminate the noise you hear from “everyone”.

	 Hopefully, you will be please with the long-term results of the procedure; if the umbilicus remains large long-term revisionary surgery may be helpful.

	Best wishes.

Stephen M. Chen, MD · Answer

Two weeks is a short amount of time in the postoperative recovery period. Dr. Repta has done an excellent job of explaining the etiologies of your swollen umbilicus. Hang in there, once the edema goes away you can make a much better assessment of your abdomen and if it is not to your liking you can discuss this with your plastic surgeon.

Remus Repta, MD · Answer

Hello,

	Thank you for your question.  There are three main reasons to have a large belly button.  Excess fat, too large of a skin excision, and swelling.  If it is swelling then your belly button size will improve.  Unfortunately, if it is one of the the other two issues you may require a revision once healing has occurred.  

	All the best,

	Dr Remus Repta

Donald Nunn, MD (retired) · Answer

You are very early after your procedure. It can take over 6 months for the swelling to subside. The belly button is sometimes prone to significant swelling. Donald R. Nunn MD Atlanta Plastic Surgeon.

Will my Belly Button Shrink?

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