How will my new belly button look after tummy tuck if I am keloid prone?

This is an uncertain situation. You don't want a hypertrophic scar (most likely what you are having) or a keloid.
How will it look? not good.
Measures to minimize high risk belly button scars or abdominoplasty scars: for the transverse scar:
1) progressive tension sutures in drainless tummy tuck to minimize tension at the closure site
2) possible use of a commercial product called embrace scar therapy, a pre-stretched sticky silicon pad that pulls the skin toward the incision and unloads tension.
3) microbotox into the incision after closure, repeated at 2 weeks and two months, see reference.
For the belly button: break up the closure so it is not a closed circle. Consider a superior or inferior flap.
Aesthet Surg J. 2023 Mar 1;43(9):1015–1024. doi: 10.1093/asj/sjad044
Microtoxin for Improving Pore Size, Skin Laxity, Sebum Control, and Scars: A Roundtable on Integrating Intradermal Botulinum Toxin Type A Microdoses Into Clinical Practice
Sabrina Guillen Fabi ✉,1, Je-Young Park 2, Kate Goldie 3, Woffles Wu 4

In certain instances simply excising the scar and reclosing the wound can result in an improvement of your keloid. Unfortunately there is approximately a 50% chance that the keloid can recur and may come back even worse than before. The most reliable way to reduce recurrence is for scar revision with postoperative radiation. This type of radiation is less invasive than oncological (cancer related) radiation, still requires the help of a radiation oncologist. This intervention reduces recurrence rates to approximately 20%. Make an appointment with board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options.

Hello,
Thank you for your question.
In patients with a known tendency to form keloids, special consideration should be given to incision placement and scar management, including around the umbilicus (belly button) after a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty). While the lower abdominal scar is typically concealed beneath clothing, the umbilical scar is more exposed and can be aesthetically challenging if abnormal scarring occurs. If a keloid develops in this area, management may include silicone gel sheets, corticosteroid injections, pressure therapy, or 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) injections, in addition to laser therapy. In some cases, surgical revision with postoperative steroid or radiation treatment may be considered to prevent recurrence. Preemptive measures such as meticulous surgical technique, early scar care, and close follow-up are key in minimizing this risk.

Hello, thank you for your question. If you are keloid-prone, then your concern about a possible keloid around the umbilicus is legitimate. Scars can be treated conservatively using massage and scar gels or other topical agents, laser, steroid injections, etc. However, none of these treatments are always effective, and they have their own potential risks (depigmentation or dark pigmentation, spider veins, thinning of the scar or the surrounding skin, burns, allergic reactions, etc). This is a very important issue to discuss with your surgeon prior to going ahead with surgery, so you can decide if the operation is right for you. Depending on your anatomy, there are alternatives to regular tummy tuck surgery that don't result in a scar around the belly button, like a mini tummy tuck, or floating umbilicus abdominoplasty (FAB tummy tuck).

Hi, Sorry to hear of your issue. There are basically two types of sutures used in surgery; those that dissolve over time and those that don't. A permanent suture, although rare, can misbehave and cause a granuloma. Removing a suture after 2 years will not impact the muscle repair in any way. Best of luck.

Yes, it’s definitely possible for someone who is prone to keloids to develop them after any surgical intervention. However, if the belly button length is adjusted properly and reconstructed without tension, the risk of keloid formation significantly decreases.
With the Mercedes technique we use, and by carefully planning the navel’s size and position, the risk of keloid formation is very rare. This method, combined with proper tension-free closure, is effective in preventing such complications.

Thanks for your question! Unfortunately, this is a risk you take. There are lasers and serums that can help, but it can't be completely avoided. You may even need a second procedure to try and reduce scarring. Best of luck!

Thank you for your question. Unfortunately, some people develop poor scars. Knowing that you are a keloid former, your plastic surgeon can lower the risk of a keloid around your belly button by limiting tension, using less reactive sutures, and using silicone pads for compression of your scar.

Thank you for your thoughtful question. Since you already know you’re prone to keloid formation, it’s completely valid to be concerned about areas like the belly button, where scars are more visible.
While tummy tuck scars are typically placed low enough to be concealed under clothing, the belly button does remain exposed. Fortunately, most surgeons take special care to shape and suture this area in a way that hides the scar within the natural contour. However, for keloid-prone individuals, even well-placed incisions can sometimes heal unpredictably.
If a keloid does develop around the belly button, several treatment options beyond laser therapy may help: • Silicone gel or silicone sheeting (used consistently post-op) • Steroid injections (often used as a first-line treatment for raised or thickened scars) • Pressure therapy or taping techniques during healing • Microneedling or superficial radiofrequency treatments under medical guidance
The key is close follow-up with your surgeon and possibly consulting a dermatologist early in the healing process. Preventive strategies can often make a big difference for keloid-prone skin.
Wishing you a smooth recovery and optimal scar healing

Hello, if you have keloid and youı'll ahve a tummy tuck, your scars will be more visible than expected. You can have non surgical treatments, or you can have a scar revision after your operation