Is it common practice for the stitches to be on the outside of the belly button after a Tummy tuck? (photos)

Thanks for your question.  In many cases it is possible to disguise the location of the belly button scar within the contour depression of the belly button itself, which can make it less visible.  If dissolving sutures are used there are no suture holes along the scar.

This is a common concern patients have, as the belly button scar is the most visible in a bikini. When there is a million ways to do something, this means that no one way is better than the others.  Hence, find a board certified plastic surgeon that you trust will give you the results you are looking for and discuss your concerns with them .  

Thank you very much for your enquiry and photograph.You are right that scarring is an inevitable
consequence of tummy tuck surgery.I think, looking at your photographs a mini
tummy tuck may be appropriate for you.In this procedure the scars are kept very low on the tummy and there is
no scar around the tummy button.A mini tummy tuck can be combined with
repair of the muscles of your tummy which are often slightly split.For more information about mini tummy tuck
surgery please have a look at our website which has lots
of information about this type of surgery and you will be able to see videos of
the operation being performed and before and after photos of similar procedures
to get the best idea of the likely results following surgery.

When performing tummy tucks I strive to keep the abdominal scar low, so that it can be hidden under bathing suits and undergarments. Many of my patients return to wearing bikinis after years of one pieces bathing suits after tummy tucks. In most cases the tummy tuck scar is lower than a typical C-section scar (and also removes it). The umbilical incision can be closed in a variety of ways. Many surgeons close the belly button in such a way that the scar is circular and fully visible. I close belly buttons in a manner that hides the majority of the scar inside the belly button. I also feel that this results in a more natural looking belly button.

It looks like you are a perfect candidate for a Tummy Tuck. I keep my incisions low so that you should be able to wear a bikini also the Belly Button sutures are only internal so they do not leave marks. The scar around the BB usually is inside and not very visible. At your consultation look at photos of patients done by that surgeon. Then make your decision.

The stitches can be inside, outside or both. If you have a tummy tuck you have to accept that there will be a visible belly button scar. There are techniques to minimize and hide the scar. Consult a plastic surgeon and discuss how they handle the belly button as part of an abdominoplasty. Also, ask to see before and after photos of their work. This should give you a good idea of what is possible and realistic. Good luck.

It is my pleasure to answer your question. Some stitches are outside the belly, but it depends on the technique of the surgeon. I recommend you to go to an in person consultation with a Board Certified plastic surgeon for orientations.

There are so many ways to close the incisions that are created with a tummy tuck. Once you find a PS that you are comfortable with, you can go over how they specifically close the incisions. Where and how the sutures are placed play a smaller role in the overall scarring. Too much tension on the closure and predisposition to poor scarring play the major role in how you will heal. For the most part, ethnic patients tend to scar worse than fair skinned patients. There should be no reason why you can't wear a bikini after a tummy tuck!

The belly button is an important part of a beautiful abdomen.  Plastic surgery is an art not a science and all surgeons have their own tricks to make the belly button look good. Some have stitches outside, some don't. Talk to other people who have had tummy tuck surgery and ask to see photos of other tummy tucks that your surgeon has done and ask him what his priorities are in making a natural belly button.  Best of luck to you, seek out a board certified plastic surgeon who is proud to show his results.