Is my belly button going to sink inward? (Photo)

Question

3 weeks post op and my belly button is flat with my tummy. The doctor and I discussed my belly button prior to surgery. He said he gives natural looking belly buttons. All his before and afters, of other patients, have innies, like I want. So, is it possible this perfectly round belly button will sink and not remain flat? Looks the same as day 1.

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thank you very much for sharing your concerns with us.Its too early to talk about final results. At this point 3 weeks post op, the swelling is normal. To reduce it, I recommend you perform daily lymphatic drainage massage therapy over the abdomen and wear a postoperative girdle from thigh to the breasts.If the fter six months post-op, I recommend you send us your photos again, to give you more information about how we can solve this problem.Kind regards,Dr. Emma Mallol Cotes.-

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.You are very early on. I would reassess at 6 months The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative plastic surgery.best of luck!Dr Schwartz

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  At three weeks your belly button is likely being affected by swelling, and should improve in appearance over the next several months.  If your physician understood your desired belly button appearance, and has good examples of previous work, hang in there and be positive that your result will work out.

Nana N. Mizuguchi, MD, FACS · Answer

You are still in the early phase of recovery and the belly button can look different at this time.  As the swelling improves, your belly button should also improve.  This takes 6 months to a year.Best Wishes,Nana Mizuguchi

Paul Gill, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.   At 3 weeks, you have plenty of healing left to do.   There are many variations on how we treat the belly button, depending on how the belly button is shaped prior to surgery.   Please be patient and give your body the necessary healing time.  You will continue to see much improvement.  All the best.Dr. Gill

Vasdev Rai, MD · Answer

At this time you are swollen.  Give it time. It may or may not happen.  Sometimes there are anatomical limits to achievable results. Discuss with your surgeon.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

In my over the internet opinion you will likely need bb revision surgery at 3 months post...............

Ven Erella, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. You are at very early phase of healing. Pl give few months time for healing . Express your concerns to your PS and follow instructions.

Pedro M. Soler, Jr., MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and the photographs. The changes are very normal in the post op period you are in.  In the initial phase after surgery, within the first three months, there is a period of inflammation and scarring that must occur in order for you to heal. The surgical areas will typically appear as swollen, "lumpy/bumpy", feel tender, tight, etc. Over ensuing months these processes will subside and the inflammatory process gives way to scar softening and remodeling. It is during this time that you will start to see your results appear and look more "natural" as the swelling dissipates and the soft tissues soften. I tell my patients that they will not see their final results for at least to 6 months. At this point I would recommend to be patient and continue close follow up with your plastic surgeon. This will allow you and your surgeon the chance to discuss your concerns and help allay any anxieties you may be experiencing. I hope this helps. Best wishes

Neil T. Chen, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Since you are only 3 weeks post op, much will still change with the appearance. In general, as the circumferential incision at the belly button contract, it will make the belly button smaller and a bit more indented. Give it more time.

Is my belly button going to sink inward? (Photo)

Answers (10)

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