Can all vertical scars and stretch marks on my stomach be repositioned below new belly button after a Panniculectomy? (Photos)

Question

I am considering a panniculectomy, umbilical hernia repair and new belly button surgery. I have maintained my weight for several years. Will my stomach continue to protrude after the surgery? Can all vertical scars and stretch marks above my belly button be repositioned below my new belly button?

Chris Funderburk, MD · Answer

Thank you for the excellent question and photos.This is a common issue, especially in patients who have experienced weight fluctuations, such as with a pregnancy.Any stretch marks between the area of the umbilicus (belly button) and approximately 6 cm above the vagina will be removed. An ellipse of skin is removed including this portion and extending out laterally towards your flanks.  While this will remove a lot of the stretched skin, it appears it will not remove all in your case. It seems from your photo that you will still have some skin with these marks. That said, I would recommend meeting with a plastic surgeon and looking at some of his or her results. Patients are very pleased with the contour they can receive following lipoabdominoplasty despite some persistent stretch marks!

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question about what to do with your abdomen and whether all your vertical scars and stretch marks on my stomach be repositioned below new belly button after a panniculectomy.  First of all you must understand the difference between a panniculectomy and a tummy tuck. By definition, the panniculectomy is the removal of pannus. In a panniculectomy, an incision is made where the fold meets your lower abdomen. Then, just the overhanging skin and fat of the pannus is removed. During a panniculectomy, no surgery is done to the belly button. During a panniculectomy, no abdominal skin is repositioned. During panniculectomy, only lower abdominal skin and fat IN THE PANNUS is removed. Therefore, in regards to whether your vertical stretch marks and scars be lowered or repositioned, the answer is “no”. During a tummy tuck, an incision is made in the lower beltline and tissue dissection is done to the up to the belly button to just under the rib cage. The anterior abdominal wall skin and fat is dissected and loosened and the rectus abdominal muscles or anterior wall of the abdomen is sutured together and flattened. This procedure of muscle tightening alone will flatten your abdomen.  Then, the skin and fat is pulled down. Typically, the skin that is just right above your belly button is pulled down to the pubic region. During the tummy tuck, your abdominal stretch marks and vertical lines would be removed. Remember during a panniculectomy, your stretch marks will not be removed. During your panniculectomy, even if you undergo an umbilical hernia repair and a new belly button is created, your stretch marks will not be removed. Therefore, for your situation, I would strongly suggest an extended tummy tuck with an umbilical hernia repair. If you just do the panniculectomy, your vertical stretch marks will still be there because the skin is not removed. Also, if you just do a panniculectomy, your rectus muscles will not be repaired and your abdomen will still protrude.  I hope that I have answered your questions regarding whether your vertical scars and stretch marks on my stomach will be repositioned below new belly button after a panniculectomy. I specialize in reconstructive plastic surgery after weight loss.  If you have any more questions regarding the panniculectomy, tummy tuck, extended tummy tuck, high lateral tension tummy tuck, abdominoplasty, lower body lift, 360 circumferential lower body lift, belt lipectomy, belt abdominoplasty, or belt dermolipectomy, please contact my office. Since the panniculectomy or extended tummy tuck are big procedures, please seek an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon with significant experience performing the panniculectomy or extended tummy tuck. Do your research.  Make sure they have performed at least 100 panniculectomies or extended tummy tuck surgeries and have the before and after pictures to prove it.  Carefully examine their before and after pictures and check their reviews on RealSelf.   If you cannot find an experienced, panniculectomy or extended tummy tuck surgeon in your neighborhood, consider traveling out of state if you must. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (“Verified” Plastic Surgeon, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, and International College of Surgery and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Nirmal Nathan, MD · Answer

Dear Generous836715,Thank you for your question. A panniculectomy will not remove the stretch marks above your belly button but a tummy tuck will. Consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to learn more.Best regards,Nirmal R. Nathan, M.D.

·      Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery

·      Member, American Society of Plastic Surgeons

·      RealSelf Top Doctor

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The TT will remove the stretchmarks to the level of the belly button. The scar can be well concealed if placed in a low position.  Stretch marks above the navel cannot be removed during a TT.  However, because the skin is lifted and repositioned during the TT, stretch marks above the navel prior to the surgery will be less visible following the TT, as they will be moved to a lower position.  A TT addresses both the loose skin and the lax abdominal wall as to give a nice, flat youthful contour to the abdomen. The TT also creates a more youthful belly button and improve the waist to hip ratio.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Generous836715,
based on your photos, you look like a good candidate for a TT. Full tummy tuck should tighten your abdominal muscles and remove the excess skin. I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon because only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Can all vertical scars and stretch marks on my stomach be repositioned below new belly button after a Panniculectomy? (Photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Can all vertical scars and stretch marks on my stomach be repositioned below new belly button after a Panniculectomy? (Photos)

Answer: Can all vertical scars and stretch marks on my stomach be repositioned below new belly button after a Panniculectomy? (Photos)

Answer: Panniculectomy

Answer: Panniculectomy

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Everything you need to know about Panniculectomy

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Can all vertical scars and stretch marks on my stomach be repositioned below new belly button after a Panniculectomy? (Photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Can all vertical scars and stretch marks on my stomach be repositioned below new belly button after a Panniculectomy? (Photos)

Answer: Can all vertical scars and stretch marks on my stomach be repositioned below new belly button after a Panniculectomy? (Photos)

Answer: Panniculectomy

Answer: Panniculectomy

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Everything you need to know about Panniculectomy

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.