I had a tummy tuck with a minor hernia repair 16 weeks ago. My belly button has been very narrow after surgery. I can barely put a Qtip in there and it feels very shallow. When I try to clean it, the Qtip has a mild odor afterwards. Is this normal?
October 28, 2013
Answer: Belly button Every surgeon has a different technique for how they re-create the belly button. Some just make a slit, others make a circle, some a chevron sign...it varies significantly. If it doesn't open up after 6 months of healing, then you may be a candidate for a revision. Make sure you are evaluated by a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Good Luck!
Helpful
October 28, 2013
Answer: Belly button Every surgeon has a different technique for how they re-create the belly button. Some just make a slit, others make a circle, some a chevron sign...it varies significantly. If it doesn't open up after 6 months of healing, then you may be a candidate for a revision. Make sure you are evaluated by a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Good Luck!
Helpful
October 28, 2013
Answer: Belly button technique Because of the amount of tissue removed, the tension in the skin after tummy tuck goes up and down rather than side to side. This tends to narrow and elongate the belly button in a vertical direction. I compensate for that by making an upside-down V-shaped incision in the skin that is sutured to the belly button's cut edge, stenting it opened. I also anchor the base of the belly button down to the abdominal fascia to maintain depth. At four months, I would not expect a significant change other than the scar fading.
Helpful
October 28, 2013
Answer: Belly button technique Because of the amount of tissue removed, the tension in the skin after tummy tuck goes up and down rather than side to side. This tends to narrow and elongate the belly button in a vertical direction. I compensate for that by making an upside-down V-shaped incision in the skin that is sutured to the belly button's cut edge, stenting it opened. I also anchor the base of the belly button down to the abdominal fascia to maintain depth. At four months, I would not expect a significant change other than the scar fading.
Helpful
