Belly button after Tummy Tuck - Any advice on improving the appearance? (photos)

Question

I had a Tummy tuck a few months ago. I did have my share of complications. Like necrosis. Now that’s it’s finally healing. My swelling is minimal. I can’t help but think my belly button is pretty ugly. I do not think that this is what it should look like. Any advice on improving the appearance? I honestly don’t even want to show off my very expensive body with my ugly belly button

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

thank you for your pictures. Unfortunately, you have a keloid around your belly button. This can be tricky to improve. Treatments include scar revision, steroid injection, and/or silicone bandaging to gain some improvement. Please seek the advice of your Operating surgeon for further recommendations.

Hopefully, this is helpful.

Earl Stephenson Jr, MD, DDS.

Hopefully, this is helpful.

Earl Stephenson Jr, MD, DDS.

Albert Ko, MD · Answer

Hi there, I would reccomend consulting with your surgeon about a scar revision procedure. You may need the scar excised and re-done. You can also try Kenalog injections, it looks a bit like its starting to keloid. Best of luck!

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

You appear to have hypertrophic scarring around your belly button. However, because the scars can take a year or even more to mature, you may want to wait for a few more months to see if there is any improvement. If there isn’t, you can consider scar revision surgery. Please discuss your concerns with your surgeon. They may be able to recommend a suitable course of treatment.

Derek Fletcher, MD · Answer

Your scars appear to meet the definition of hypertrophic. I recommend a belly button revision with or without abdominoplasty scar revision 9-12 months from the day of your initial operation. This will give your scar tissue time to mature. I would not advise using the same circular technique for the bellybutton because it frequently causes a scar like the one you have.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Fantastic4235,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Irena Karanetz, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. 
I'm sorry to hear about your wound healing issues.
Based on the photos, it appears that you have hypertrophic/keloid scars around the belly button. One way to improve scar appearance is to inject Kenalog (steroid) medication to help soften and flatten the scars.
In addition, laser scar treatments can help which can be easily done at the office under local anesthesia.
I suggest that you discuss your questions and concerns with your Plastic Surgeon.  I hope this helps.
Best regards, 
Dr. Irena KaranetzFellowship-TrainedBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.
Contact your surgeon for a possible belly button revision. Best wishes!

Mehdi Balakhani, DDS, MD, FACS · Answer

I would suggest to go to the surgeon who preformed your tummy tuck and tell them that you wish to have a belly button revision. They usually do not charge full price for revisions and the surgeon will be familiar with your complications and needs. I hope this helps. All the best.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

It appears you are developing hypertrophic scars.  When the scars are 9-12 months old you can consider scar revision to improve them.  Until that time you may have improvement with steroid injections or laser treatments.  Talk with your surgeon to learn more.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Talk to your surgeon about doing some Kenalog injections to soften and flatten the scars. Scar products like Mederma can also be of help.

Belly button after Tummy Tuck - Any advice on improving the appearance? (photos)

Answers (11)

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