Should I get umbilical float Tummy tuck instead of vertical scar from old belly button? (photos)

There are a variety of surgical procedures or combinations that can produce good results in patients with abdominal laxity, depending on multiple factors including their anatomy and degree of desired improvement: A mini tummy tuck, an umbilical float modified tummy tuck, a full abdominoplasty. Each of these can be performed with or without liposuction and repair of the diastasis recti. They produce different degrees of improvement. A full tummy tuck with a short vertical scar to close the old belly button incision will produce a better long term cosmetic correction in a patient with your anatomy.


Following the advice of anyone who would presume to tell you what to do based on two dimensional photos without taking a full medical history, examining you, feeling and assessing your tissue tone, discussing your desired outcome and fully informing you about the pros and cons of each option would not be in your best interest. Find a plastic surgeon that you are comfortable with and one that you trust and listen to his or her advice. The surgeon should be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and ideally a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). You should discuss your concerns with that surgeon in person.



Robert Singer, MD FACS  La Jolla, California

Hello,Absolutely not.  Your belly button is in a very specific place on your body, and 'floating' it will disturb that position, usually much more than the doctor initially realized.  Many surgeons are still having a hard time realizing that the little vertical scar is infinitely better than the horizontal scar placed too high, or in your case, a belly button repositioned too low. Go find a surgeon that not only has his aesthetic priorities in place, but also avoids the use of drains with progressive tension sutures. Best of luck!

Your pictures show a high belly button, relatively little fat, and good skin tone in the upper abdomen which is good when considering an umbilical float. It is not commonly done but you could be a candidate. An in-person evaluation is the only way to know for sure.