How to Reshape Triangular Belly Button?

Question

My belly button 2 weeks post-op is triangular in shape and the lower left (corner - since when do belly buttons have corners!) of the triangle is swollen and slightly protruding. It does not have a normal round or oval contour to it and I am quite concerned. Is there anything I can do to assist in shaping it more round or oval or to decrease the swelling in the lower left and how should I properly care for the umbilicus at this stage? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I am wearing spandex.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

It is still very early after surgery.
I commonly see belly buttons that start out with a triangular shape and get pulled out into a rounder shape due to the tension from pulling the skin.
Give it at least 3 months before making any judgments.
The bubbly swollen appearance will also settle down as the swelling resolves.
For some of my patients who are concerned about the swelling and shape, we use the marble trick. IF and when your skin can tolerate tape, consider taping an  old fashioned glass marble (easy to clean or sterilize) into the belly button and tape it in place.
IF after the 3 months have elapsed and you are still unsatisfie, consider revisionary suirgery at that time.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello quizelle. Thank you for your question regarding reshaping your belly button. Belly button revisions are quite common, and I perform them often. Given your concern about the triangular shape of your belly button and the swelling at the lower left corner, there are effective ways to address this issue.

In a belly button revision, I typically unbutton the belly button, cut out the points of the current triangular shape, and then stitch it back into a more natural contour, such as a circle or oval, depending on your preference. This procedure can help to achieve a more aesthetically pleasing shape and reduce the swelling you're experiencing.

Proper care for the umbilicus at this stage is crucial. Continue wearing your compression garments as advised by your surgeon to help manage swelling and support the healing process. It's also important to follow your surgeon's recommendations for cleaning and caring for the incision area to prevent infection and promote optimal healing.

Good luck with your recovery, and I hope this information helps you achieve the results you desire.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

The belly button is often the focus after a tummy tuck and the scar around can be more concerning than even the low scar across the hip. As far as the aesthetics are concerned it can be important to discuss this umbilical scar and shape before any procedure.
The belly button or umbilicus as we call it is not a singular shape. The umbilicus can be more round in appearance, more linear up and down, oval, or even slightly triangular with a slight upper hood. The shape that appeals to you may be what you were used to before the tummy tuck, or perhaps the shape before pregnancy. Also some will consider a more linear to oval shape more youthful.
It appears that your surgeon just went with his best instinct at the time and the issue may not have been brought up beforehand. At this time be patient, keep the area clean showering, and you may find a small application of bacitracin ointment helpful as the area heals. Revision is possible as there is no need to panic. You may find the shape improves and suits your figure well.
Best of luck,
peterejohnsonmd

John P. Stratis, MD · Answer

At just 2 weeks after surgery it is way too early to decide how the belly button will look. There will be many slow changes. The final result take about 1 year to see. and many of the concerns that patients have ho away during that time.
Be patient.

Scott E. Kasden, MD, FACS · Answer

At two weeks, the puffiness is normal (assuming no infection).  Over the next several months, natural healing forces will tend to round out the corners.  If after !6 months you are not happy, a revision can be performed.
sek

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Presumably you are talking about the shape of your belly button after a tummy tuck. The shape of the umbilicus after surgery depends on the shape of the hole your surgeon cut in the skin to bring your belly button back out at the end of the procedure. If it looks triangular, that is because he or she thought that was the best shape and look. This would be an issue to discuss with them. Perhaps a revision could be done to round it out or make it more oval after 6 months of healing have occurred.

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