My belly button is too high and flat - can anything be done to correct this? (Photo)

Question

I had a tummy tuck end of October. I don’t understand how my belly button is way too high up on my torso and it’s completely flat. Can anything be done to correct this?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello BlueMaeve,

Thank you for your question regarding your belly button positioning and appearance post-tummy tuck.

The anatomic position of the belly button is standard across all men and women. The correct position of the belly button should be at the intersection of two lines: one vertical line and the other one a horizontal line. The vertical line is drawn from the bottom of your sternum or the xiphoid to the top center of the pubic region. The horizontal line is drawn from the top of the superior iliac crest or the top of your hip bone or pelvis. The intersection of these two lines is where the 6 o’clock position of the belly button should be. Any deviation from this intersection is considered an "abnormal" position of the belly button.

Belly button revisions are not uncommon with a tummy tuck or 360 circumferential lower body lift. The revision of your belly button can be performed under local anesthesia. If the belly button is too high, it can be repositioned into a lower position. However, there may be a vertical scar at the 12 o’clock position on your belly button as it is relocated. Another option, which I don't think you need, would be the complete removal of your belly button and the re-creation of a new one.

Additionally, the shape of your belly button can be improved. There should be mild hooding at the 12 o’clock position of the belly button, which can be achieved during your belly button revision.

Good luck. I hope I’ve answered your question regarding belly button positioning and revision. Thank you for your question regarding the correction of a high and flat belly button post-tummy tuck.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

You have a great result. Moving the umbilicus will require extra scarring. It’s not worth it. I think your umbilicus is placed correctly

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Actually, you are still normal. You might look at your before photos and find out that your belly button does sit high. But it is not too high.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Getting natural looking bellybuttons during tummy tuck surgery is one of the more difficult aspects of the procedure.
I generally recommend patients judge tummy tuck outcomes based on who gets the most natural looking bellybuttons with a very low set scar that follows anatomic, contours evenly, and naturally on both sides.
 These are the hallmarks of quality work.
During tummy tuck surgery, the surgeons do not change the position of the bellybutton.
The bellybutton states attached to the abdominal wall, and the surgeon does make a decision regarding where to make the opening on the abdominal skin, after tightening the abdominal wall. 
Some people have bellybuttons that are easier to work with than others in regards to getting the ideal shape and contour.
Getting a bellybutton that is a pulled in appearance is more difficult on those who have thin layers of subcutaneous fat and especially those who have a shallow bellybutton that is not deep initially.
The skill of getting a natural appearing belly button varies substantially from provider to provider, and is also highly dependent on each unique patients candidacy for a good looking bellybutton in there result.
In other words, it is highly dependent on each unique patients candidacy and equally important is the skill and experience of the provider.
Patients should recognize that a tummy tuck is a permanent and more or less irreversible procedure.
Once the bellybutton position is determined, it is generally not a good idea to move it.
It’s difficult to determine if the opening on the abdominal skin was set , high or low, in comparison, to where your actual anatomic umbilical position resides. 
Improving the outcome with revision surgery tends to be difficult.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

My belly button is too high and flat - can anything be done to correct this? (Photo)

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