If the belly button dies after tummy tuck surgery, can they make a fake one?

Question

I have an umbilical hernia and my cosmetic surgeon thinks that i might have a detached belly button. He says there is a chance it would die after the surgery and the i wouldnt have one or i could just have the tummy tuck done without a belly button.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Yes, a belly button can be created, but I have not found this necessary due to preservation of surrounding blood flow during dissection.  Seek out a plastic surgeon who has performed these procedures hundreds of times and has a great number of reviews and before and after pictures.Kenneth Hughes, MDBeverly Hills, CA

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  It is possible to recreate a belly button and a traditional tummy tuck may compromise the circulation of your belly button when an umbilical hernia is present, but there are ways to try and lower the risk of issues.  You can decide to have your belly button removed and reconstructed at a later point in time once you have healed from surgery, or you can have it done at the same time as surgery. If you were a patient in my practice I would recommend that you pursue laparoscopic repair of your umbilical hernia and then have the tummy tuck performed in the same setting. Hope that this helps.

Steven J. Rottman, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. There is a chance your belly button may lose its blood supply and ultimately necrose following umbilical hernia repair and tummy tuck. Fortunately, this does not commonly occur. If it does happen following your procedure, several techniques may be used to recreate the appearance of a new one. Make sure your "cosmetic surgeon" is actually a board certified plastic surgeon who has the proper training and experience to handle this situation. Ask to see a lot of before and after pictures of his work. Hope this helps and good luck!

John Dean, MD · Answer

If you have a floating umbilicus, due to a hernia, you are at risk for umbilical loss when you combine a tummy tuck with a hernia repair.  In cases where the umbilicus can't be saved, there are very good techniques for creating a "fake" umbilicus, using your own tissues. Not all surgeons know how to do this, so be sure that your surgeon knows a technique which has been successful in his hands.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

and my patients are considering a tummy tuck, my recommendation is to sacrifice the belly button so I can repair the hernia at the same time.  If the belly button can be pulled down to the transverse incision, there is no vertical scar and 3-4 months later, a new dimple/belly button is reconstructed where you want it.  If you belly button is not very pretty, the reconstructed one is always better.  Its shallower so no 'shots' but has a very nice appearance when standing.

Leonik A. Ahumada, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Your surgeon is correct in informing you of the general risk of abdominoplasty/tummy tuck as well as your specific risks given the periumbilical hernia. The hernia poses a challenge to the vascularity of the stalk and also to its successful repair.  Most plastic surgeons should be able to address the hernia and minimize difficulty. There should be a back up plan for two situations. The first if reinforcement of your fascia is needed (ie need for mesh) and the second in the unlikely event that your umbilicus/belly button dies. In the latter event a period of healing will be needed before your umbilicus can be reconstructed. Be assured that it can be reconstructed but it may not be completely "normal" in appearance. A more likely scenario is ischemia to the umbilicus which can lead to stricture (the hole getting small and making it difficult to clean). This can be addressed with dilation/stretching or may need a formal umbilicoplasty (surgery to make the belly button opening larger).  Know that as plastic surgeons we prepare for the worst and have multiple back up plans.

Theodore Nyame, MD · Answer

Thank you for asking this very important question. Having an umbilical hernia often decreases the blood supply to the umbilical stalk. Your surgeon is wise to caution you about the danger of having necrosis of the umbilical stalk. A new umbilicus can be created but I think most surgeon would admit that it is not as good as your native umbilicus. I wish you the bestTheodore T. Nyame

Keith Denkler, MD · Answer

It sounds like your physician is being cautious.  The umbilical hernia needs repair and that is the source of the circulation to your umbilicus.  There is a chance of necrosis so your doctor is warning you.  A new umbilicus can be created via various methods if this occurs.

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

Belly button hernia does not make your belly button stalk die. You should go to a plastic surgeon who will make sure that your belly button lives and looks great.

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Thank you for the question and though the need occurs rarely, an umbilicus can be reconstructed with loal flaps or a graft should it become necrotic.Dr. Corbin

If the belly button dies after tummy tuck surgery, can they make a fake one?

Answers (14)

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