Should I get a belly button revision? (Photo)

Question

I had a tummy tuck 7 mos post op. My belly button had some complications and now that’s it’s healed it looks flat. I’m happy with my tummy tuck other wise. My surgeon says he can try to revise it but there are complications that can happen and it can make it bigger, or cause scarring in a circular shape. Does it look like I should get a revision or what can be done about this

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

clar5

Naked surgeon:   Belly Button surgery and correction

i think your doctor is correct. There can be an improvement with umbilicoplasty  but with any surgery there are risks,  you know

What is an umbilicoplasty?

An umbilicoplasty is correcting a belly button after abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck.  This involves reshaping the belly button to achieve a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. Umbilicoplasty: may also refer to reshaping the existing belly button to improve its appearance. Umbilical hernia repair: If you have a hernia, it may need to be repaired during the procedure.

FAQs; frequently asked questions about umbilicoplasty

Who is a candidate for umbilicoplasty?

Candidates for umbilicoplasty are individuals who are unhappy with the appearance of their belly button due to factors such as excess skin, scarring, asymmetry, or protrusion.

What is the recovery:?

Recovery time will vary depending on the extent of the surgery and individual healing abilities. You will need to follow post-operative instructions provided by your surgeon, which may include wearing a compression garment and avoiding strenuous activities.

How much does it cost?

The cost of belly button correction as part of abdominoplasty is included in the cost. Revision or correction cost varies depending on factors such as the   surgeon's expertise, geographic location, surgical facility fees, anesthesia and the extent. of the procedure. On average, the cost can range from $2,000 to $5,000 dollars.

Insurance coverage?

Generally, cosmetic procedures like belly button correction are not covered by insurance unless there is a medical necessity, such as repairing a hernia.

Will there be visible scarring?

Incisions are typically made around the belly button, so scarring may be present. However, I will sew the edge in toward the deeper fascia which usually will hide most of the new incision.

How long does the procedure take?

This can vary but for a simple revision in the office with local anesthesia, this will generally take 1-1.5 hours.

When will I see the final results? As with most surgery, the incision is healed in the first week, the tissue will soften up over 4-6 months and any redness generally fade over 12 months.

Surgical Options: Depending on the specific issues with your belly button, the surgeon may recommend one of several techniques:

There are several techniques used in umbilicoplasty, including:

Hooding correction: Addressing excess skin around the belly button.

Reduction: Decreasing the size of the belly button.

Flattening: Creating a flatter appearance of the belly button.

Symmetry correction: Balancing the appearance of asymmetrical belly buttons.

Reshaping: Altering the shape of the belly button, such as converting an "outie" to an "Innie."

Revision of scar tissue: If you have scarring around the belly button from a previous 	surgery, it will need to be removed and start fresh.

Incisions are typically made around the belly button, so scarring may be present. However, I will sew the edge in toward the deeper fascia which usually will hide most of the new incision.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear clar5,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what is 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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Luis A. Mejia, MD · Answer

Dear clar5, Tthanks for sharing your concerns, you have the options of create a new belly buttom or explore the old one, there are risks of get a bigger belly buttom, scarring or other complications. Make sure you go on consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Hope this helps and best of lucks. Dr. Luis Mejia.

Joshua T Halka, MD · Answer

There are a number of options available from you from trying to revise your old belly button to completely creating a new one. You would likely see quite a bit of improvement with any of the options, the risks would be that you may end up with further complications, scar widening, or a much larger belly button, if you are ok taking those risks to improve upon your current belly button then I would recommend revision.
Hope this helps!

Should I get a belly button revision? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Revision of the belly button could definitely help

Answer: Revision of the belly button could definitely help

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Belly Button Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Should I get a belly button revision? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Revision of the belly button could definitely help

Answer: Revision of the belly button could definitely help

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Belly Button Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.