Would I be able to get surgery to give myself a more normal bellybutton and a flatter tummy (the scar makes a big dent) (photos)

Question

I am a 21 year old female who was born with Gastroschisis and I now have a large dent where my belly button should be and I would like to find out information on what I can have done to give me a smaller, cuter, more normal looking belly button and flatter tummy.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.    Normally, I am able to provide some advice based on photographs, but given your complex history of gastroschisis, the
best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.  There are several options for you, but an in-person examination would be needed here.   The most
important aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend
that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who
can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

Hello Madison.
Thanks for the question. There's no way to answer this question without an in-person examination. However, I strongly suspect a tummy tuck will make you look better, but I cannot give you details on your belly button until after the exam
See a board certified plastic surgeon for best results. Best wishes, Dr. ALDO :)

Mark T. Boschert, MD · Answer

Yes, there are many ways of improving the appearance of your umbilicus and the entire abdomen. An abdominoplasty would be one way of doing that but it would be on the far end of options available to you. In order to restore the appearance of your umbilicus your scar would need to be revised and the  umbilicus could be reconstructed right there in the middle. It is no more difficult than the fall Abdominolasty. I would recommend seeing a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area who could help you to sculpt the abdomen that you are looking for! Best of luck !

Jacob Bloom, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.   With your history of gastroschisis this is not a simple yes or no question.  While I think several surgical and non-surgical options may exist to help correct your abdominal contour, I think an in person consultation would be paramount in deciding what is possible.   A detailed surgical history as well as a physical exam will help determine what options are appropriate for you specifically.   Seek consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to help you get the answers you are looking for.  Best of luck.

David Finkle, MD · Answer

Your tummy can be improved dramatically with a scar revision and some liposuction.  You do not need, nor should you have a tummy tuck!  You are only 21 years old with no extra skin, the scar from the tummy tuck would be worse than the scar you already have.  If someone suggests a tummy tuck to you, I would run the other direction as fast as possible!  Please see a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon for a complete evaluation, your procedure might even be covered by health insurance since you were born with a congenital defect.Good Luck!

Vincent D. Lepore, MD (retired) · Answer

From your photos, I believe you would be a good candidate for a tummy tuck and it may be possible to give you a more normal sized belly button, as well.  Be certain to let your surgeon know about your history of gastroschisis.  If you have any records regarding any abdominal surgery you had in this regard, give them to your surgeon.  This information will be of help in planning your procedure.  Best wishes, Dr. Lepore.

Would I be able to get surgery to give myself a more normal bellybutton and a flatter tummy (the scar makes a big dent) (photos)

Answers (6)

More Tummy Tuck Questions

Abdominal Recti Post Nephrectomy?

Want to know if my surgery will be cancelled because of my low RBC count and low Lymphocytes? (Photo)

How long do you have to wait before using bio oil scar cream after getting a tummy tuck?

Why do I still see a belly 3 months after TT? I'm not flat as I see others. My doctor keeps saying is just swollen. (photo)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS