Why would a navel close in on itself while healing? Can it be corrected with revision to have a normal size & look? (Photo)

Question

I LOVED my navel after TT, for about three weeks. It was pretty, round, no scars. Then it started changing, shrinking, scarring. All that fits in it is something with the circumference of a skewer. It has a thick, hard, raised scar as well. Why did it shrivel & scar badly? I had leg Lipo & those scars & the TT scar look just fine, flat, not hard at all. Can it be fixed? Also, low abdomen tightness. Nurse says it's probably scar tissue. Could lots of scar tissue on the inside affect the navel?

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

This can sometimes happen because the circular scar is trying to heal in a straight line.  It is not scar tissue on the inside.  It is the scar used to attach the belly button to the skin.  The scar will likely need to be revised and the thickened scar removed or rearranged.

Joel Patrick Maier, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, this happens with circumferential scars. However, I have seen good results softening and flattening the scar with a fractionated CO2 laser, perhaps your surgeon has access to one of these? See web reference . . .

Frank J. Ferraro, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. The scar can be a little unpredictable, particularly around the umbilicus. I let me patients know that if the scar closes off than a revision might be necessary but this is not likely. Massage can assist to keep the scar to a minimum. Hope this helps

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

had occurred and if you want it larger, a revision or even reconstruction may be needed to provide you what you desire.  Make sure your surgeon understands what you expect as simply excising the old scar and using z-plasties may not be enough to provide the result you wish for.

Earl E. Ferguson III, MD, FACS · Answer

Unfortunately umbilical stenosis sometimes happens after tummy tucks. Like any thickened scar, steroid injection, laser treatment and sometimes surgical revision may all be tried to improve the appearance.

Why would a navel close in on itself while healing? Can it be corrected with revision to have a normal size & look? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Stenosis of your belly button

Answer: Stenosis of your belly button

Answer: Scarred belly button

Answer: Scarred belly button

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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

Why would a navel close in on itself while healing? Can it be corrected with revision to have a normal size & look? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Stenosis of your belly button

Answer: Stenosis of your belly button

Answer: Scarred belly button

Answer: Scarred belly button

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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