32, 5'6" 175lbs, extra skin. Can I get a tummy tuck with losing my belly button? (Photo)

Question

My new doctor said i cant get a tummy tuck done without losing my belly button most likely because my first doctor cut the bottom of my belly button stalk. Is this true? Is there no way to have a full tummy tuck without losing my belly button or having a weird looking one? He read this onn the op report, which was when I had a mini tuck done. I don't like the extra skin and want a full tummy tuck, but dont want to lose my belly button. Help please!

Erik Miles, MD, FACS · Answer

It sounds like your first doctor “floated” your belly button.  That means it was cut at the base and advanced down with the abdominal skin. A procedure that now would cut around the top of the belly button would put it at much higher risk of ischemia due to poor blood flow.   If an incision was made around the belly button at the time of surgery and it did not appear perfused, there are procedures that can be done to create a new umbilicus. In that situation however your original belly button would be removed.  Best wishes.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding whether you can get a tummy tuck without losing your belly button. The problem here is that during your first surgery, your first plastic surgeon cut the bottom of your belly button stock during your mini tummy tuck. This has completely and permanently removed the blood supply of the belly button from the lower abdominal wall. The blood supply to your belly button now completely relies on the skin around it and not from below. The analogy that I use is that it's sort of like a tree. If you imagine the belly button like a tree, it has leaves and roots. During your previous mini tummy tuck, the roots of the tree were cut off. The life of the tree now depends on the leaves. Since the bottom of your belly button was completely transected, there is no way to save the belly button. In my opinion, I would definitely have a tummy tuck and a new belly button can be reconstructed. Otherwise, you will have to live with your abdomen the way it is. Thank you for your question and I hope this helps.

Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (“Verified” Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, and International College of Surgery and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Stefan Mark Szczerba, MD · Answer

Ok this is tricky but I do about 4-5 patients a year with your scenario.  I use a technique called a vascular delay to the umbilicus about 2-3 weeks ahead of your TT.  Seems to work and I have not had any issues with necrosis of the umbilicus-  however I always warn the patient that I can't predict everything!  Feel free to call our office and we can always set up a virtual to discuss this scenario more.  847-853-9900 
Best Wishes!!

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs. If your original procedure "floated" your belly button then it is possible that conversion to a full tummy tuck will result in wound healing issues for your navel.

Kelvin Eusebio, MD · Answer

Hello! You could perfectly get a tummy tuck without loosing your belly button nor it looking weird after that!

32, 5'6" 175lbs, extra skin. Can I get a tummy tuck with losing my belly button? (Photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: 32, 5'6" 175lbs, extra skin. Can I get a tummy tuck with losing my belly button? (Photo)

Answer: 32, 5'6" 175lbs, extra skin. Can I get a tummy tuck with losing my belly button? (Photo)

Answer: Tummy Tuck

Answer: Tummy Tuck

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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32, 5'6" 175lbs, extra skin. Can I get a tummy tuck with losing my belly button? (Photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: 32, 5'6" 175lbs, extra skin. Can I get a tummy tuck with losing my belly button? (Photo)

Answer: 32, 5'6" 175lbs, extra skin. Can I get a tummy tuck with losing my belly button? (Photo)

Answer: Tummy Tuck

Answer: Tummy Tuck

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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.