Scar tissue above belly button from piercing. What are my options? (Photo)

Question

I've had this scar tissue above my belly button for a few years now and finally decided to do something about it. I got my belly button pierced twice where it was rejected by the skin both times, and started to form some scar tissue. Unfortunately, I decided to pierce the scar tissue again which I think made things worse and completely pushed out the entire piercing after some time. Anyone have any answers/suggestions as to what I should do? See a plastic surgeon (dermatologist rec. it)? Thank you!

Jeffrey Ridha, MD · Answer

From the photos, it appears that the scar extends pretty well above the belly button itself, so there are two primary options for treatment.  You could undergo scar revision, and trade the scar for a vertical line which would hopefully heal in a more pleasing way, or have a more extensive approach and try to remove the scarred skin all together to create a scar along the rim of the belly-button.  If it is only the raised nature of the scar that is bothersome, then steroid injections may be helpful in flattening the scar.

Sanjay Azad, MS, FRCSEd · Answer

Thank you for your question and the photograph. The scar above the belly button is certainly at a visible site. One needs to make sure that this is not a keloid scar which may benefit from local injection with steroid injections. This can soften the scar and make it less obvious.If the scar is not a keloid than I would suggest a small scar revision in the up and down direction. The advantage of this approach would be that the belly button is maintained without any distortion. Also the scar just above the belly button should not be too visible as it fall within the small hood of the area around the belly button. Please consult you accredited plastic surgeon for full advice before making any decision of treatment.

Daniel Kaufman, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Seems like your belly button has been through quite a lot. Scar tissue is, unfortunately, forever. Scars can change, fade, and as we like to say, mature over time. If you're willing to tolerate it, then your best bet is to do nothing at all. If, however, you'd like to change the situation, you can do an umbilicoplasty or essentially an umbilical scar revision. This procedure is involves resecting or excising the old scar and replacing it with a new, and hopefully, more attractive scar. There is always a chance, it is important to note, that there is never a guarantee that the new scar will be better than the old one. Either way, make sure that you visit with a Board-certified plastic surgeon, to get the best assessment and treatment of your condition. Hope this helps. Good luck and farewell.

Scar tissue above belly button from piercing. What are my options? (Photo)

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Scar tissue above belly button from piercing. What are my options? (Photo)

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