Can I keep my belly button after revision tummy tuck?

Question

I am thinking about having a revision tummy tuck due to my muscles being unevenly tightened, resulting in a protuberant lower stomach. I could also use some more skin being removed. However, I likely won’t go with the original surgeon. I love my belly button and don’t want to risk getting a different belly button and not liking it (I’ve looked at many surgeons results and his are the best). Can you keep the belly button when you go through a revision tummy tuck?

Michael A. Fallucco, MD, FACS · Answer

This is a very insightful question, and I completely understand your concern as we pay special attention to belly button aesthetics with tummy tucks— especially since you’re happy with your current belly button and are hesitant to risk altering it.

The good news is: yes, in most cases your existing belly button can be preserved during a revision tummy tuck. If the belly button is not freed up then there can be no skin tigheting above this location, but it is still possible to address rectus diastasis and subcutaneous fat with the belly button attached.  If the the belly button is detached from the surrounding skin and brought through a new opening when the skin is redraped this allows for skin tightening above the belly button. In revision cases, as long as the belly button has healthy blood flow and hasn’t been overly scarred or compromised, we can typically keep it intact and just reshape or reinforce the skin around it.

It’s also very possible to address the uneven muscle repair (diastasis recti) and remove additional loose skin during revision surgery — these are common goals in secondary tummy tucks.

That said, revision surgery is more technically complex, so choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience in revisions — and someone who listens carefully to your aesthetic priorities (like preserving your natural belly button) — is essential.

If you're in or near Jacksonville or would like to discuss via telemedicine, I'd be glad to evaluate your case and help create a surgical plan that corrects the muscle and skin issues while preserving what you already love about your result.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

For a revision your surgeon will need to make incisions to address your concerns.  If there are concerns with the muscle wall above the level of the belly button then an incision around the umbilicus will need to be made.  I encourage you to visit with a board certified plastic surgeon near you to discuss your concerns and learn more about what is involved.  There are many surgeons who are skilled at creating natural looking belly buttons.

Robert M. Wald, Jr., MD · Answer

Yes, you can have a revisional tummy tuck without disturbing the belly button. The old scar can be removed and the excess skin removed. The abdominal muscles can be tightened at that time.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Adventurous5183,it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

If the revision just involved the lower abdomen, then the belly button does not have to be adjusted. If you have excess skin above the belly button, it will need to be revised.

Can I keep my belly button after revision tummy tuck?

Answers (5)

Answer: Belly button

Answer: Belly button

Answer: Revision

Answer: Revision

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck Revision

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Can I keep my belly button after revision tummy tuck?

Answers (5)

Answer: Belly button

Answer: Belly button

Answer: Revision

Answer: Revision

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck Revision

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