Belly button hard lump 6 months after mommy makeover. What can be done about this? (Photo)

Dear ange_78
Thanks for sharing your photo and your question. I agree that your scar is a bit prominent and it seems you have some sort of reverse hooding. Lots of things can be changed or improved but I would not recommend anything before 12-18 months is passed from the original surgery.

Dear ange_78,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Simple minor revision under local anesthesia. I’m sure your surgeon will do it if you bring it to their attention

It appears to be a hypertrophic scar which might respond well to steroid injections. I would suggest making an appointment with your surgeon and being checked.

Hi and thank you for your question. From your picture, this appears to be a hypertrophic scar. Occasionally some scar massage with a silicone based scar gel can help, but getting a bit unlikely 6 months out. Kenalog (steroid) injections can help improve things, as well. Finally, a scar revision is always an option down the road. As always, the best option is to discuss this further with your surgeon- hopefully you have better luck with this going forward. Hope this helps!

You can consider a scar revision in order to improve the aesthetics of your belly button. If you are unable to reach your surgeon, contact another board certified plastic surgeon near you for a consultation. I've included a video on scar revision that I hope you find helpful.

Your picture is a bit limited and that it does not give reference to the position of the belly button opening.
It appears to be vertically slanted.
Hypertrophic scar formation around the bellybutton is indeed fairly common and there’s not much that can be done. Avoid chronic minor skin irritations by never scratching or causing excessive friction. Covering with silicone tape can be moderately helpful for some individuals.
In more significant cases conservative anti-inflammatory steroid injections can be considered but has potential negative side effects.
Getting a natural appearing bellybutton is one of the hardest aspects of tummy tuck surgery and is probably the quintessential hallmark of quality surgery.
It requires attention to detail skill and knowledge.
Once created there’s little that can be done to improve the outcome.
A tummy tuck is a very much permanent and irreversible procedure.
The time to vett plastic surgeons is before the operation.
Once completed your surgeon is responsible for the outcome just like the patient is responsible for choosing each surgeon.
Are whether your surgeon is happy or not with the outcome is in someways irrelevant considering there’s a little to do at this point.
Skin healing requires 12 to 18 months to be mature and can’t take even longer.
Firmness of excessive scar tissue formation may or may not improve at this point. There is really no quality intervention to improve your outcome that is simple and straightforward.
I wish I could be of more help but revising belly buttons typically doesn’t improve outcomes very much.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Hi and welcome to our forum!From your photo, I note a red thickened immature triangular surgical scar around the umbilicus demonstrating thickening at the 1 and 10 o'clock positions (perhaps at the sites of previous retention sutures?).Healing scars in fair skinned individuals are initially quite prominent, taking AT LEAST 12-18 months to achieve maturation, often longer ( up to several years). The healing process involves ingrowth of blood vessels into the healing scar to provide added blood supply. This results in the red color noted on the skin surface. During this time, it is important to practice sun protection with frequent and liberal application of sunscreen. As the scar matures, the color will fade and the scar will flatten significantly. Do not rush into revision. Wound healing is a complicated process and takes a long time. We recommend a moisturizer and the use of silicone gel sheeting if the scars are raised. Some surgeons advocate placing a marble into the umbilicus to stretch it out. Otherwise, "tincture of time" usually results in a satisfactory result. In unusual situations where the scar remains thickened, revision is possible. 15% of cosmetic surgeries benefit from a secondary touch up procedure. The 1 cm lump cannot be seen in the photo but potentially could represent an umbilical cyst.Continue follow up with your plastic surgeon.Best wishes...