Will I Ever See my Belly Button Again Without Surgery?

Question

I've lost about 65 pounds in the last year and a half. I was told that I have loose skin but my stomach has always been this shape even at my highest weight. Is it loose skin? Will it get better as I lose more weight? Cause there is still fat behind it

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

This will not get better on its own even with more weight loss.  A tummy tuck will most likely get you the result you are looking for and is a commonly  performed and safe operation provided you are medically healthy.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and pictures.

	Congratulations on your weight loss. Unfortunately, with ongoing weight loss you may find that there is an increased amount of &ldquo;loose skin&rdquo; that may cover the umbilicus.

	If a tummy tuck is part of your plan,  the operation will serve to remove the redundant skin and adipose tissue, &ldquo;repair&rdquo; the abdominal wall muscles that have spread, and expose your umbilicus again.

	Best wishes.

Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS · Answer

Congratulations on the weight loss. Based on the photo, you will need to have a tummy tuck to address your loose skin. The loose skin appears to be hiding the belly button. An in person examination is advisable. Consult with 3 board certified plastic surgeons to understand your options, and choose the surgeon/surgical plan that best meets your objectives/needs.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

From your picture the tissue over the umbilicus looks like loose skin and fat. This may be amenable to a full tummy tuck to correct this.

Peter A. Aldea, MD · Answer

The youthful belly button has a round or oval appearance. As skin excess forms over the belly button, it compresses it and creates a banana-like fold over the belly button. This will NOT get better with anything except a Full Tummy Tuck; The operation will remove all excess abdominal skin as well as flatten the tummy, narrow the waist, lift a sagging Mons pubis and, depending on the technique, can lift sagging anterior thighs smoothing any upper thigh cellulite dimpling.

	You do NOT appear fat and barring any undisclosed issues you appear like an IDEAL Tummy Tuck candidate.

	Good luck

	Peter A Aldea, MD

Will I Ever See my Belly Button Again Without Surgery?

Answers (8)

Answer: Loose skin and fat

Answer: Loose skin and fat

Answer: Excess Tummy Skin covering the Belly Button

Answer: Excess Tummy Skin covering the Belly Button

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.

Will I Ever See my Belly Button Again Without Surgery?

Answers (8)

Answer: Loose skin and fat

Answer: Loose skin and fat

Answer: Excess Tummy Skin covering the Belly Button

Answer: Excess Tummy Skin covering the Belly Button

Browse related questions

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.