How can I fix my belly button 3 years after an extensive tummy tuck?

Question

It's been 3 years since my extensive tummy tuck and my bellybutton still resembles a coin slot. I have only recently heard of the marble trick and am wondering, will that work for me too? Or is it only effective immediately post-op? What can I do take my belly button look more circular and natural

Larry Weinstein, MD · Answer

Yes you can gradually stretch your belly button with progressively larger marbles. However a slot machine belly button can be fixed with an umbilcoplasty that can widen, round out or other wise change the shape of your belly button. Having a picture of what you expect might help your doctor help you understand what can be achieved.

Elias G. Gikas, MD · Answer

A belly button (umbilicus) can be revised and made to look more natural as an office procedure.  You may have it done by your previous surgeon or others in your area.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

can be less than desirable and there are revisions that you could pursue to improve the appearances of yours.  The real problem must be identified (too much skin moved inwards/too much fat lateral to belly button/incomplete release of stalk/etc) to provide the recommended fix.  Discuss with your surgeon and make sure your goals can be accomplished before having more procedures.

S. Daniel Golshani, MD, FACS · Answer

There is a lot that can be done to improve the shape of a belly button after abdominoplasty. I do not recommend the marble trick however !  It sounds like your umbilicus is narrow and vertically stretched. Regardless of what it looks like it can most likely improve in shape by undergoing an umbilicoplasty. It is a short procedure and can be performed under local anesthesia.  Best wishes. Daniel Golshani, M.D., Beverly Hills.

Stephen M. Davis, MD, FACS · Answer

Your best option at this point is a revision ( umbilicoplasty) of you belly button. This typically is a very straight forward procedure and usually can be carried out in the office.Good LuckStephen M. Davis, MD, FACSGreen Hills Plastic Surgery

How can I fix my belly button 3 years after an extensive tummy tuck?

Answers (5)