Botched tummy tuck - can it be fixed? (Photo)

Question

Botched tummy tuck. Can it be fixed? I had a botched tummy tuck. My belly button was stolen. Can this be fixed? I consulted him and he said it was my fault and I knew what he was going to do. I didn’t. He showed me pictures that was misleading. He claims to have taken the inside vascular structure out. Will I be able to ever have my belly button repaired? I feel so bad about myself. I feel mutilated and deformed. I would pay anything to have my belly button back.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question regarding your tummy tuck results and the loss of your belly button. I appreciate you sharing your history and photos, and I understand how frustrating and disheartening this situation must be for you.

Yes, your belly button can be reconstructed through a procedure called an umbilicoplasty. There are several ways to create a new belly button. One technique involves inverting some of the abdominal wall skin to form a natural-looking navel. This skin is carefully defatted to ensure a realistic contour. Another option is to remove excess fat in the area through liposuction to create a more defined belly button appearance. A third, less common option is tattooing a belly button in place, but this does not provide the natural depth and three-dimensionality that surgical reconstruction offers.

The good news is that an umbilicoplasty can typically be performed under local anesthesia, making it a relatively straightforward revision. I recommend consulting with an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in tummy tuck revisions and umbilicoplasty to determine the best approach for your case.

I understand how deeply this has affected you, but please know that you do have options, and this issue can be corrected. I hope this helps answer your concerns, and I wish you the best in your journey toward feeling confident in your body again.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear 36 Mother.of.2,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what is 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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Your old belly button is probably gone or badly scarred, but a new one could be created. It will not look like the original, however.  You could also have the area tattooed to appear to have a belly button by a cosmetic, not artistic, tattoo artist.  It won't be perfect, but will give an appearance of having a belly button. Sometimes, both treatments work well together.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

More information is needed as to how you ended up with this result.  It's not clear how it would be your fault and that you were aware that you would have no umbilicus after surgery.  Yes, it likely can be improved.

Daniel P. Markmann, MD · Answer

First of all, was your surgeon a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon?  Or, were they a Cosmetic Surgeon?   There is a huge difference in training!!!    Check their credentials.   
I have absolutely no explanation as to how this was in any way your fault!  ???   Are you a smoker who did not quit?   That could lead to vascular compromise.  But even in that case, if he had left your belly button in place and it died, it would likely result in a pretty natural belly button.  Belly buttons are nothing more than scar tissue.     In any case, it is what it is.  But, if I were you, I would want to know more.   Yes.   A new belly button can be made for you and it should look pretty natural when done well.   
Good Luck

Kenneth R. Francis, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear 36,
I'm not sure how having your umbilicus cut out is your fault.  There are belly button reconstruction surgeries that can give you some semblance of one, but don't expect it to ever be perfect.  Seek consultation with an American Board of Plastic Surgery board certified plastic surgeon that might be willing to take on your case.  Expect relatively high fee quotes to correct this complication.  Good luck!

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Based on your one posted photo, which need more I recommend an in person or virtual consultation. Loss of the umbilicus is a rare complication of a tummy tuck. Reconstruction of the umbilicus is a multiple stage procedure to achieve an acceptable result. Again best to virtual consult with.

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