I had a tummy tuck and my belly button has looked like this since day one. (Photo)

Question

I am 4 weeks post op and my belly button sticks out. My doctor suggest putting a marble in it, but from the photos you can see there isnt much space. What can i do to open it up? Will it be stuck like this?

Anoush Hadaegh, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is a normal process of swelling which usually goes down about 6-8 weeks from the operation. I usually recommend my patients to place 2x2 dry gauze in the belly button and change it once a day. This will help to keep the area dry and as a spacer minimizes the swelling. Good Luck!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Cynthiac728c,belly button reconstruction is the most delicate part of tummy tuck surgery. I spend almost an hour on belly button reconstruction so that my patients get the best possible outcome. If you have any doubts you can always ask for a second opinion. You will get the best recommendations after a thorough examination.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Francis X. Fleming, MD · Answer

Looks like some edema or swelling in the umbilical base. Most like this ill improve significantly in the next 3 to 4 months.

Sacha Obaid, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I would continue the recommendation from your surgeon by using a "spacer" such as a marble or an ear plug. Continue to follow up with your plastic surgeon to ensure you are healing properly.  At the 6 month mark, your plastic surgeon may discuss with you a possible umbilical revision to help correct the appearance.  Best of luck!

Robert D. Wilcox, MD · Answer

Dear Cynthiac728c,
  
You are very early since your surgery and it may be that your bellybutton is simply more swollen and therefore bulging out as it is.  You really need to wait several months to judge the result of that.  
  
Putting a marble in is a common trick to keep the belly button patent in all and there is there is certainly no harm in that.  I hope this has been helpful.
Robert D. Wilcox, M.D.

I had a tummy tuck and my belly button has looked like this since day one. (Photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Tummy tuck

Answer: Tummy tuck

Answer: Answer to Belly Button Appearance after Tummy Tuck

Answer: Answer to Belly Button Appearance after Tummy Tuck

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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I had a tummy tuck and my belly button has looked like this since day one. (Photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Tummy tuck

Answer: Tummy tuck

Answer: Answer to Belly Button Appearance after Tummy Tuck

Answer: Answer to Belly Button Appearance after Tummy Tuck

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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.