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.

Remus Repta, MD · Answer

Great question.  This soon after a TT swelling could certainly be a factor.  If that is the case, time alone will allow it to heal.  If you had a large belly button to begin with or your plastic surgeon made a large circular incision around your initial belly button we could be looking at too much belly button skin for the new belly button opening.  If that is the case, it may still improve with time, but if it does not, a belly button revision may be helpful.All the best,Dr. Remus Repta

Tiffany McCormack, MD · Answer

Swelling is normal right now in that area.  I agree with the use of a plug/marble to help that go down a little faster.  Believe it or not it really works.  Good luck!

Emily B. McLaughlin, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and including a photograph. 4 weeks is early after a tummy tuck; there is naturally swelling that will take more time to resolve. Whether or not this will change the appearance of your belly button cannot be answered at this time. Truthfully I doubt you will see much change in this area over time but most surgeons would resist any surgical revisions for anything relatively minor until more time has elapsed from the procedure. I would also resist the urge to put anything in there to 'expand' the area. Let it heal naturally and make some decisions after 4 to 6 months if a revision is indicated. Good luck!

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

Answers (8)

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