Why is my belly button flat after my tummy tuck? How can it be corrected? (photos)

Question

After my tummy tuck my belly button is completely flat actually slightly an outtie now why is this? It was an innie prior to surgery is there any way to correct this?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you, kayb11ugg, for your question regarding why your belly button is flat after a tummy tuck and how it can be corrected.

Thank you for sharing your history and pictures. The flattening and slight protrusion of your belly button after a tummy tuck could be due to the technique used during your surgery. Often, the incision made around the belly button can be too wide, leading to a flat or slightly protruding appearance, commonly referred to as an "outtie."

To correct this, you would need an umbilicoplasty, which is a surgical procedure on the belly button. This procedure typically involves using a "purse-string" suture to tighten the perimeter of the belly button, restoring its original shape. If the protrusion is due to excess fat behind the belly button, removing this fat can also help. However, if the outtie is caused by an umbilical hernia, the repair would require a different approach, usually involving the repair of the hernia.

To determine if a hernia is the cause, an umbilical ultrasound would be necessary. The good news is that an umbilicoplasty can usually be performed in the office under local anesthesia.

Good luck with your decision, and I hope this information helps to clarify the next steps for correcting your belly button after a tummy tuck.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Your belly button can be reshaped with revision surgery. Please wait for at least 6 months before proceeding.

Bora Ok, MD · Answer

Hello from Istanbul, thanks for this question. Your belly button actually is a little larger and flatter than one might expect, this may in part be due to swelling. You may benefit from a revision procedure. It's best to assess the situation after the site has completely healed. Best of luck to you!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear kayb11ugg,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went 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

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

The belly button can change in appearance due to the technique of the surgeon as well as amount of skin removed.  Initially the belly button can appear this way due to swelling, but if you are several months from surgery that is not likely the cause.  You can consider a revision to the belly button to improve the way it looks.

Why is my belly button flat after my tummy tuck? How can it be corrected? (photos)

Answers (8)

Answer: Belly button

Answer: Belly button

Answer: Revision to the belly button

Answer: Revision to the belly button

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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Why is my belly button flat after my tummy tuck? How can it be corrected? (photos)

Answers (8)

Answer: Belly button

Answer: Belly button

Answer: Revision to the belly button

Answer: Revision to the belly button

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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.