Umbilical Float Belly Button - Can It Stay in the Same Position?

Question

Interested in an umbilical float but worried about the position/lowering of my belly button. If I tell my PS I don't want any skin removed above belly button, can they theoretically not move the belly button and just put it back in place? (so detach simply to allow for full muscular repair?). I don't have much/any loose skin above the belly button-- it's all below. But I need a full muscle repair (so a mini is out).

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding your umbilical float belly button. If you are undergoing an abdominoplasty with muscle repair and you don’t have any skin removed, the belly button or umbilicus can stay in the same position. However, if you remove even one or two cm of skin, the umbilicus will be pulled down one or two centimeters, respectively. Muscle repair is irrelevant to the position of the belly button. The position of the belly button is determined by how much skin is removed during an umbilical float technique. Thank you for your question and good luck.

Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (“Verified” Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, and International College of Surgery and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Finny George, MD · Answer

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. If you have skin excess below the belly button and you do an umbilical float, the position of the belly button will be moved lower. Without photos, it is difficult to say what is ideal for you. Consult with your plastic surgeon to discuss in detail.

Irena Karanetz, MD · Answer

Hello,
Thank you for the question.
Based on what you are describing, you may be a candidate for a “floating tummy tuck” but it is difficult to say without seeing photos and in person evaluation.
A "floating tummy" tuck is also known as an umbilical float abdominoplasty, can help avoid T scar incision. Unlike a traditional tummy tuck in which an incision is made around the belly button, a floating tummy tuck detaches the belly button from the abdominal wall and moves it slightly downward. No incisions are made around the belly button.
I would recommend an in person evaluation by the Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to evaluate the thickness of your skin and status of your muscles.I hope this helps.
Best regards, Dr. Karanetz
Dr. Irena KaranetzBreast Fellowship-TrainedBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

By nature, the umbilical float will reposition your belly button. So just say no. There are many women who would benefit from a full TT but are told they can't because the hole in the skin once attached to the belly button cannot be removed with the excess skin. This is wrong thinking. Performing a full TT with an ultra low incision and leaving the hole to be closed vertically is going to give you the best result and you'll still be able to wear a two piece bathing suit because the vertical scar will be inconspicuous.

Christine Rodgers, MD · Answer

Hi kate,

There are several options for you. One can leave the belly button in position and work around it to get abdominal muscle tightening. In this case, there is no float, but it is more difficult for the surgeon.
If the surgeon detaches the belly button and lets it float down with the lower abdominal skin, the belly button will be moved inferiorly. If the surgeon cuts around the belly button, it will remain in the same position, but you will have a  scar around the umbilicus.

You must tell your surgeon what is most important to you: scars or position of belly button? Maximum tightness of abdominal skin?

Hope this helps a bit.

Best,

Dr. Christine Rodgers

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

With an umbilical float the belly button can be re-attached in its original location or moved lower. It is a good option for accessing the upper abdomen for a complete diastasis repair if there is no loose skin above the belly button. The umbilical float is done with a a mini tummy tuck.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

I don't like the umbilical float procedure. It can cause problems if you decide later to convert your mini to a full tummy tuck. I suspect you are best off doing the full tummy tuck

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear katek77,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Erik Miles, MD, FACS · Answer

It sounds like you are a candidate for a lower or “mini” abdominoplasty. With that procedure the belly button is left in place. There is no point in “floating” the belly button if you don’t want it moved.  With a float procedure, the umbilicus is detached at its base and moved down.  This will correct a high belly button and provide a small amount of tightening to the skin above it.  Discuss this with a board-certified plastic surgeon.  Best wishes.

Gilbert Lee, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. In general, as you bring the muscles together to create the sculpted abdominal look, the tissues above the belly button will become redundant and need to be lowered and tightened to achieve an outstanding result. The position of the belly button during the float is is done to create a natural appearance. It is positioned in perspective of the patients anatomy including where your hips are and other structures that it will not look too low. I recommend you schedule a consultation with a board certified Plastic Surgeon. They will assess your anatomy in person and put together a plan that is best for you. In our office we offer 3D imaging to give our patients an accurate idea of what their final result will look like. Good luck! SHOW LESS

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