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

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

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.)

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.

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

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.