Updated: Tummy tuck & BBL. - My belly button was not on the right side. She was too busy to get off the phone when she marked me and marked my line off-center. Never was my belly button to the right of my center. She has avoided me from the first office visit after surgery when I asked about it. Beware of doctors that blame the patient. .
Answer: Belly Button Off to the Side after Tummy Tuck Unfortunately, if the umbilicus is off line or anywhere except the midline following an abdominoplasty, it is unlikely to move/improve position on its own. The reason is that the belly button has a stalk that is attached to the abdominal wall or strength layer of the trunk and is set in position by the surgeon when a) the new opening for it is made in the skin flap and b) sutured into place. That is why the preoperative markings are a critical part of the overall operation because once the patient is placed supine (on her back) on the OR table and the skin flap is created, made and then "inset" or readied for suturing, the surgeon relies on the markings to accurately place all key anatomic elements such as the umbilicus. I would wait several months following surgery to assess how much it bothers you so that you may make an informed decision whether to correct it. That would require elevating the skin flap again, detaching the umbilicus either at the stalk ("floating" the belly button), or anchoring it in the middle without detaching it and adjusting the lower, horizontal scar in the direction toward the midline. In your case, it looks like the lower incision is uneven and that could be improved at the same time if choose to correct the belly button position. Thanks for your question and good luck with the next step, whichever you decide to do.
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Answer: Belly Button Off to the Side after Tummy Tuck Unfortunately, if the umbilicus is off line or anywhere except the midline following an abdominoplasty, it is unlikely to move/improve position on its own. The reason is that the belly button has a stalk that is attached to the abdominal wall or strength layer of the trunk and is set in position by the surgeon when a) the new opening for it is made in the skin flap and b) sutured into place. That is why the preoperative markings are a critical part of the overall operation because once the patient is placed supine (on her back) on the OR table and the skin flap is created, made and then "inset" or readied for suturing, the surgeon relies on the markings to accurately place all key anatomic elements such as the umbilicus. I would wait several months following surgery to assess how much it bothers you so that you may make an informed decision whether to correct it. That would require elevating the skin flap again, detaching the umbilicus either at the stalk ("floating" the belly button), or anchoring it in the middle without detaching it and adjusting the lower, horizontal scar in the direction toward the midline. In your case, it looks like the lower incision is uneven and that could be improved at the same time if choose to correct the belly button position. Thanks for your question and good luck with the next step, whichever you decide to do.
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April 21, 2025
Answer: Uneven stomach, belly button, and hips after tummy tuck I would suggest a second opinion with a more compatible surgeon, and revision of the abdominoplasty. Regarding the belly button, generally, if it is centered above the pubis, it is likely to end up there. There are not uncommon situations where the belly button is either directly below the breastbone (xiphoid) or directly above the pubis, but the breastbone and pubis central points are not in a vertical line. When the rectus is brought together in the midline, the belly button may be off center as a result. So, since the belly button looks best when it is in a vertical line with the pubis, regardless of where the breast bone is, we can leave a little slack in the umbilical stalk and then locate the point it is brought out on the abdominal flap as close to the vertical of the midline of the pubis as possible. It is nice to point out right to left asymmetry to the patient before surgery, and then if there are anatomical facts that will result in the umbilicus being off the midline after surgery, no one gets defensive or upset afterwards. The belly button's location is marked at the "midline" during surgery, no matter where it appears to be marked before, telephone calls notwithstanding.
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April 21, 2025
Answer: Uneven stomach, belly button, and hips after tummy tuck I would suggest a second opinion with a more compatible surgeon, and revision of the abdominoplasty. Regarding the belly button, generally, if it is centered above the pubis, it is likely to end up there. There are not uncommon situations where the belly button is either directly below the breastbone (xiphoid) or directly above the pubis, but the breastbone and pubis central points are not in a vertical line. When the rectus is brought together in the midline, the belly button may be off center as a result. So, since the belly button looks best when it is in a vertical line with the pubis, regardless of where the breast bone is, we can leave a little slack in the umbilical stalk and then locate the point it is brought out on the abdominal flap as close to the vertical of the midline of the pubis as possible. It is nice to point out right to left asymmetry to the patient before surgery, and then if there are anatomical facts that will result in the umbilicus being off the midline after surgery, no one gets defensive or upset afterwards. The belly button's location is marked at the "midline" during surgery, no matter where it appears to be marked before, telephone calls notwithstanding.
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March 17, 2025
Answer: Belly button off-center So Sorry to hear of your dissatisfaction. The most common reason for post surgical asymmetry is PRE-surgical asymmetry, which is frequently not noticed by the patient because that was not his/her focus. To assess that possibility, examine your pre-op photos. In the photos above, I assume that your right side is on the left side of the photo as it would be if you were looking at someone from his/her front. If that orientation is correct, note that you stand leaning to your right. (Your girl curves on your left go in more whereas your lateral girl curves on your right are fairly straight up). Some belly buttons are buried deeply underneath the skin flap and their off-center-ness may not be apparent until it is uncovered with surgery. Unless the surgeon cuts the bottom stalk of the belly button (as if to repair an umbilical hernia, the umbilicus stays attached to where it was always attached. With that in mind, it IS possible to move the belly button over surgically by tightening the muscle repair on the longer side, which entails another surgery.
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March 17, 2025
Answer: Belly button off-center So Sorry to hear of your dissatisfaction. The most common reason for post surgical asymmetry is PRE-surgical asymmetry, which is frequently not noticed by the patient because that was not his/her focus. To assess that possibility, examine your pre-op photos. In the photos above, I assume that your right side is on the left side of the photo as it would be if you were looking at someone from his/her front. If that orientation is correct, note that you stand leaning to your right. (Your girl curves on your left go in more whereas your lateral girl curves on your right are fairly straight up). Some belly buttons are buried deeply underneath the skin flap and their off-center-ness may not be apparent until it is uncovered with surgery. Unless the surgeon cuts the bottom stalk of the belly button (as if to repair an umbilical hernia, the umbilicus stays attached to where it was always attached. With that in mind, it IS possible to move the belly button over surgically by tightening the muscle repair on the longer side, which entails another surgery.
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January 27, 2025
Answer: Stomach uneven A revision of the lower tummy with some liposuction and skin excision can significantly improve the contour. Not sure if the belly button can be moved though.
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January 27, 2025
Answer: Stomach uneven A revision of the lower tummy with some liposuction and skin excision can significantly improve the contour. Not sure if the belly button can be moved though.
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January 24, 2025
Answer: Corrective surgery Please find another surgeon if your original surgeon continues to avoid you. Surgery can be performed to modify the placement of your belly button and improve symmetry of your hip contour.
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January 24, 2025
Answer: Corrective surgery Please find another surgeon if your original surgeon continues to avoid you. Surgery can be performed to modify the placement of your belly button and improve symmetry of your hip contour.
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