Reshape Belly Button or Tummy Tuck After Weight Loss?

Question

I have lost about 20 lbs. and a little flap of loose skin is now hanging over my originally horizontal-shaped navel. I have no loose skin from the navel to the groin but I really don't like the look of my navel following the weight loss. I have taken regular exercise throughout my weight loss. My question is: could I just have my belly button reshaped from a horizontal one to a vertical one? Or would I need something more radical like a Tummy Tuck to correct it?  Thank you.

Sam Jejurikar, MD · Answer

Even from your frontal view, it's apparent that you have a bulge of the lower abdomen, as well as skin and fat excess.  The upper abdomen does not seem to have as much fat excess, but seems to have some muscle laxity (bulging) and extra skin.  Umbilicoplasty will not be able to fix the muscle bulging, nor will it eliminate the extra skin and fat; therefore, it will not be successful in converting your horizontally-oriented belly button into a vertical one.
Your best bet, if you truly wish to have this corrected, is to undergo a full tummy tuck, with plication (tightening) of the abdominal wall muscles, removal of the extra skin and fat, and relocation and reshaping of the belly button.  The effects on your entire abdominal wall, not just the belly button, will be dramatic.
Best of luck!

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding reshaping your belly button after weight loss. Based on your description and history, it sounds like you’re an ideal candidate for a belly button reshaping procedure, known as an umbilicoplasty, rather than a full tummy tuck.

During an umbilicoplasty, your natural belly button shape can be adjusted to a more vertical position, which can help address the appearance of the loose skin around it. This procedure typically involves an incision around the inside of the belly button, preserving your original tissue but reshaping it for a more appealing look.

A tummy tuck, on the other hand, is generally reserved for patients with more extensive loose skin and excess fat across the abdomen. Since you have no significant loose skin from the navel down to the groin, a tummy tuck would be more extensive than necessary for your needs.

If your belly button appearance continues to bother you, an umbilicoplasty could provide the targeted improvement you’re looking for. I hope this helps clarify the best options for you!

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Because it is loose skin that is pushing down on your belly button, a full tummy tuck may be recommended. The procedure would remove the loose skin and any excess fat, as well as repair abdominal muscle separation if necessary.

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Based on your photos you appear to have abdomen sagging skin excess, several stretch marks and unaesthetic scar makes you a full tummy tuck candidate.  I would suggest to be treated by board certified plastic surgeon with experience in this procedure, to get the best desired results.
Respectfully,Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Peter A. Aldea, MD · Answer

Dear SallyAnn,
The one view photograph is rather inadequate for basing far sweeping, life-impacting surgical recommendations. 
The fact that you have a gentle transverse tissue draping SUGGESTS your fat loss was most in the fat shelf just superior to your umbilicus. An umbilicoplasty can ONLY create or shape a belly button NOT affect the wider area of skin above it.
Losing 20 pounds here; Gaining 30 pounds there, as most of us do through the year literally makes you an unstable and mobile cosmetic target. I would recommend you do nothing until you are done having children and your weight has fully stabilized. Then, based on your appearance, muscle laxity skin laxity you MAY wish to consider a surgical procedure.

George J. Beraka, MD (retired) · Answer

Hi!
Unfortunately, yours is a difficult problem because of the trade offs.  Having a tummy tuck will greatly improve the shape of your stomach and of your belly button, but you will have long scars which may not be worth it.
Trying to fix the belly button alone will not work.

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