After umbilical hernia repair, I have no belly button and a huge horizontal scar. What can I do? (photo)

Question

I had an umbilical hernia in the top of my belly button. I asked the doctor if her could pull some of the loose skin into the incision and he said it would leave a long scar so I advised I didn't want that outcome. He proceeded to repair the hernia with 2 sutures and remove skin & fat despite my wishes. My belly button is gone now and I have a long, dog eared scar with no umbilical stalk. It's important to me to have a belly button, but the plastic surgeon doesn't know if he can give me one.

Adam Saad, MD · Answer

A full tummy tuck may help move the scar lower on your abdomen.  Making a new belly button is often challenging but can be done.  Make sure your new surgeon is board certified by the American Board of plastic surgery.  Good Luck!

Luis A. Fernandez Goico, MD · Answer

Hello, I have starred at your photos for a while in order to understand what was the reason for this atrocious scar in order to repair an umbilical hernia. Did you ask your surgeon or did he inform you if there was any complications during the surgery? It just doesn't make any sense. Good news for you is that this can be fixed by doing a complete tummy tuck or abdominoplasty. Most important thing here is that the surgeon who'll operate performs a detailed physical exam and has enough imaging support to know what he/she will find during the surgery. Also, that you do not go back to that surgeon. Wish you the best with your outcome, Dr. Fernandez Goico

Brian K. Brzowski, MD, FACS · Answer

My advice would be for you to seek the advice of a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who can examine you in person and come up with the best plan forward.He or she will ask you pertinent questions such as the timing of the previous surgery, your healing history, and etc.  They will then examine you and develop the most appropriate direction to take at this stage.Best of luck.

George Commons, MD (retired) · Answer

You have a challenging situation but not impossible.   When you are one year post surgery of hernia repair you can have an abdominoplasty type of surgery.    A belly button can be constructed at that time.   Hopefully your present scar can be removed in the process.   Even if your present scar cannot be removed it can be improved in this process.  Certainly you will be much improved in appearance.   My Best,  Dr C

Ronald V. DeMars, MD (Retired) · Answer

I'm sorry to see this problem. I can't imagine that was a board certified plastic surgeon, but if it was, I think you should not go back there. This should be correctable to a major degree through a standard full abdominoplasty which will also give you a flatter tighter and overall more yuthful looking abdomen.

After umbilical hernia repair, I have no belly button and a huge horizontal scar. What can I do? (photo)

Answers (5)

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