Umbilicoplasty to Remove Scar Above Belly Button? (photo)

Question

I am 22 years old, I have a vertical scar about 1.3 inches tall above my belly button, I was wondering if with a umbilicoplasty this could be solved.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

The abdominal scar above your belly button should be reexcised with layered skin closure.  This will improve your results in the long term.  Pulsed dye laser will improve the scar, but there will still be textural changes in the skin.

Jill Tomlinson, MBBS, FRACS · Answer

Thanks for your photo and question!

	It appears that you have a scar that is either hypertrophic or keloid above your belly button, perhaps from previous surgery? To improve the appearance of the scar I recommend scar revision surgery rather than umbilicoplasty, given the length of your scar.

	Before undergoing revision surgery it is wise to discuss with your surgeon the reasons that your scar is not currently as cosmetically satisfactory as you would like. Sometimes unaesthetic scars develop because of factors that can be corrected, such as tension, infection or a lack of scar management. However, some people have a tendency to develop hypertrophic or keloid scars. Surgery would aim to reduce the width of your scar and leave you with a much less noticeable scar.

	By discussing the factors that contribute to poor scarring you'll get an idea of the possible outcomes of scar revision surgery in you. The surgery can be done under local anaesthetic and it will be important to adhere to a post operative scar minimisation plan which may involve silicone sheeting, massage and occasionally corticosteroid injections to the scar.

	Good luck! JT

Umbilicoplasty to Remove Scar Above Belly Button? (photo)

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Umbilicoplasty to Remove Scar Above Belly Button? (photo)

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about Belly Button Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.