I understand stretch marks can't be removed above the belly button with a TT but can an old piercing be cut away? (Photo)

Question

Although I have stretched marked skin, the skin itself is quite thick and not thin like some I've seen is this fat, skin or both? My weight is 137 and my tummy just won't shift. On standing it's not the worst I've seen but bent over yuk! Will this thick skin stretch enough for a low scar?

Miguel Mota, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. The answer is most of the time it can. An old piercing can be cut away most of the time. It will ultimately depend on how high your belly button is in relation to your eventual scar, on the scar placement and on how much extra skin you have above your belly button. In your case it is hard to tell without an in person evaluation, but if I had to guess I would say it can be done.Most of the time I like to go about an inch above the belly button which should be enough.Best of luck!Dr. Miguel Mota

Manish H. Shah, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello Ellsbells,Thanks for your question.From what I can see, it seems like you abdominal shape comes from a combination of extra fat, loose skin, and loose abdominal muscles.A lipoabdominoplasty could improve most of what you see and help you attain a more pleasing shape.  The belly button piercing scar would be improved as part of the process and most of the stretch marks, including some from above the belly button, would be removed.A consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon is recommended to better understand your options.Good luck,Dr. Shah

Deborah Sillins, MD · Answer

from your photos a tummy tuck will help remove the excess skin. At the time of the tummy tuck the surgeon should be able to get rid of the pierced hole .

Mathew A. Plant, MD, FRCSC · Answer

In many cases it's possible to remove the scar from an old belly button piercing but it differs from person to person. Without actually examining you in person it's impossible to tell you whether that would be the case for you. The only way to know for sure is to book a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon near you to be examined. Best of luck!

Andrew Jimerson, MD · Answer

You look like a great candidate for a tummy tuck. Navel piercings can often be removed with the tummy tuck, but it depends on how much extra skin you have.  During a tummy tuck, your surgeon will cut around your belly button leaving it in place.  (S)he will then repair the abdominal muscles, pull the skin tight, cut off the excess and then sew the incision closed and then bring your belly button through.  If you don't have enough skin to remove the piercing altogether, (s)he will have to close the piercing (creating a small scar), then proceed with the procedure.  You will need to be seen in person.  An experienced surgeon should be able to tell you beforehand whether or not you have enough skin to remove the piercing.

Nicholas Tarola, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  It appears that you are a good candidate for a full abdominoplasty with a scar placed low on the abdomen.  However, everyone undergoing the procedure should be aware that if there is not enough skin redundancy to place the upper incision above the hole where the belly button once was, then that hole will be closed as a small vertical scar at the bottom of the belly.  That vertical scar is usually not more than 2-3 cm and still hidden below the panty line.  Your belly button piercing scars would be removed in a similar fashion.  Consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options.  This can all be explained for you during your consultation.  Best wishes!

William H. Sabbagh, MD · Answer

Hi Ellbells, After looking at the fotos you sent I think you would be a good candidate for a tummy tuck. This procedure will correct the underlying muscle laxity and will remove the loose skin. The position of the incision and removal of the belly button piercing are dependent on how loose the skin is above the belly  button.In the average patient all the skin from the top of the button, including the piercing, down to just above the pubic hair is removed. If the is not enough skin to do that then either the incision is made higher or other variations can be used.  If there is more than enough skin than the incision can be moved lower.  The details of the procedure as well as the expected position of the incision would be discussed at your consultation. Hope this helps.

Vasdev Rai, MD · Answer

It is possible to cut off and remove old piercing at time of tummy tuck.  Definition of low scar is subjective.  Determination of it can only be made at time of in person evaluation by the plastic surgeon.

Jeffrey K. Scott, MD · Answer

You bring up a very good question/issue in reference to the fine points and details of a tummy tuck.  When performing a tummy tuck the abdominal skin is undermined, the belly button is separated from the skin and remains attached to the abdominal wall underneath. This results in a small hole in the abdominal skin where the belly button (and piercing site) was previously located. After plicating the separated rectus muscles the abdominal skin is firmly stretched downward. Often times all of the lower abdominal skin, including the belly button hole (and piercing hole) can be resected and closed along the low horizontal bikini line only. However sometimes the belly button/piercing holes cannot be stretched all the way down to the low bikini line. In this case the belly button/pierce holes are excised as a "upside down V" and closed as a short line extending up an inch or so from the  low horizontal bikini line closure. It is best to always keep the tummy tuck closure low in the bikini line and actually fixate the incision to the underlying muscle fascia so it cannot  migrate upward in time.  In my opinion it is best to accept a small vertical incision extending up from a low bikini line incision as opposed to elevating the bikini line closure upward in order to avoid this vertical scar. Also, after a tummy tuck this tight lower abdominal skin relaxes somewhat in time and if present this small vertical scar can usually be removed all together as a simple procedure in the office months later.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and pictures. Based on your photographs, you appear to be a good candidate for tummy tuck surgery. Working with your plastic surgeon, it is likely that you will be able to design an operation where the incision can be kept "low" and the  piercing above the umbilicus can be removed. Ultimately, careful selection of plastic surgeon, careful communication of goals, and careful design/execution of the operation will be key. I hope this, and the attached link/video helps. Best wishes.

I understand stretch marks can't be removed above the belly button with a TT but can an old piercing be cut away? (Photo)

Answers (13)

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