Am I a good candidate to correct my belly button after tummy tuck & lipo in 2016? (Photos)

Question

I had tummy tuck, and liposuction done in 2016. I was pretty satisfied with my results but over the past few years, my bellybutton has widened and I don't like it. I want to get it redone and made smaller. Bellybutton surgery in Houston, TX

John Reilly, MD, FACS · Answer

Your body has created unnecessary, thickened scar with hyperpigmentation around the edge of the belly button which has widened and the skin of the belly button is darker than the skin of the abdominal wall. We see this occasionally, as prior to the abdominoplasty the skin that immediately attaches to the abdominal wall is the same color and that is all you have ever see. Once the belly button is shorted during an abdominoplasty the bottom portion of the belly button which is darker in many patients, is now visible.  An effort can be made in the office with a little bit of numbing medication to decrease the size of the belly button,  remove the thick scarring and hope you get a better result. You might also consider injections of cortisone a few weeks after the procedure to help reduce the chance of having a thickened scar. You can consider hydroquinone to lighten the skin of the belly button. Good luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Determined340,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. Based on your photos, it looks like you would benefit from belly button revision. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

As you have waited over a year since your surgery you can consider a revision.  It appears from your photos that you are a candidate.  See a board certified plastic surgeon near you for a consultation to learn more.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Based on the nicely posted photo I know of NO options to surgically improve your bb. Maybe skin lightening lasers? But surgery is not the answer. Sorry.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

You should consider having your umbilicus revised (Umbilicoplasty) under local anesthesia.  It is more difficult to reduce the size of the umbilical opening vs enlarging it?
Best wishes.
Dr. Taranow

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Plastic surgeons get what shot at doing the belly button. After that it’s very difficult to change it especially to make it smallr
Most likely any attempt at reducing the size of your belly button will eventually stretch out to its current size or potentially worse.
Some improvements can probably be had but it’s not that easy and relying on sutures to your belly button smile may be asking for too much.
Natural looking belly buttons on a consistent basis is the hallmark of quality abdominoplasty surgery.
Best
Mats Hagstrom MD

Jeffrey E. DeWeese, MD, FACS - Account Suspended · Answer

It is not unusual to have extra umbilical stalk skin left after abdominoplasty, too much is always better than too little! The umbilical scar can be revised with shortening of the stalk so it pulls the scar inside where it is more difficult to see or maybe even use a permanent purse string suture to hold the scar to a smaller diameter. I recommend that you return to the surgeon who preformed your tummy tuck because she or he is most likely to give you the best deal on an umbilicoplasty. Good luck! Jeffrey DeWeese, MD, FACS

Am I a good candidate to correct my belly button after tummy tuck & lipo in 2016? (Photos)

Answers (7)

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