Is there any way to relocate a belly button to its original position after a tummy tuck with floating belly button surgery?

Question

I had a tummy tuck with a floating belly button procedure. My belly button was moved approximately 3 inches lower than its normal position. This was needed to remove the excess skin on my stomach. Is there a surgery to relocate it back to where it was or at least closer to the original position? Is there any fix for this problem?

Jose M. Soler-Baillo, MD, MS · Answer

Thanks for your question. It is extremely difficult to reattach the umbilical stalk due to the fact that its main blood supply has been severed from below. I have attempted this operation with moderate results by delaying the process in staged procedures. All the best,Dr. ResultsMiami, FL

N. Bill Aydin, MD · Answer

It is difficult to make suggestion without seeing pictures. One option would be to make you a new belly button however you may not like the scars it leaves behind.

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

Photos would be helpful in responding to your question, including before pix if available. Three inches is an awful lot of movement for the navel using that technique, and in most settings with that much upper abdominal laxity a standard abdominoplasty might have been a better choice. Unfortunately there are not a lot of good options at this stage,  The navel could be transferred as a skin graft to a higher location.  That would leave a scar at its current location, and even a 100% take of the graft might not look quite right. Reposting your question with photos might lead to a reasonable suggestion. All the best.

Alex N. Mesbahi, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

With a floating belly button, the native blood supply to the belly button has been surgically removed. it's only supply at this point is random circulation from the surrounding skin. If that skin is disrupted significantly, the belly button would lose its circulation and die. Photographs may may help generate some other ideas but there is likely no great solution at this point to move the umbilicus, or belly button.

Is there any way to relocate a belly button to its original position after a tummy tuck with floating belly button surgery?

Answers (4)

Answer: Floating belly button

Answer: Floating belly button

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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Is there any way to relocate a belly button to its original position after a tummy tuck with floating belly button surgery?

Answers (4)

Answer: Floating belly button

Answer: Floating belly button

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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