9 Weeks Post Op and my Belly Button is Sticking Out? I Had Tummy Tuck, Lip, Ba, Muscle Repair and Umbilical Hernia.

Question

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

It’s not
unusual for patients to be concerned about the appearance of their umbilicus
following abdominoplasty surgery.  The
umbilicus sits in the middle of the abdomen where it’s extremely
noticeable.  After surgery the area may
be extremely swollen.  This can
significantly impact the contour of the umbilicus.  Furthermore, red immature scars can
accentuate this type of deformity.

Your pictures suggest a raised red
scar around the perimeters of the umbilicus. 
This may be related to swelling, but is probably more likely related to
elongation of the umbilical stalk. 
Without a physical examination it’s impossible to determine if a recurrent
umbilical hernia is present as well.

This problem my resolve with the
resolution of swelling.  If the problem
persists secondary surgery may be necessary. 
Under these circumstances, shortening of the umbilical stalk would serve
several purposes.  Not only would it make
the incision around the perimeter less noticeable, it would also re-position
the incision internally where it would be hard to see.

If you’re concerned about the
appearance of your umbilicus it’s important to discuss the situation with your
plastic surgeon.  Your surgeon should be
able to formulate a treatment plan that addresses your concerns.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Overall, you have a very nice change in contour and the scar is well placed.  The hernia, if umbilical, almost always creates an issue with the skin that can be hard to manage.  The umbilical area can be anchored to the fascia in an attempt to deepen the the belly button, but this is not entirely reliable.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

Delayed healing of the umbilicus is not uncommon at all.  All that is required is dressing changes and keeping the area clean and it should heal fine. Because the umbilicus has to get its blood supply up through the stalk there are several points where this blood supply can become constricted.  Swelling will also contribute to the problems.  All you can do is wait it out, follow instructions and let it heal.  If it does not heal right a minor scar revision may be indicated.

Ronald A. Lohner, MD · Answer

Difficult to say exactly without an exam.  It seems as though swelling exists around the perimeter of the umbilicus rather than in the center as would usually been seen with a hernia.  With the degree of swelling visible in the photo, I would assume that this will continue to improve as it heals.

If the belly button remains prominent, small revisions could be undertaken, often under local anesthesia, to anchor the belly button and improve the appearance.  Give it some time, stick with your surgeon, as nothing surgically should be attempted right now.  Best of luck.

9 Weeks Post Op and my Belly Button is Sticking Out? I Had Tummy Tuck, Lip, Ba, Muscle Repair and Umbilical Hernia.

Answers (4)

Answer: Prominent Belly Button after Abdominoplasty and Hernia Repair

Answer: Prominent Belly Button after Abdominoplasty and Hernia Repair

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9 Weeks Post Op and my Belly Button is Sticking Out? I Had Tummy Tuck, Lip, Ba, Muscle Repair and Umbilical Hernia.

Answers (4)

Answer: Prominent Belly Button after Abdominoplasty and Hernia Repair

Answer: Prominent Belly Button after Abdominoplasty and Hernia Repair

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Everything you need to know about Mommy Makeover

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