Hi Erica367, Thank you for your question regarding during panniculectomy surgery, will the belly button be moved to a different area. The answer is “no”. The belly button is not moved to a different area during panniculectomy surgery. During a panniculectomy, the abdominal pannus is removed. The abdominal pannus is that area of skin and fat that hangs over the pubic region. A panniculectomy exclusively entails the surgical removal of the pannus. A panniculectomy does not include elevating or downsizing the pubic area. A panniculectomy does not entail any alteration of the umbilicus and does not include rectus abdominis muscle tightening or liposuction. If anything but the removal of the pannus (panniculectomy) is performed, then the procedure is no longer a panniculectomy. Sometimes, by removing the abdominal pannus, the umbilicus (belly button) is pulled down toward the pubic region. However, the belly button is technically not moved during a panniculectomy. If you want your belly button moved during your panniculectomy, discuss this option with your plastic surgeon. Belly button relocation may be possible, but it would be “extra” and, by definition, not part of a panniculectomy. Most plastic surgeons offer free virtual or in-office physical consultations. Therefore, explore what other plastic surgeons have to say. Good luck. I hope I have answered your question: during panniculectomy surgery, will the belly button be moved to a different area? If you have any more questions regarding the panniculectomy, extended lower body lift, lower body lift, 360 circumferential lower body lift, belt lipectomy, belt abdominoplasty, or belt dermolipectomy, contact an experienced plastic surgeon. Since the panniculectomy or lower body lift is a major procedure, please seek an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon with significant experience performing these procedures. Do your research. Ensure they have performed at least 100 panniculectomies or circumferential lower-body lift surgeries, and have before-and-after photos to document it. Carefully examine their before-and-after pictures and check their reviews on RealSelf. If you cannot find an experienced panniculectomy or lower-body lift surgeon in your area, consider traveling out of state if necessary. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, and International College of Surgery and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, RealSelf Hall of Fame, and RealSelf Doctor Advisory Board for Medical Review and Consumer Panel.)
