A belly button’s (umbilicus) appearance after a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) procedure is a common concern for many. They typically ask, “What happens to it after a tummy tuck?” or “Do I lose my belly button after a tummy tuck?”
This article will explain the potential changes, including complications, healing stages, and post-operative care recommendations.
Do You Lose Your Belly Button After a Tummy Tuck?
The belly button, or navel, is connected to underlying tissues, including the abdominal wall muscles and the linea alba. This tough fibrous band runs down the centre of the abdomen.
During a full abdominoplasty, your plastic surgeon will perform an umbilical transposition. This is when they make an incision around the belly button and carefully separate it from the connecting skin and tissue, keeping enough connections from the abdominal wall for the blood supply to keep the belly button alive.
Afterwards, the surgeon will lift your skin and fat tissue to reveal the abdominal fascia and muscles and then tighten and stitch the exposed abdominal fascia by pulling the rectus muscles closer together to flatten your midsection.
After your muscles are tightened, the layer of skin and fat is pulled back down towards the bikini area and any excess is removed.
Due to the skin being stretched downwards, the incision for the belly button will be in a new location. Your surgeon will create a new opening for the belly button, which can significantly enhance its appearance, especially if it was previously stretched or distorted.
Tummy Tuck Belly Button Healing Stages
The healing process for the belly button after a tummy tuck or mini tummy tuck varies for each person, but it generally has three stages:
Early Healing Stage
The belly button may appear swollen, bruised, and slightly discoloured. You may also feel some tenderness or discomfort around the area.
This is when you must follow your surgeon’s instructions for wound care to a tee, which may include cleaning, dressing changes, and applying an antibiotic ointment.
Intermediate Healing Stage
During this phase, a scar will begin to form around the belly button. It may be red, raised, and slightly itchy while the surrounding tissues will continue to heal and tighten.
It’s common for the belly button to appear slightly different than it did before the surgery, but it will gradually settle into its final shape.
Final Healing Stage
At this stage, the belly button will have reached its final appearance. It may be slightly inverted or protruding, but this is often a typical result of the surgery.
The scar will gradually fade and become less noticeable. However, it’s still critical to follow your surgeon’s instructions for post-operative care, including avoiding strenuous activity and protecting the surgical site from sun exposure.
When to Call a Doctor
The entire healing process may take anywhere from eight weeks to six months, although it is uncommon for some to still be in the healing stage for a year. However, there are also instances when you are experiencing potential complications, in which case, you must alert your specialist or cosmetic surgeon immediately. This includes:
- Severe pain that is not relieved by pain medication
- Excessive bleeding that cannot be controlled with a clean, dry bandage
- Signs of infection such as redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or a fever
- Symptoms of a blood clot
- Any unusual discharge from the incision site
- Numbness or tingling in the surgical area, which can be a sign of nerve damage
Dead Belly Button After a Tummy Tuck and Other Complications
A dead belly button, also known as umbilical necrosis, can occur after an abdominoplasty. It is caused by either excessive tension on the skin or poor surgical technique, which disrupts the blood flow to the belly button tissue.
A successful tummy tuck requires careful planning and execution, particularly when it comes to preserving the belly button. A skilled surgeon, with their expertise and experience, carefully handles the belly button and surrounding tissues to avoid damaging the blood supply, starting with removing only the necessary amount of skin to prevent blood flow problems.
They also ensure that the skin is not stretched too tightly and that proper suturing techniques are used to ensure that the navel is adequately supported by the tissue and that blood flow is maintained.
Besides umbilical necrosis, the following can also happen to your navel after an abdominoplasty:
- Asymmetry. Uneven removal of skin and fat, or natural variations in the abdominal anatomy, can result in a belly button positioned off-centre or uneven shape. You can consider surgical revision to improve symmetry.
- Scarring. A tummy tuck scar may form around the belly button when your surgeon uses the wrong procedure.
- Sensitivity or pain. Irritation of the nerves during surgery or changes in tissue tension can lead to tenderness, pain, or sensitivity to touch. Over-the-counter pain medication or topical treatments may help to alleviate discomfort.
To minimise the risk of complications after a tummy tuck, especially those related to the belly button:
- Select a qualified surgeon with experience performing abdominoplasty procedures and a good track record of successful outcomes. You can ask for their portfolio during your consultation.
- Adhere to your surgeon’s pre-operative instructions, which may include dietary restrictions, smoking cessation, and medication adjustments.
- Maintain a healthy weight before and after surgery can help to prevent complications and ensure optimal results.
- Carefully follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions, including wound care, medication use, activity restrictions, and proper posture.
- Protect the incision from sun exposure and excessive moisture.
The healing process can take time, so be patient and allow your body to recover. If you experience any unusual symptoms or concerns, contact your surgeon immediately.
Meet With Dr Yunaev
If you’re ready to discuss your options and take the first step towards a transformative experience, book a consultation with Dr Michael Yunaev today to obtain the precise surgical quote for your procedure that is carefully tailored to your needs.
Dr Yunaev is an experienced surgeon specialising in aesthetic breast and body surgery, general surgery, and the treatment of breast cancer and benign breast conditions.
This deep knowledge of breast disease processes and treatments allows him to approach abdominoplasty surgery with a comprehensive perspective. This means that while performing abdominoplasty surgery, he is not only considering the aesthetic shape but also the functional and health implications for the patient.
If you are considering this procedure, speak to our friendly team today to receive all of the necessary information to help you make an informed decision. The consultation will not only provide exact costs but also ensure that abdominoplasty surgery will create the results you are hoping for. We will assess your situation and goals, and recommend the best path forward to helping you feel more comfortable with your body.