When it comes to plastic surgery, small details can make a big difference in how natural your results will look. For an abdominoplasty, more commonly known as a tummy tuck, one of these details is the belly button. This procedure removes excess skin and tightens the abdomen to create a slimmer profile. Your belly button will stay in the same place, but a new opening will need to be created and it takes care and precision to preserve a natural shape. This article answers some of the most common tummy tuck belly button questions.
What Happens to Your Belly Button During a Tummy Tuck?
Your belly button is attached by a “stalk” to your abdominal muscles, and it does not actually move during an abdominoplasty. Instead, all the other skin moves around it. Your surgeon will make two incisions: one each on your lower abdomen and around your belly button. They then lift the skin, remove excess tissue, and stretch what remains into a tighter position.
At this point, a new opening may need to be made for the belly button if the skin covers it. The edges will be stitched, and the surgeon will ensure the final shape looks natural.
If you are only concerned about excess skin below your belly button, you may want to consider a mini tummy tuck. This doesn’t require an incision around the belly button, so the shape will not need to change.
Why is the Belly Button So Important for Abdominoplasty?
Ideally, your surgery shouldn’t be immediately obvious to those who don’t know you underwent surgery. It’s impossible for a surgery to be completely undetectable because any incision will result in some degree of scarring. However, in the case of a tummy tuck, the scar is typically placed low on the abdomen and this allows it to be partially hidden when wearing a bikini or underwear. Because the belly button is more visible in these situations, it’s important that it looks natural.
What Are Possible Issues for Belly Buttons After a Tummy Tuck?
If a surgeon is less experienced, a belly button may look “off” after a tummy tuck. It may appear too large and round or too small and slit-like, or the positioning may look unnatural, depending on how the abdominoplasty was performed.
A talented plastic surgeon will be aware of these potential issues and will work to ensure your belly button looks natural.
What Can You Do to Avoid Complications?
Along with aesthetic concerns, it’s important to be aware of and work to avoid infections around the belly button incision. Follow all instructions that your surgeon gives you and ask questions if you are unsure of anything. You may find misleading information online with “tricks” for making your belly button look more natural when it’s healed. However, a skilled surgeon will ensure this happens without the need to use these, and many of them are dangerous.
If you’re not sure about something you’ve read, ask a member of our team and we will be happy to give you more information.
Skilled Tummy Tuck Surgeons in Tucson
Our surgeons pay close attention to every detail and work hard to ensure you love the way you look after your procedure. Check out these before and after photos of tummy tucks we’ve completed to get an idea of the results we are able to achieve.
