A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is able to remove excess fat and skin, while also tightening the muscles, to create a look to the abdomen that is smoother and firmer in appearance. However, there is one concern about the procedure that is shared among many patients who have the surgery. One of the most common worries is…What happens to the belly button once the procedure is over? The fear of a botched belly button is shared by many people who are considering having a tummy tuck.
Fear not…In the majority of cases, the belly button will not be moved because it is the muscle and skin that is impacted by being tightened by the surgeon (but there might be a need for a new opening). Let’s examine the topic of the belly button and tummy tucks and let the public know where their belly button will go (if anywhere at all!).
During a traditional tummy tuck surgery, the surgeon will create an incision in the lower part of the abdomen in order for excess skin and fat to be removed. The incision is also made so any loose muscles in the targeted area can be sewn together by the doctor. Plus, the upper skin that remains on the body will be lifted and then pulled downwards to the lower skin (around the area of the pubic bone). This allows the skin to be stretched tight while also giving the surgeon the chance to choose an ideal location to place the stalk of the belly button on the body.
Because the belly button is attached to muscles that are located below it, the belly button will stay attached to the stalk. In addition, the surgeon will likely need to create a new opening for the belly button as its overall shape can often gain a distorted look after a person has a pregnancy or a large amount of weight gain. The surgeon needs to be experienced and trained in placing the belly button opening as the final results can often gain a look such as being too deep or flat or even the wrong shape.
FYI: Patients who are not happy with the look of their belly button after they have healed from a tummy tuck might want to have an umbilicoplasty surgery that is performed to change the appearance of the belly button.
When it comes to a tummy tuck, there are multiple options available besides the traditional tummy tuck discussed above:
The recovery process from a tummy tuck varies per patient and it depends on the type of procedure that was performed as well as the extent of the work performed by the surgeon. The surgeon might have the patient spend the first night in the hospital and the patient will likely need to wear drainage tubes for several days to help get rid of excess fluid from the body.
The patient will need to wear an abdominal binder for around six weeks after the surgery. The binder is worn around the stomach, and it helps to support the stomach as well as lessen the amount of fluid backup that occurs are the procedure. The wearing of the abdominal binder also helps the belly button to enjoy proper healing.
The treated area will have a look that is swollen after surgery, and it can take up to six months for the belly button to fully heal.
If the patient makes the commitment to following the post-op instructions provided by the surgeon and practicing a proper diet and exercise, the results of the tummy tuck can last for up to a decade (or even longer for some people). The patient will enjoy a smoother look to the contour of the body and a more toned appearance to the abdomen. If there are any scars after the surgery (depending on the technique used by the surgeon), they will likely become lighter and flatter as more time passes after the procedure.
Anyone who is interested in undergoing a tummy tuck should schedule a consultation appointment with a board-certified doctor who is experienced in performing the surgery. The doctor can examine the current condition of the abdomen to determine the ideal tummy tuck procedure to provide the desired results. In addition, the surgeon can set realistic expectations for the final results and reassure the patient that they will still have a belly button after the healing process is over.
- MA