If you are considering a tummy tuck, chances are you have some questions before you commit to the procedure. For many, an important question focuses on the belly button and whether or not your post tummy tuck belly button will look the same. In order to understand exactly what to expect when it comes to the belly button, it is important that you know exactly what to expect when it comes to your tummy tuck procedure.
What Happens During a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck is designed to remove excess fat and stretched skin around the abdomen that can happen after significant weight loss or pregnancy. A tummy tuck also addresses changes to the muscle in this area, often the result of stretching during pregnancy. During the procedure, the surgeon makes an incision that runs from hip to hip. They then remove the excess skin and fat, while also repairing stretched abdominal muscles. Once the excess skin is removed, the remaining skin is stretched down toward the incision area in order to create a flatter abdominal appearance. If the belly button is not addressed before this happens, you can see how it would be pulled downward and end up in a much lower, unnatural location.
Repositioning Your Belly Button
In order to avoid an unnatural appearance, the surgeon makes an incision around the belly button, leaving it attached to its natural stalk. When the excess abdominal skin is pulled down, the surgeon creates a new opening for the belly button in a more natural location. The belly button and stalk are placed through this new opening and sewn into place. When choosing the right plastic surgeon for your procedure, you not only want to see before and after photos of the abdomen in general, but you also want to look at how natural the new belly button placement looks.
Changing Your Belly Button after a Tummy Tuck
If you had a tummy tuck years ago and are just not happy with the way your belly button turned out, an umbilicoplasty procedure can help reshape your new belly button. This procedure helps restore a more natural look to your belly button, can change an outie to an innie, and repair any belly button deformities that may be a result of a tummy tuck or how your belly button formed as an infant.
If you are worried about how your belly button will look after a tummy tuck, talk with your plastic surgeon before your procedure. If you are still considering a tummy tuck but have more questions, Dr. Drew Davis and his team are more than happy to walk you through the procedure and how it can help you achieve the flatter, more toned appearance you are looking for. To learn more, call 916-318-5770 to schedule a consultation.
