Tummy Tuck and Belly Botton
The location, size and shape of a belly buttonis very important and could become “the signature” of the surgeon who perform tummy tuck operation.
It should be on the midline about 4-5 inches above pubic line, vertically oriented oval shape and slightly depressed “inny”.
In order to be attractive it should look natural, therefore I like to leave a very small skin flap, hood like above the belly botton.
It is, definitely technic dependant and surgeon should pay attention to the detailes at the time of performing tummy tucks (Fereydoon S. Mahjouri, MD, Minneapolis Plastic Surgeon)
Belly Button Scars After A Tummy Tuck
Each plastic surgeon has their own favorite technique or techniques for insetting and closing the belly button at the end of a tummy tuck. Most surgeons choose their technique based on what they think gives them the most consistent results.
That being said, no all of the elements that will result in a nice belly button result are in the control of the surgeon. Poor skin tissues, previous surgery around the navel, very long or very short umbilical stalks, and other factors impact the final appearance. Sometimes the plastic surgeon will recommend a revision of the navel to maximize the final aesthetic look. Start by obtaining a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon and ask to look at before and after photos of their abdominoplasty patients. Discuss with your surgeon what factors they believe in your specific case they feel may impact your final result. (Herluf G. Lund, Jr, MD, Saint Louis Plastic Surgeon)
Tummy Tuck Belly Buttons
As you know there are “inny” and “outy” belly buttons. Certainly creating a new belly button for a person who has an “inny” is handled differently than a belly button in a person who has an “outy.” There is not one correct technique for everyone.
That is why I recommend that you make an appointment with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and discuss this with him/her. Certainly review their before and after photos to give you a better idea of the Plastic Surgeon’s results. Often times when you look at their photo gallery, there is often someone who has similar issues as you and you will be able to see how that has been handled. (Jonathan Berman, MD, Palm Beach Plastic Surgeon)
Choose the right Board Certified plastic surgeon, and you will get a great belly button along with the other necessary elements of a tummy tuck. I personally use a vertical ellipse which then rounds out due to the vectors of force placed on it by suturing the umbilical tissue to the abdominal skin. That having been said, the key to a great belly button is what the surgeon feels most comfortable with.
Choose the right surgeon, discuss every aspect of the tummy tuck with him/her, see before and after pictures, if possible have a cup of tea with one or more of his/her patients who will show you their belly buttons and also their abdominoplasty suture lines.
A great abdominoplastologist has a specific technique for each portion of the abdominoplasty, i.e. rectus repair, minimal abdominoplasty scarring, umbilicalplasty, ancillary liposuction, etc. What you are really looking for is not the best technique for an umbilicalplasty but an artistic, Board Certified experienced plastic surgeon who cares. (S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS, Honolulu Plastic Surgeon)
Belly button shape in a tummy tuck
The look of the belly button is a finishing touch piece of artistry in tummy tuck surgery. It depends a bit on what you have to start with and on the shape of the hole your doctor makes to bring it up through. After 25 years, I like to use a vertical oval shape after trying many others. (Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS, Seattle Plastic Surgeon)
Belly Button shape with a Tummy Tuck
As with much of plastic surgery, there is not a one size fits all when it comes to belly buttons. I find the complete circular scars and mushroom shapes to be very obvious and unattractive. In my opinion, the belly button is tell tail sign of a tummy tuck, so we must do our best to conceal the scar.
A belly button scar can be carefully hidden by precisely contouring the size of the belly button incision and native stalk. Sutures to the fascia can help give a sunken in/hooded appearance, helping to conceal the scar deeper inside the belly button. Based on your hip contour and belly button shape, I would recommend a rounder belly button. (Paul S. Gill, MD, Houston Plastic Surgeon)
Best Shape/Size of Umbilicus after Tummy Tuck Surgery?
You are wise to be concerned about the appearance of the umbilicus after tummy tuck surgery. This appearance is important because the scar around the umbilicus will likely be the only scar visible in a two piece swimming suit or undergarment (after tummy tuck surgery). Generally speaking, an umbilicus that is too large, too round, or too flat can be a tell tale sign that they tummy tuck operation has been performed. In other words, a smaller, more oval-shaped umbilicus tends to be more aesthetically pleasing to most patients. Sometimes, the patient’s own anatomy will dictate what the final aesthetic appearance of the umbilicus will be; often, the plastic surgeon does have a significant amount of control over the final size/shape on the off of the umbilicus. For your own peace of mind, you may want to ask your plastic surgeon consultants to show you lots of examples of their work. I have had patients bring in pictures of what they would like a umbilicus to look like after tummy tuck surgery; I think these pictures help in the communication process. Realistic expectations should also be addressed. (Tom J. Pousti, MD, FACS, San Diego Plastic Surgeon)
Some features of post-tummy tuck belly button are controlled by the surgeon while others are not. How the belly button heals may be as important as anything else.
I would reccomend you look at the before and after pictures of the surgeon you are considering and ask what technique he/she uses. (Vishnu Rumalla, MD, Dallas Plastic Surgeon)
Belly button technique with tummy tuck
That is probably one of the most individualized aspects of cosmetic surgery. Every surgeon does it a little differently, because every surgeon does it the way that works best for him/her.
I prefer hiding the scar down inside the cavity of the belly button with a V shaped flap inset at 12 o’clock to prevent constricting scar contracture. The other way to avoid circular scar contracture (which results in a pin-hole belly button) is to make the incision as bug as a silver dollar, but that scar is forever visible and unsightly.
A youthfull belly button is a vertical oval, not a round bulls-eye. (Lawrence Foster, MD, Sacramento Plastic Surgeon)
How to handle the belly button with a tummy tuck
Some people don’t want to have a belly button at all. For those that would like to have one there are basically two types: round and hooded. If you are going to pierce your belly button (umbilicus) you may want to have one with a small hood. Discuss this with your surgeon. (Daniel Greenwald, MD, Tampa Plastic Surgeon)