What Happens to Your Belly Button During a Tummy Tuck?
When you look at before and after photos of a tummy tuck, it is clear that tissues have been tightened to reveal a naturally contoured abdomen. If you are considering this procedure, you are likely looking for a surgeon whose “after” photos reveal beautiful contours. But you should also look for a proportional, appealing belly button. Creating a natural-looking navel requires meticulous surgical skill and refined techniques, so this is a tell-tale sign of an excellent abdominoplasty surgeon.
In today’s blog, board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Emily Kirby will discuss what happens to your belly button during abdominoplasty, and how to find a surgeon who will safely give you beautiful tummy tuck or mommy makeover results—including a natural-looking belly button.
You determine your ideal belly button
In our consultation, we will talk about your desired results for your abdomen and belly button, looking at before and after photos to ensure that we are on the same page. In general, most patients desire an “innie” belly button.
If you desire a change in the appearance of your belly button, it is often possible to personalize your results. Especially during pregnancy, it is common for the belly button to change from an “innie” to an “outie,” which may signal that you have a hernia in this area. Small hernias are often safely repaired at the same time as a tummy tuck, with attention to detail in restoring the pre-baby appearance of the belly button.
Weight gain and weight loss can also affect the appearance of your navel: your belly button may have become “slumped” over time, and a tummy tuck tightens the skin around the belly button again.
How your plastic surgeon creates a natural-looking navel
A tummy tuck includes tightening of the abdominal muscles and tissues of the abdominal wall. The main incision for a tummy tuck is made above the groin, just below C-section scars, from hip to hip—this incision varies in length, depending on the patient and the amount of tissue to be removed. Through the incision, muscles are tightened and the tissues are reshaped. A second incision is made around the belly button so that it may also be properly reshaped and repositioned. Many people don’t realize that you keep your same belly button, but the tissues around it are adjusted, changing the appearance of the belly button.
The belly button is in plain view after a tummy tuck, so meticulous technique is required to make sure it will look natural and attractive.
Although the primary tummy tuck scar is typically low enough to be hidden by most underwear and bikini bottoms, the belly button incision is in plain view, and special techniques are required to contour and hide it as much as possible, while maintaining a natural appearance. While securing the belly button into its new position, care is taken to mimic natural, ideal abdominal contours surrounding the belly button while hiding the incision in shadows.
How to spot an excellent tummy tuck result
One of the easiest ways to spot a high-quality tummy tuck is a natural-looking belly button. As you evaluate a surgeon’s before and after gallery, look for these characteristics of a natural belly button in the “after” pictures:
- Positioned just right on the abdomen—not too high or low
- A natural shape, not stretched
- Slightly round with a shadow on top
- Smooth tissue above the navel
While many surgeons share some photos on their website, there are typically more photos available offline. During your consultation, ask to see before and after photos of patients who had similar concerns and look like you in the “before” images, and review these photos with a critical eye. They will help you better understand the kind of results your surgeon can provide for you.
Schedule your consultation to learn about tummy tuck or mommy makeover in Fort Worth
No matter your reasons for desiring a change, discuss your options with a plastic surgeon who is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. An experienced, qualified body contouring specialist has treated many patients with similar concerns, and they can help you understand your options.
Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Emily Kirby is well qualified to help you choose the appropriate procedures to achieve your desired outcome. Dr. Kirby has extensive experience performing Fort Worth tummy tucks, mini tummy tucks, and administering TAP blocks for advanced pain management during these procedures. Schedule an appointment by calling (817) 292-4200 or contacting us online. With Dr. Kirby, you can expect a listening ear and a highly capable surgeon who is ready to work closely with you to achieve your desired results.
