Revealing How Abdominoplasty Affects the Belly Button
You’ve decided to go for an abdominoplasty. But you’re concerned about what happens to your belly button during the procedure. Abdominoplasty does not affect the belly button. In most cases, your belly button stays in place while the surrounding skin and muscles are tightened. If you choose a mini tummy tuck, the procedure focuses only on the area below the belly button. If you are curious to know how abdominoplasty affects belly button, keep reading.
Abdominoplasty Affects the Belly Button: What Happens During The Surgery?
- Most of the time, in a tummy tuck, the goal is to preserve a patient’s original belly button. The surgeon will carefully detach it from the surrounding skin and then pull the tightened skin over it. A new opening will be created in the skin flap for your belly button to pass through. However, there are situations where keeping the original belly button isn’t possible.
This typically occurs when a patient has a large umbilical hernia that has altered the shape of the belly button or when the hernia is directly behind it. In such cases, the surgeon may need to remove the belly button to repair the hernia properly. If that happens, we’ll create a new one, known as a neo-umbilicus, using the skin flap. So, while every case is unique, you can trust that your surgeon will work to achieve the best possible aesthetic outcome for your belly button.
Why Does Your Belly Button Look Different After an Abdominoplasty?
- If you’ve compared before-and-after pictures of tummy tucks, you may notice some changes in the appearance of the belly button after surgery. Several factors can contribute to these changes.
Changes in Shape or Position
- One reason for a different appearance is that the original shape of your belly button may have been altered, often due to pregnancy or significant weight gain. Some patients even request a new belly button during their tummy tuck procedure.
For instance, if your belly button changes from an “innie” to an “outie” during pregnancy, or if you want to improve its appearance, your surgeon can make adjustments.
Tightening of the Skin
- Even if the original belly button is preserved, you might notice some changes in its appearance. This is often due to the skin around the belly button being tightened and stretched during the procedure. This stretching can cause the belly button to look slightly different than it did pre-surgery.
Position Changes
- The position of your belly button might shift slightly. It could be positioned a bit higher or lower, depending on what the surgeon feels will look most natural and harmonious with the newly shaped abdomen. This adjustment is typically made to achieve a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing result.
How Surgeons Create a Natural-Looking Belly Button?
- Creating a belly button that looks natural and aesthetically pleasing requires a great deal of skill, and choosing a surgeon who excels in this area is essential. The procedure begins with precise incision placement to minimize scarring.
The surrounding skin also needs to be carefully contoured to create a smooth, balanced appearance that complements the new or preserved belly button.
Discuss Your Concerns
- If you have any questions about the tummy tuck procedure or the appearance of your belly button, big or small, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to answer all your questions and ensure you feel confident and comfortable with every aspect of the process.
Ready to explore your cosmetic surgery options? Contact Stanwix Plastic Surgery in Richmond, VA, to schedule a consultation with Dr. Matthew G. Stanwix. With over 13 years of experience, Dr. Stanwix provides personalized consultations and expert care to achieve beautiful, natural-looking results. Serving clients throughout Richmond, Charlottesville, Williamsburg, and beyond.
