So, you are interested in a tummy tuck, and now, you are doing your research. By now, you’ve no doubt come across blogs and message board comments warning about the major pitfall of abdominoplasty: the tummy tuck belly button.
Except this isn’t really a pitfall — not when you select a talented and experienced surgeon.
Why Are People Worked Up Over Navels?
With a tummy tuck, the abdominal muscles are tightened and excess skin is removed. The skin removal is essential to getting good results, but it also tosses in a complication: when you remove and tighten skin, it changes the placement of abdominal features, including freckles, moles and, yes, your belly button.
Whether you plan to rock a bikini after your surgery or not, you want a navel that is properly placed and shaped.
What Is a Tummy Tuck Belly Button?
Typically, this term refers to navels that don’t look their best after surgery and also give away that the person has had a tummy tuck. Tummy tuck belly buttons may be:
- Overly round
- Too large
- Slit-like in shape
- Positioned too high or low on the abdomen
- Have a generally distorted look
But just because a belly button can look like this after a tummy tuck doesn’t mean that it will.
Can You Get a Designer Belly Button?
Absolutely. And any quality plastic surgeon will ensure that you do.
Designer belly buttons are those that are perfectly reshaped during the body contouring procedure to look natural and fit within your unique proportions. Because the navel is the central feature of your abdomen, it needs to look good, but there is no one belly button “look” that is ideal for everyone. Factors that determine what look is best include your torso length and shape, your overall size and what belly buttons appeal to you.
For something as seemingly simple as a belly button, crafting an attractive one requires a lot of thought and planning.
Typically, people want an “innie” navel after their tummy tuck, even if they previously had an “outie.” In most cases, this means adding depth back to the navel and creating a small, smooth envelope of skin at the top. There is also the desire to hide the scars from creating the navel, which is usually done by placing incisions inside the belly button itself.
Doing Your Part
The work of your plastic surgeon is essential to good results, so don’t cut corners and go with one who doesn’t excel at designer belly buttons. With that said, you have to do your part too.
Follow your surgeon’s aftercare instruction to the letter; any deviation from their instruction can compromise your results, especially as it pertains to scar tissue. Expect directions to keep the area clean and dry, apply certain ointments and avoid irritating the incisions.
Additionally, stay away from DIY tips on perfecting your belly button post-tummy tuck. There is plenty of crazy advice out there, telling patients to stick marbles or coins in their healing navel to ensure it retains a round shape and sufficient depth. Unfortunately, these “tricks” will only cause damage and harm your final result. Vet your plastic surgeon carefully, then trust in their guidance and work.
Dr. Francesco Campanile is a board-certified plastic surgeon who is also fellowship trained in hand and microsurgery. Dr. Campanile knows that making a lasting change to your appearance is a big decision. His calm, professional approach and deep caring for his patients set a tone that will help you feel confident and relaxed while reviewing your options and learning all about the procedures that can benefit you. Request a consultation today to meet with Dr. Campanile in person.
