Will My Belly Button Change After Tummy Tuck Surgery?

A tummy tuck entails removing excess belly fat you might have struggled to burn off through regular diet and exercise. It works well for patients with hard to manage fat deposits and excess skin around the midsection, and it is ideal for people who have undergone substantial weight loss and women who were recently pregnant.

Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jay Shenaq and the team at Plastic Surgery of Houston can perform a tummy tuck to improve how your abdomen looks and functions. But you should be prepared for what to expect following the process, including how your belly button can change. Dr. Shenaq uses smaller incisions to prevent extensive scarring; however, the procedure can cause some changes to the appearance of the belly button.

Here is what to expect after tummy tuck surgery.

How is a tummy tuck performed?

During the tummy tuck surgery, Dr. Shenaq will make a horizontal incision between the belly button and pubic area to clear excess fat and skin tissue. The tissue under the skin will be tightened, and the belly button may be adjusted through a separate incision in a nearby area. The belly button will be moved to allow the tissue to conform to the new shape around your abdomen.

The belly button can experience a restored look, as the removal of excess skin and fat can help make it more noticeable. Sometimes, there might be some swelling in this area that takes a few weeks to resolve.

What happens during the recovery process?

The recovery process after a tummy tuck will influence how the belly button looks. Some drainage tubes may be necessary around the abdomen for a few days after the procedure. You’ll also require an abdominal binder for about 6 – 8 weeks, as the band will support the abdomen and improve how the belly button and other features can recover. The binder also reduces the risk of fluid building up in the area. You must also avoid excessive physical activity to allow the belly button to heal without risking possible stress.

Watch the treatment area with care

Our team at Plastic Surgery of Houston recommends you watch how your belly button responds to the procedure. The area will look swollen for a while, as it could take about six months for the region to heal. We will also provide aftercare guidelines on how to manage any scarring that occurs after the procedure. Following our instructions will improve how well your incisions can heal and that it will blend in with your natural skin, keeping the effects from looking too noticeable.

Get a flatter, firmer abdomen with a tummy tuck

Patients love the outstanding results from their tummy tuck procedures. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jay Shenaq and the team at Plastic Surgery of Houston can help design a treatment plan for your tummy tuck surgery so you can achieve your dream look. You can contact us today to schedule a visit to our office in Houston, TX to learn if a tummy tuck can work for you.