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Slandon83
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Loss of umbilicus after a full tummy tuck... do have any more options?
tummy tuck

I am seeking other opinions of my situation. I had a full tummy tuck in November 2010. I had unsatisfactory results of the umbilicus. It healed flat with no depth or hooding just a round incision on my abdomen. I had my first revision in Feb 2011 and again had poor results. My doctor was not able to get any depth to the belly button. I had a second revision in Sept 2011 and STILL have not been able to achieve a normal looking belly button. My doctor is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve a normal looking belly button but she has never had a case like this before. I have started seeking help and feedback from other surgeons who may have a little more experience with similar situations. After asking for a little more information from my surgeon I was told that I have no remnant of my umbilicus left. She said this was because the umbilical skin was so thinned from an umbilical hernia that it caused it to necrose. (I am a little confused how this could have happened? I was under the impression that if a belly button was to necrose there would have been slow healing, open wounds... I never had either) Either way I am wondering if there is any hope for achieving a normal looking belly button at this point. If anyone has any input it would be GREATLY appreciated or if you know of a surgeon who may specialize in cases like mine I would love a recommendation.

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Doctor/Professional Answers (3)   

jhonnys


Plastic surgeon
Coral Gables, FL
United States
View My Professional Profile 		  Loss of umbilicus after a full tummy tuck
September 25, 2013 5:06 AM

If the belly button is necrosed it will be very hard to fix. Sometimes you can re arrange the tissues to create a belly button. To view more details: (more)
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docblinski


Plastic surgeon
Miami, FL
United States
View My Professional Profile 		 
December 6, 2011 3:26 AM

Try in person second opinions to see if a surgical intervention can improve. Otherwise tattooing can give a depth appearance. Best of luck. (more)
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drredou


Plastic surgeon
vienna, VA
United States
View My Professional Profile 		 
December 5, 2011 2:09 PM

You might have 2 situations. 1. Umbilical hernia with fat incarceration. That can easily be repaired by skin incision over the hernia, excision of the fat, closure of the defect and (more)
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Member Comments (1)

lessabigbelly
INMAN, SC
United States 		  No Belly button after full tummy tuck
March 3, 2012 11:56 AM

I am going through the same thing. I had a tummy tuck on 12/10/09. I had no belly button after about 2 weeks. It healed outward. My PS did 2 revisions and both times my belly button healed outward.

Then, in June & July 2010 I had to have a back surgery and a lower bowel obstruction surgery. The last one; the bowel surgery ruined my tummy tuck completely.

My PS tried 2 more times to fix my belly button. But, I had such and ugly 14" scar running down my tummy, I told him to just stop trying to fix my belly button. I asked him to give me a second tummy tuck.

I had my second TT on November 17, 2011. He still could not get my belly right. I waited 12 weeks, he tried again. I had the most beautiful innie that I have ever seen.... for 2 days. Here I sit 5 days later and it has already healed out. I am at my wits end. I also need suggestions,comments, etc.

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5 days post belly button revision

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No Belly button after full tummy tuck




 



 

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