Will my belly button still look natural after a tummy tuck?
The appearance of the belly button after a tummy tuck is a telltale sign of how skilled a cosmetic surgeon is. In fact, many patients choose their surgeon based on how natural the belly button looks in before and after photos. Here, expert tummy tuck surgeon Dr. Mark Mandell-Brown explains the meticulous steps he takes to ensure your belly button still looks natural after your tummy tuck.
How Dr. Mandell-Brown creates a new belly button during a tummy tuck
Creating and reshaping the belly button during a tummy tuck is a precise process, and when done by an experienced cosmetic surgeon, the outcome should blend seamlessly with your rejuvenated abdomen.
Here’s how the process works:
1. Preserving the belly button’s connection
Dr. Mandell-Brown begins by making an incision around the belly button, detaching it from the overlying skin but leaving it connected to its original stalk (the underlying connection to the abdominal wall).
2. Reshaping the abdominal skin
After addressing excess skin and tightening the abdominal muscles if needed, Dr. Mandell-Brown repositions the remaining skin over the abdomen to create a firm, defined abdominal contour.
3. Creating a new belly button opening:
A new incision is then made in the repositioned skin to accommodate the belly button. Dr. Mandell-Brown takes great care to place this opening in a natural-looking position that aligns with the midline of the torso for a balanced, symmetrical look.
4. Shaping and securing with sutures
Finally, Dr. Mandell-Brown sutures the belly button into place. He uses advanced techniques to shape the surrounding skin to mimic the natural contours of a navel, creating depth and realism and avoiding a flat or “buttonhole” appearance. The incision around the belly button is strategically hidden within its contours to naturally conceal the scar.
No two belly buttons are identical, and thus Dr. Mandell-Brown tailors the result to suit each patient’s anatomy and aesthetic preferences to create a natural, “untouched” look.
Can a tummy tuck correct an already misshapen belly button?
Yes, a tummy tuck can improve the appearance of a misshapen belly button. Patients seeking a tummy tuck typically want to address tissue and muscle changes after weight fluctuations or pregnancy and have some degree of change in their original belly button appearance. This can range from hardly noticeable changes to completely obscured belly buttons—all of which can be sculpted into a natural-looking belly button in the hands of one of the best Cincinnati cosmetic surgeons.
“I am 4 weeks post op from abdominoplasty and am extremely happy with my results. I had searched for months for a surgeon and was very impressed with Dr. Mandell Brown’s long standing history in the Cincinnati area and the great reviews from former patients. His many years of experience along with his genuine commitment and compassion for his patients is extraordinary…I am extremely grateful to everyone in Dr. Mandell Brown’s office and would highly recommend his practice to anyone considering this surgery and any other procedures that his office performs.”
—5-star Google review
What can I do to ensure the best results?
A natural-looking belly button after a tummy tuck depends on both your surgeon’s skill and your commitment to proper aftercare. Here are some tips to optimize your results:
- Choose a board-certified cosmetic surgeon with extensive experience in tummy tuck procedures with before-and-after photos that demonstrate their skill in creating aesthetically pleasing belly buttons.
- Follow all post-operative instructions to the letter, including caring for incisions, wearing compression garments, and temporarily avoiding strenuous activities so you heal properly and have minimal scarring.
- Maintain realistic expectations. During a tummy tuck, Dr. Mandell-Brown spends about 45 minutes lining the belly button up in the midline, to ensure it’s not too big and not too small. However, incisional healing can not be guaranteed. He likes to tell patients during consultation for tummy tucks that “there is no belly button like the one your mother gave you. We will try to make it better, and if we do, don’t tell Mom!”
Why trust Dr. Mark Mandell-Brown for your tummy tuck?
At the Mandell-Brown Plastic Surgery Center, we take pride in delivering Natural Look™ cosmetic surgery results. Dr. Mandell-Brown is recognized as the best in the Cincinnati, Springboro, and Dayton areas. His meticulous attention to detail and advanced surgical techniques help ensure that every aspect of your tummy tuck—including the belly button—is tailored to your unique anatomy and aesthetic goals.
Ready to take the next step? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Mark Mandell-Brown to learn more about how you can benefit from a personalized tummy tuck surgery plan. Call us at 513-984-4700 or contact us online to get started. Patients can visit either of our convenient locations: the Cincinnati plastic surgery center or the Springboro plastic surgery center. Let us help you look better, not different!
Areas served:
Comments are closed.
