What happens to the belly button during a tummy tuck?

Are you considering having a tummy tuck to get a more petite, contoured abdomen? If so, you may have been curious about what would happen to your belly button during this surgery. Dr. Solomon Azouz, a renowned board-certified plastic surgeon in Dallas, specializes in drainless tummy tucks and body contouring. Dr. Azouz can provide vital information about what occurs to the belly button after this procedure.

Why is the belly button moved in a tummy tuck?

The belly button, often known as the umbilicus, is important for the abdomen’s appeal. A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, removes extra skin and fat from the abdomen, giving it a tighter, more toned appearance. However, this treatment will undoubtedly include changing the position and appearance of the belly button.

How is the belly button shaped during a tummy tuck?

1. Marking and Incision: Prior to the tummy tuck surgery, Dr. Azouz will carefully mark the appropriate placement for the new belly button. An incision is made around the existing belly button to release it from the surrounding tissue while preserving its blood supply.



2. Repositioning: As excess skin and fat are removed from the abdomen, the remaining tissue is pulled downward, resulting in a tighter, flatter contour. During this procedure, the belly button is relocated to give it a more natural and aesthetically acceptable appearance.
3. Creation of a New Opening: In some circumstances, especially with major tummy tucks or when large amounts of tissue are removed, a new opening for the belly button may be required. Dr. Azouz carefully creates a new opening in the skin to accommodate the repositioned belly button.
4. Stitches: After repositioning and contouring the abdominal tissue, Dr. Azouz delicately sutures the incisions, including those around the belly button. This minimizes scarring and promotes optimal healing. The belly button is carefully designed to blend in with the surrounding skin.

Umbilicoplasty and Tummy tucks

An umbilicoplasty can be performed in conjunction with an abdominoplasty. In reality, combining these surgeries is fairly common, particularly when patients want complete abdominal rejuvenation and enhancement. If the patient wants to make particular changes to the look of the belly button beyond relocation, such as contouring, resizing, or resolving asymmetry, an umbilicoplasty can be performed with the tummy tuck. This allows the surgeon to treat both, the overall contour of the abdomen and the specific appearance of the belly button in the same surgical procedure.

There are several compelling reasons to consider combining umbilicoplasty with your abdominoplasty. Firstly, it allows for a more comprehensive aesthetic transformation. By addressing both the overall abdominal contour and the appearance of the belly button in one surgery, you can achieve a more cohesive and natural-looking result. Secondly, undergoing both procedures together means just one recovery period. This translates to less overall downtime and a faster return to your daily routine. Financially, combining the surgeries can often lead to cost savings. Since there’s only one anesthesia session and operating room fee, it can be more economical than having them done separately. Finally, for patients who desire both procedures, a combined approach streamlines the process and eliminates the need for a second surgery in the future.

It is critical to meet with a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in body contouring surgeries to discuss your objectives and evaluate whether combining an umbilicoplasty and an abdominoplasty is the best option for you. Board-certified Dallas plastic surgeon Dr. Azouz will evaluate your anatomy, discuss your aesthetic choices, and create a specific treatment plan to help you accomplish your goals.

Results and Recovery

Patients should anticipate seeing a gradual improvement in the appearance of their abdomen following a tummy tuck procedure by Dr. Azouz in Dallas as the swelling subsides and the incisions heal. Although there may be some early bruising and soreness, most people feel that the benefits outweigh the short-term discomfort. An abdominoplasty requires meticulous attention to detail, specifically in modifying the shape of the belly button. Because of Dr. Azouz’s extensive training in plastic surgery, every patient has results that seem natural, with less scarring and recovery time. If you’re considering a tummy tuck in Dallas, Dr. Azouz will walk you through the procedure and help you get the toned abdomen you want. For additional information or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Azouz, please contact us online or call (972) 702-8888. Your journey to a more confident, refreshed appearance begins here.