Cosmetic Surgery Tips

Belly button issues after tummy tuck


If you’ve had a tummy tuck, you may be experiencing some new belly button issues. Here’s what to do about it. You’ve just had a tummy tuck, and now you’re dealing with some strange new belly button issues. This is normal—and actually pretty common. Here’s what to do if your belly button looks or feels different after your surgery.

It’s common for the skin around the belly button to look red or swollen after surgery. This is from the surgical site healing, and it should go away within a few weeks. If it doesn’t improve in that time, call your doctor and make an appointment so they can check on it for you.

The most common post-tummy tuck issue is a loose skin flap around the belly button where the incision was made during surgery (called “hernia”). A hernia is when skin bulges out from where it should be attached—in this case, at the top of your tummy tuck scar line—and can look like a little pouch under your skin or like a little bubble under there (like an air pocket). It will probably take months for this kind of thing to heal.

Belly button issues after tummy tuck

Although the tummy tuck is one of the most commonly performed plastic surgery procedures, it’s not without the potential for serious complications. Fortunately, you can ensure a safe experience by being aware of the inherent risks and choosing a surgeon who can minimize them. To help you get started, here are some of the most common tummy tuck complications that can arise, along with the proactive steps Dr. Rahban takes to prevent them.

Tummy Tuck Before & After Photo 01
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See Before and After Gallery - See Dr. Rahban's Amazing Transformations

“I am about a month and a half out and I love my stomach. I look like a teen again, lol. Dr. Rahban did such a great job! My scar is very thin and I’m sure in a couple months I won’t even have one.”

Liz N.

Unsightly tummy tuck and belly button scars

Scarring is a primary concern for the vast majority of our patients – and with good reason. They want to show off their flat new abdomens proudly after their tummy tucks, without being embarrassed by unsightly or disfiguring scars.

The reality is that scars are an inevitability after a tummy tuck, but they don’t have to be severe or particularly visible. Ultimately, the scars that you’re left with are largely influenced by the skill of your surgeon, which is why it’s important to choose carefully. For example, Dr. Rahban has mastered a number of precise techniques that routinely result in faint and virtually imperceptible scars for his patients. First of all, he personally closes all of his incisions to ensure that you emerge from surgery with well-healed scars that don’t detract from your beautiful new abdomen.

Many, if not most plastic surgeons today have their surgical tech close the wound. In addition, Dr. Rahban closes multiple layers—not just the superficial layers. This matters because the deeper layers are those that give integrity to the wound, preventing tension and pull, both of which lead to thick wide scars. Moreover, his scars are placed very low, allowing patients to wear low riding underwear or bikini bottoms. Often patients complain that their scar is visible above the waist of their jeans, which unfortunately cannot be corrected after the fact.

All of this being said, the telltale sign of a bad tummy tuck is an unsightly belly button scar. While the other, horizontal scar can often be covered, the belly button is a dead giveaway that a patient had a tummy tuck. Reconstruction of the belly button is the last step of the procedure and is often hurried and an after thought. Dr. Rahban has refined his technique in order to create a natural and desirable belly button over the years. He takes great pride in how it looks and has made a name for himself based on his results.

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Bleeding and infection

Bleeding and infection are very rare complications among Dr. Rahban’s patients, because he does everything within his power to minimize your risk. To begin, he will have you stop taking any medications that can promote bleeding for two full weeks prior to surgery, including aspirin, supplements and anti-inflammatories. To prevent an infection, he’ll have you rinse with an antiseptic soap the evening before and the day of surgery, and he’ll administer antibiotics during and after your procedure. He’ll also provide you with strict aftercare guidelines that he believes will ensure a smooth and infection-free recovery period.

Wound separation or dehiscence

When wound dehiscence occurs, the edges of your incision pull apart before the area is fully healed, causing bleeding, an open wound as well as other symptoms. In the most severe cases, your underlying tissue such as your muscle fascia may also be exposed.

Wound separation is a serious tummy tuck complication, but in most cases it is avoidable with proper post-operative instruction from your surgeon and great surgical technique.

Tissue death

Tissue death, or necrosis, occurs when tissue in the surgical area doesn’t receive sufficient blood flow. When this complication develops, the tissue turns dark and gangrenous, requiring prompt surgical removal. Your risk of experiencing tissue death after a tummy tuck increases if you smoke, you’re in poor health or your surgeon is too aggressive during your surgery. To minimize your risk, Dr. Rahban will send you for a thorough pre-operative evaluation and will not operate on you if he feels you are not a good candidate. Additionally, at the time of your surgery, he delicately handles the tissue and knows how much to remove in order to minimize unnecessary tension.

Pulmonary embolism

A pulmonary embolism occurs when blood clots develop in the lungs after surgery. It’s one of the most severe and dangerous tummy tuck complications, and requires immediate medical attention.

Fortunately, there are important steps both you and your surgeon can take to prevent blood clots. Dr. Rahban is very aggressive about prevention. He will place compression stockings on your legs during surgery, so blood can flow optimally while you’re in the operating room. In addition, he’ll administer a blood thinner, called heparin, to further reduce your risk. Many surgeons do not administer this drug, which is recommended by the American Lung Association. And finally, he’ll have you walk around immediately after surgery to encourage proper blood flow throughout your body.

Seroma formation

Seroma formation occurs when fluid accumulates underneath your skin after surgery. This complication typically develops several weeks after your tummy tuck, and looks like a swollen lump or a large cyst that may be sore and tender to the touch. When this occurs, the fluid needs to be aspirated as soon as possible to ensure an optimal healing process.

To prevent seroma formation after your tummy tuck, Dr. Rahban will place drains around the incisions to direct fluid away from the area. He’ll also advise you to religiously wear a special compression garment he gives you and to avoid exercise for 6 weeks in order to allow the tissue planes to completely heal.

belly button oozing after tummy tuck

Abdominoplasty, commonly known as the tummy tuck, is a cosmetic procedure that tightens the abdominal muscles by removing loose skin and excess fat deposits. The primary purpose of undergoing the tummy tuck procedure in Miami is to achieve a more contoured, flatter, and toned appearance.

The tummy tuck is a reliable procedure for women who have given birth to a child and want to restore their pre-pregnancy body appearance. The tummy tuck is also an effective surgery for people who want a flat and toned abdominal appearance.

People with skin problems caused by aging can also undergo a tummy tuck to resolve the loosening of skin. For most women, enhanced aesthetics and appearance are the primary reasons to choose and undergo tummy tuck surgery in Miami.

In addition, a tummy tuck can produce dramatic results by sculpting your body’s figure, allowing you to achieve your cosmetic goals and appear slimmer, smarter, and more feminine because you will have a flatter, firmer, and more beautiful abdomen.

Your abdominal area will become more proportionate to your natural body figure and weight. So, if you have saggy, loosened skin caused by pregnancy or childbirth, you can undergo a tummy tuck to restore your body’s appearance.

While tummy tuck in Miami is a safe procedure, it can cause infections in the belly button and surrounding areas. The primary reason for the infection is poor hygiene and less effective postoperative care. Today’s article will discuss this issue!

Why is the button infected after a tummy tuck?

During the tummy tuck procedure, the surgeon makes an incision in the lower abdomen to remove excessive fat and sew the loose muscles. Likewise, the surgeon makes an additional incision around the belly button.

The second incision aims to lift the remaining upper skin and align it with the rib cage while pulling it down like a window shade near the pubic bone. As a result, you will have stretched and tight skin.

Depending on your cosmetic requirements and safety, the surgeon will choose the best position to place your belly button’s stalk. The recovery time after the procedure depends on various factors, including your overall health status, weight, and age.

Some patients experience inflammation in the delimitated area characterized by tenderness, edema, erythema, and increased body temperature. Research shows that diabetes, malnutrition, and immunosuppressed states can also contribute to the risk of infections in the belly button.

Likewise, overweight and obese patients who undergo tummy tuck surgery have an increased risk of infections in the belly button. Some studies conclude that skin bacterial flora is one of the most significant causes of infection in the belly button after the tummy tuck surgery.

These bacteria include S. aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Staphylococcus epidermidis. However, a few studies highlight that poor hygiene during the postoperative period can cause the accumulation of Enterococcus Faecalis and Escherichia Coli infections.

When you fail to follow the postoperative instructions, dirt, dust, fungus, bacteria, and other microorganisms accumulate inside your belly button. The area becomes favorable for microbes’ multiplication, causing a severe infection.

Signs of infected belly button after tummy tuck

The most common signs of belly button infection after tummy tuck is brown, yellow, white, or bloody discharge seeping out of your belly button. Another common sign of infection in the belly button during the recovery period is an unpleasant smell.

Moreover, you may develop a permanent scar near the lower abdomen or around the belly button. Although the scar improves over time, it does not fade completely. In some situations, the wound or scar appears wide and thick.

It is crucial to use a silicone scar cream based on your health provider’s instructions to reduce the risk of infections. Avoid getting a tattoo for at least six months to reduce the risk of complications.

If you notice your belly button appears open or constricted with frequent or infrequent discharge or pus, you may have developed an infection. Another sign of infection is a swollen belly button for a few weeks.

Call your health provider and seek immediate treatment if you feel the hardness in your belly button, the scar appears more prominent and visible, and more blood at the incision around your belly button.

How to treat infected belly button after tummy tuck

A tummy tuck is a highly reliable procedure and produces excellent results when you follow the postoperative instructions of your health provider. Your doctor will give a detailed plan on caring for your belly button after the procedure.

For instance, your health provider may ask you to clean the incision site with saltwater solutions or warm water. While your belly button may have slight inflammation after tummy tuck for a few weeks, it will disappear within six months as your belly button heals.

Besides, your surgeon will prescribe you antibiotics to deal with infections. Some surgeons administer intravenous antibiotics before the procedure to prevent the risk of infection in the belly button. It is crucial to apply Neosporin ointment to the incision site around your belly button at least two times a day for 2-5 days.

What to do Next?

Inflammation, swelling, and infections are common concerns with a tummy tuck. However, if the problem persists for a few weeks and you notice bloody, white, yellow discharge or pus, make sure you contact your health provider.

Overall, a tummy tuck is a reliable and safe procedure to achieve your cosmetic goals when you follow your surgeon’s postoperative guidelines. If you have saggy skin in the abdominal region, excess fat, and loosened tissues/muscles after pregnancy or childbirth, you can restore your pre-pregnancy appearance by undergoing tummy tuck surgery.

Miami Lakes Plastic Surgery Clinic has served hundreds of patients and helped them achieve their aesthetic goals. Whether you need more information on tummy tuck or want to undergo the procedure, call us today, and our professional team will guide you through the entire process.

Why do belly buttons look weird after tummy tuck

Do You Have to Sacrifice Your Belly Button to Get a Tummy Tuck?

You have made the decision to have a tummy tuck and improve the contours of your abdomen, but you still have questions like, “will my belly button look weird after my tummy tuck?” The short answer is not in most cases. However, by taking a closer look at what happens to your belly button during and after a tummy tuck can help you better understand what occurs and how to support a good end result.

What Happens to the Belly Button During a Tummy Tuck?

The goal of a tummy tuck is to remove any loose skin and tighten the abdominal muscles when necessary. When it comes to your belly button, what you may not know is that your belly button is attached to an internal stalk.

When your plastic surgeon removes excess skin, they will also detach the belly button and the stalk from the skin. When your remaining skin is draped back over your abdomen, your surgeon creates a new opening to re-attach your belly button.

This part of the procedure is known as umbilicoplasty. While the belly button survives most tummy tucks, in rare cases, the belly button can lose the blood supply during the procedure and not take to the new placement. Thankfully, this is a very low risk.

Ask questions about your belly button and what changes you can expect during your initial consultation.

Give Your Belly Button Time to Heal

After your tummy tuck, if your belly button looks weird or not what you expected, don’t jump the gun and assume that things didn’t go as planned. Swelling is common after a tummy tuck and that swelling can cause your belly button to distend.

Wearing your compression garment can help reduce the swelling, but it will take time for the swelling to completely diminish and reveal your end results. In many cases, tummy tuck recovery can take anywhere from 6 to 12 months or more.

What Happens if I Am Not Happy with My Belly Button?

If you hit the 6-month mark and still aren’t happy with your belly button, the good news is you aren’t stuck with it. After 6 months, you can talk with your surgeon about a belly button revision to achieve the look you desire.

How long does the belly button take to heal after abdominoplasty

If you’re interested in a tummy tuck procedure, you probably already know that this surgery can help contour and flatten your stomach, as well as eliminate leftover skin from pregnancy or significant weight loss.

But do you know what happens to your belly button after a tummy tuck?

*Individual Results May Vary

How Your Belly Button Changes After a Tummy Tuck

In a traditional abdominoplasty, your belly button is surgically “removed” from your body. What that really means is that your belly button essentially disappears, as it loses its shape once excess skin is released and removed from the abdomen. Once the skin has been treated, the remaining skin is repositioned over the abdomen. At this point, your plastic surgeon will recreate the belly button and stitch it into place. The overall effect can help enhance the stomach’s appearance, especially in patients who have felt self-conscious about an overly large or stretched-out belly button.

Your Belly Button + a Mini Tummy Tuck

If you opt to have a mini tummy tuck procedure, your belly button will probably be left alone. This is because the mini tummy tuck only targets sagging that’s located underneath the belly button.

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How Your Belly Button Will Look After a Tummy Tuck

Your belly button will look completely natural by the time you’ve healed from your abdominoplasty (usually within three to four months). You may notice your belly button growing smaller over the course of several weeks, which is a sign that you’re properly healing. If you’re concerned with how your belly button might look after a tummy tuck, be sure to share your thoughts with board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. John Bull. He can work with you to ensure that your results are completely natural-looking and youthful – even your belly button!

I had a tummy tuck with liposuction done by Dr Bull. I am totally happy with my results. I am only 6 weeks post op and I have already dropped 2 sizes in my jeans. After loosing 57 lbs. I was having a hard time buying pants because of my waistline. If the waist fit, the legs were baggy and made me look heavy. My pouchy belly was just awful. So glad to see it gone forever! I feel 20 yrs younger. Dr Bull and his staff are excellant

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