Belly Button Plugs After a Tummy Tuck The belly button plug is an important part of the healing process after a tummy tuck. Belly button plugs are necessary to keep your belly button from closing up and becoming infected.
Belly button plugs come in two basic varieties: temporary and permanent. The temporary belly button plug is made of silicone, and it is a soft, flexible plastic that you can remove at any time. They cost less than $10 and can be purchased at most drug stores or pharmacies. They are very easy to use and require no special training or knowledge to apply correctly. In this guide, we review the aspects of Belly button plug after tummy tuck, how to use a belly button shaper, belly button shaper silicone plug post surgical, and how long to keep marble in belly button.
The permanent belly button plug is made from a more durable material that does not require replacement as often as its temporary counterpart does. It also costs more than $10, but offers better protection for your healing belly button against infections due to its sturdier construction. Permanent plugs are sold online only through medical supply companies because they require a prescription before purchase; however, they are less expensive than other types of permanent plugs available over-the-counter (OTC).
An aesthetically pleasing umbilicus is a vital component of patient satisfaction following an abdominoplasty. An umbilicus that is moderate to small is desired to achieve the best aesthetic result, but a small umbilicus has potential for stenosis. This article presents a method for umbilical stenting that creates a modest umbilicus, while preventing stenosis. Methods: All patients underwent abdominoplasty with an umbilical reconstruction using an inverted U-flap method between 2015 and 2017. An earplug was placed into the umbilicus at 2 weeks postoperatively for a total of 4 to 6 week. Patients were evaluated subjectively on the aesthetic outcome. Results: Twenty-one female patients were evaluated 6 weeks postsurgery. In all cases, both the patient and the surgeon were 100% satisfied with the final size. Umbilical size ranged from 1.8 to 2.2 cm. Conclusions: Use of an earplug for umbilical stenting is a simple and reproducible method to create an aesthetically pleasing umbilicus and avoid stenosis.Keywords: umbilicus, umbilicoplasty, abdominoplasty, stenosis, tummy tuck
Abdominoplasty has consistently remained one of the top cosmetic surgical procedures, with more than 127,500 procedures performed in 2016.1 During this procedure, the umbilicus is repositioned within the abdominal skin flap. Transposition of the umbilicus is also a component of procedures that involve autologous breast reconstruction using abdominal tissue, such as transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) or deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps. Although umbilicoplasty may seem to be a minor component of these procedures, it is absolutely critical for obtaining the most cosmetically pleasing result. The final aesthetics of the umbilicus can ultimately influence patient satisfaction with the procedure, and a poor result can ruin an otherwise successful abdominoplasty.2
When glancing at an aesthetically pleasing female abdomen, the umbilicus is the central focus.3 It is a unique structure in that it is the only naturally occurring scar in the human body.4 The umbilicus is considered by many to be an aesthetic subunit in and of itself.5,6 When absent, misshapen, or displaced, it can create an unnatural looking abdomen that causes undue attention to the midsection, resulting in psychological distress for the patient.7 Position, size, shape, and depth of the umbilicus are characteristics that contribute to the overall aesthetics of the abdomen.8
Because of the negative aesthetic perception of a large and wide umbilicus, plastic surgeons attempt to create a modest umbilicus during umbilical reconstruction. However, the process of skin healing and scar remodeling varies from person to person, making complications unpredictable; thus, a relatively small umbilicus may become stenotic and distorted. Despite this commonly anticipated problem, there is no standardized approach to dealing with umbilical stenosis. We present a method of umbilical stenting that allows the surgeon to create a modest umbilicus while also avoiding the complication of umbilical stenosis.
METHODS
Patients who underwent abdominoplasty between the years 2015 and 2017 comprised the study population. A single surgeon performed all operations with the assistance of plastic surgery residents. The inverted U-flap method was used for umbilical reconstruction (Fig 1). Postoperatively, patients were seen weekly, and on the second week, a moderately firm foam earplug was inserted into the umbilicus if the umbilicus incision had epithelialized and was nondraining. The plug was kept in place until 6 to 8 weeks postoperatively. A subjective assessment of aesthetic outcome was performed.
RESULTS
A total of 21 patients comprised the study population. All patients were female, ranging in age from 42 to 63 years. Six weeks postoperatively, subjective assessments of the umbilicus were performed by both the surgeon and the patient (Figs 2–-4).4). For each patient, both the surgeon and the patient had 100% satisfaction with the final size of the umbilicus, with no complaints of the umbilicus being too small or too large. The final size for the umbilicus ranged from 1.8 to 2.2 cm. There was no skin breakdown or ulcer formation secondary to the use of earplug.
DISCUSSION
The umbilicus is a key component contributing to the overall aesthetics of the abdomen.9 It draws attention to the curve of the inferior abdomen as it helps define the medial abdominal sulcus. An aesthetically appealing umbilicus is one that is relatively small, vertically oriented, and oval-shaped.8–11 However, if the umbilicus is large, misplaced, or distorted, it may draw negative attention to the central abdomen.9 In this study, we describe a simple and reproducible method to create a small, nonstenotic, and attractive umbilicus.
Stenosis is a known complication following umbilical reconstruction, either as an isolated procedure or as part of an abdominoplasty or breast reconstruction procedure. Surgical techniques such as scar revisions and placements of stents have been described as potential options for prevention and management of umbilical stenosis7,12,13; however, no standardized method exists (Table 1). Similar to our group, Dini and Ferreira13 first proposed the use of a simple earplug to combat umbilical stenosis. In contrast, they used softer earplugs, while also recommending the use of a firmer consistency earplug as it would provide a stronger power of dilation. The time and duration of placement in relation to the umbilicoplasty were not provided.13 Barbosa et al14 advised the use of a vaginal tampon immediately following reconstruction that was replaced when wet, with transition to silicone plugs or soft earplugs at 15 days; however, duration of plug placement was not provided. Pons and colleagues15 described the use of a marble to manage stenosis, stating that its hardness exceed that of other stenotic devices. Similar to our group, they placed the stent 3 weeks postoperatively for a total of 2 months. However, unlike an earplug, adhesive was required to hold the marble in place.15 We placed a firm foam plug at 2 weeks postoperatively, for a total of 4 to 6 weeks, with no issues related to wound healing, skin problems, necrosis, infection, stenosis, or enlarged umbilicus.
Table 1
Stenting methods
Many have explored the components of an aesthetically appealing umbilicus9,8,10,11,16 but few have proposed solutions to combat the umbilical stenosis that occurs postoperatively.12,13,15 As shown in Table 2, summarized from an article by Joseph et al,10 many incision types have been described for the ideal umbilicus. A surgical technique described by Baack et al12 involves using a double-opposing Z-plasty designed around a curve, rather than the traditional straight scar. By introducing a curve, the superior umbilical hood can be created while the stenosis is relieved, and all the suture lines are placed in the umbilicus. The downside of this technique is that it is more invasive than other nonsurgical options.
Table 2
Umbilicoplasty techniques10
| Authors | Year | Incision type |
|---|---|---|
| Malic et al17 | 2007 | Round |
| Malic et al17 | 2007 | Inverted U |
| Castillo et al18 | 2007 | Y-shaped |
| Rozen et al19 | 2007 | Vertical oval |
| Bruekers et al20 | 2009 | Vertical ellipse |
| Dogan21 | 2010 | Vertical line |
| Pallua et al11 | 2010 | Inverted V |
| Mazzocchi et al22 | 2011 | Double-opposing Y |
| Lesavoy et al23 | 2012 | Inverted V chevron |
| Rodriguez-Feliz et al24 | 2012 | Vertical ellipse |
Characteristics of the aesthetically appealing umbilicus include a relatively small, vertically oriented, and oval-shaped umbilicus with slight superior hooding or no hooding at all.8–11 The presence of a large and wide umbilicus that is transversely oriented is considered unattractive and is associated with aging and weight gain.9,11 Therefore, one goal following an abdominoplasty is to avoid making the umbilicus too big, as making the umbilicus too big may be much harder to correct than making an umbilicus too small. In our study, an inverted U technique allowed for a natural appearing umbilicus, with the use of an earplug to prevent stenosis, thereby creating an aesthetically pleasing umbilicus. Utilizing the inferiorly based flap with the inverted U technique avoids the complications associated with a circular scar, such as contracture, which would result in a small stenotic umbilicus. In addition, it allows for the re-creation of superior hooding, which is able to hide a portion of the scar, leading to a natural, youthful umbilicus that has been demonstrated to have an increased level of patient satisfaction.17
Our study is limited by a small sample size and being a single-institution study; however, every patient had a consistently appropriate-sized umbilicus that was not too small or too large. Use of a superior hood method for umbilicoplasty and placement of an earplug allows for a consistent umbilicus size, without stenosis.
how to use a belly button shaper
A common concern for patients after their tummy tuck is wondering what their new belly button will look like. Some patients go so far as to use a marble to support the end result. But do you really need a marble to ensure your belly button turns out just right? The answer is NO.
A qualified cosmetic surgeon will work to create a natural-looking belly button. As you heal, you may be tempted to try the marble trick but hear us out first before rummaging around for one.
The marble trick involves placing a marble inside your belly button after the incisions have completely healed. A small piece of tape holds the marble in place for a specific amount of time each day.
The idea behind this is that the belly button will heal around the marble, creating the perfect size and shape. However, with a skilled cosmetic surgeon, this should happen naturally, without the aid of a marble.
An experienced cosmetic surgeon should be able to create a belly button that looks natural after you heal from your tummy tuck. However, it’s important to remember that healing takes time. After a tummy tuck procedure, your belly will most likely swell, scar tissue may be inflamed and red and your belly button may leave a lot to be desired.
What you see immediately after surgery is not your final result. As you heal and the swelling goes down, your new belly button should emerge. To learn more about a tummy tuck, contact us today at 317-773-6677 or head on over to our “contact us” page.
belly button shaper silicone plug post surgical
Medical grade belly button shaper cone
Designed with an anatomical cone-shape, high durability. Comes with a storage container for easy storing. Surgical tape purchase is recommended with the faja/compression garment, and abdominal board to hold Naval Shaper in place.
Assist in shaping the belly button after Lipo tummy tuck or Lipo
Position the bracing at the navel site, placing the thinnest part of the product into the belly button. Put the compression garment or faja indicated for use in abdominoplasty. Do not use Belly Button Shaper if you are allergic to silicone. The product can be used 24 hours a day. Its use after 7 days postoperative. Abdominoplasty patients must wait until after 2 weeks when the incision has closed. Use according to medical advice.
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how long to keep marble in belly button
So, you’ve decided to get a tummy tuck.
But you still have some questions about the procedure — including about what happens to your belly button after a tummy tuck.
Many people wonder this exact thing, as a botched belly button can make the tummy tuck not worth it at all. Rest assured that in most cases, the belly button won’t be altered or moved, instead the skin and muscle around it will be tightened.
If you opt for a mini tummy tuck, the whole procedure will take place below the belly button, which is a good option for those who are just concerned about a small pooch in the lower belly.
During the tummy tuck procedure, an incision will be made in the low abdomen through which fat and stretched skin will be removed, and any loose muscles will be sewn together. Another incision will usually be made around the belly button.
The remaining upper skin is lifted up as high as the rib cage and pulled down like a window shade to the lower skin near the pubic bone. The skin is now stretched tight and the surgeon then chooses the new ideal position to place the stalk of the belly button.
Your belly button is actually attached to the muscles below. During the procedure, it’ll stay attached to its “stalk.” In most cases, the surgeon will create a new opening for the belly button, especially if its shape has become distorted after weight gain or pregnancy.
If this isn’t done well, the belly button may end up looking distorted — either too flat, too deep, or the wrong shape. So, it’s important to ask your surgeon to see their portfolio and ask about their ideas for your naval.
If you’re healed from a tummy tuck and still dissatisfied with your belly button, you may consider an umbilicoplasty, which is a surgery to change the appearance of the belly button.
It can be helpful to see before and after photos of the belly button after a tummy tuck when deciding if the procedure is right for you. Check out the gallery of real patients below:
The recovery timeline after your tummy tuck will vary depending on several factors including your age, weight, and general health.
You may or may not have to spend the night in the hospital. Your drainage tubes, which pull fluid away from the abdomen, will likely remain in place for several days.
You’ll also need to wear an abdominal binder for about 6 weeks. This is basically a very tight band around the belly that supports the tummy and helps to avoid fluid buildup.
It’s especially important that you wear your binder and avoid strenuous activity so the belly button heals properly.
Your doctor should give instructions on how to care for your belly button after a tummy tuck. This may include cleaning the area with warm water or a saltwater solution.
It’s normal for the area to look swollen and even a bit crusty after surgery, and it may take as long as 6 months for the belly button to heal.
Call your doctor right away if you notice signs of infection in the belly button after a tummy tuck. These signs include:
A tummy tuck can be a good way to flatten the stomach and tighten muscles in the abdomen that may have gotten loose from pregnancy, weight gain, or just general aging, but many people wonder what’ll happen to the belly button as a result of the procedure.
Normally, an incision will be made around the naval and it’ll be lifted and put back in the appropriate place to fit the new shape of the stomach. Other times it may be necessary to make a new opening.
It’s always a good idea to see before and after pictures from your surgeon and pay close attention to the belly button area when viewing them.