Belly button plug post tummy tuck When you have a tummy tuck, you can expect to be recovering for a few weeks. This can be frustrating and even uncomfortable if you can’t do the things you normally do—especially if your job requires you to be on your feet all day.
But what if there was an easy way to speed up your recovery? Well, there is! A belly button plug can help reduce swelling and improve circulation. It’s also a great way to make sure that you’re healing correctly and getting back in shape as soon as possible. In this guide, we review the aspects of Belly button plug post tummy tuck, how to use a belly button shaper, How long should I use a belly button plug, and Do I need a belly button plug after tummy tuck?
To me, one of the most important parts of a tummy tuck is the belly button. Whether we like or don’t like the tummy tuck scar itself, it is usually concealed under the bathing suit or bikini line, but the belly button is there for all to view. I wish more surgeons focused on it. An overly large belly button can diminish what is otherwise a lovely result.
I always tell my patients that nothing is as natural as a god-given belly button, but I do my best to keep it as natural as possible after surgery.
This article will explain how belly button plugs work, what they do, how they work with your body, and how they can help speed up your recovery after a tummy tuck surgery.
Belly button thinking
Keep it simple
I have seen surgeons make all sorts of unusual shapes in a quest for the “perfect” belly button. In my opinion, the simpler the better. I make a short horizontal line and remove little if any skin. Because of the downward tension on the abdominal skin, that horizontal line elongates into a diamond. That is all you need and as the umbilical skin heals the diamond becomes rounder.
That horizontal incision, which elongates into a diamond, also allows me to pull the abdominal scar down lower- so to me it is a win/win.
Keep it small
I like small belly buttons for three reasons:
- Smaller belly buttons are less obtrusive. Meaning, they draw less attention.
- I don’t know what kind of scar you will make. While I use all the tools in my power to make your scars beautiful, ultimately, your genetics will determine how much scar tissue you lay down. A smaller belly button will generally leave a smaller scar.
- If a belly button is too small making it larger is easier, but if a belly button is too large making it smaller is far more difficult.
Keep it low
To some extent, in a standard tummy tuck, we are beholden to the starting position of the belly button. But when the tissues are elevated that little stalk can be nudged up or down and even right to left. When I can, aesthetically I prefer a little lower. In my opinion, an umbilicus in the lower third of the abdomen tends to make the torso look longer and hence leaner.
Leave it long
We can leave some surrounding skin which, when flipped up, will deepen the stalk when the belly button is freed from the surrounding tissue. Why would you do this? Most women having tummy tuck have muscle tightening. When the midline tummy muscles are pulled together, tissues in between, including the belly button stalk, are pulled inward. Starting with a longer stalk allows a more precise and tension-free closure. If too long, the stalk is easily trimmed as it is inset.
Quilting and tension
As many of you know I quilt my tummies. That means I sew down the abdominal wall skin so it heals more quickly. It also lets me pull the abdominal skin to the belly button without pulling on the stalk. Less tension often means less risk of healing issues and hopefully a better scar. Removing some fat in the area where the belly button will be placed also helps to minimize tension and improve contour.
While my way is not the only way, and nothing is foolproof, it has been an evolution. It has always been my goal to put as many patients as I can back into a two-piece bathing suit, have them feel good about it, and hopefully have no one know I’ve even been there.
how to use a belly button shaper
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 should I use a belly button plug
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.
What is the Marble Trick?
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.
A Good Tummy Tuck Shouldn’t Require 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.
During the tummy tuck procedure, excess skin and fat are removed from the abdominal area, resulting in a flatter and more toned stomach. The belly button is repositioned or reshaped to create a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. While the surgeon may do their best to make the belly button look natural, it may initially appear swollen, bruised, or misshapen.
In the days and weeks following the tummy tuck surgery, it is normal for the belly button to go through various stages of healing. Initially, the belly button may be covered with bandages and dressings to protect it from infection. As the swelling subsides and the incision heals, the belly button will gradually take on a more natural appearance.
Scar tissue may form around the belly button, causing it to appear red or raised. This is a common part of the healing process and should improve over time. Massaging the scar tissue with moisturizer or silicone gel can help soften and flatten the scar.
It is important to follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully to ensure proper healing of the belly button and abdominal area. This may include wearing compression garments, avoiding strenuous activities, and keeping the incision site clean and dry.
In some cases, additional procedures may be recommended to further improve the appearance of the belly button after a tummy tuck. This may include scar revision surgery or fat transfer to enhance the contours of the belly button. Consulting with your surgeon about your aesthetic goals and any concerns you may have about the appearance of your belly button can help determine the best course of action for achieving your desired results.
In conclusion, while it may take time for your belly button to look natural after a tummy tuck, working with an experienced cosmetic surgeon and following proper post-operative care instructions can help ensure the best possible outcome. Remember that every individual heals differently and results may vary. It is important to be patient and communicate openly with your surgeon throughout the healing process.
Do I need a belly button plug after tummy tuck
So you’re thinking about getting a tummy tuck. Are you hoping to achieve a flatter, firmer belly, get a more hourglass-like shape, or rid yourself of loose skin? A tummy tuck can indeed achieve all of these goals.
Of course, you also want your new shape to look beautiful and natural—and that takes more than just removing excess skin and tightening muscles. There’s one seemingly small part of the procedure that will greatly impact the overall appearance of your results: the belly button.
That’s because the navel is front and center, and often the first thing people notice when looking at your midriff. It’s especially important if your tummy tuck goals include feeling confident wearing a bikini…and not having people be able to instantly detect you’ve had the procedure after healing is complete.
Achieving a natural looking belly button after tummy tuck surgery is so important that our Inland Cosmetic surgeons perform “designer” belly button reshaping with each procedure, carefully shaping your belly button to best flatter your unique proportions.
A belly button that is too large and round, stretched and slit-like, or positioned too high or too low on the abdomen are tell-tale signs of tummy tuck surgery—that’s why, at Inland Cosmetic, we include the “Inland Innie” designer belly button reshaping with every abdominoplasty.
If you’re considering a tummy tuck, it’s worth a minute of your time to read on and learn just how much of a difference a beautiful belly button can make for you.
How the belly button separates a decent tummy tuck from a beautiful tummy tuck
The belly button is the most distinctive and central feature of a nice looking abdomen. It can also be a giveaway of a previous tummy tuck if not approached thoughtfully by the cosmetic surgeon. For instance, a belly button that is too large and round, stretched and slit-like, or positioned too high or too low on the abdomen are tell-tale signs of tummy tuck surgery—not the effect most patients wish to have when showing off their rejuvenated body.
Understanding the importance of the belly button is one factor that distinguishes true tummy tuck experts from the rest. There is no one single belly button shape or size that works for every patient, and a skilled cosmetic surgeon will customize their technique to create a naval that looks most natural with a patient’s torso length, shape, and size, and that best meets their desired belly button shape.
Our Inland Cosmetic surgeons are so passionate about creating beautiful belly buttons that we’ve developed our own technique, called the Inland Innie.
What does the “Inland Innie” look like?
In general, patients want an “innie” belly button. For the cosmetic surgeon, achieving this means ensuring (and often adding) a natural depth to the naval, with a nice, smooth envelope of skin above it. Our goal is to give our patients the most natural-looking belly button for their body with minimal scarring, so that no one can tell that they had it done.
There is a lot of finesse that goes into making an aesthetically pleasing belly button. The cosmetic surgeon must determine and remove precisely the right amount of tissue—even a tiny amount too much or too little can diminish the result. Suture placement is also essential to a natural result; there must be no detectable evidence of sutures even after they are removed.
Making sure your new belly button heals beautifully
When considering a tummy tuck procedure, it is crucial to follow a few important steps to achieve the best possible results. The first step is choosing an experienced cosmetic surgeon with a reputation for creating natural looking belly buttons and producing tummy tuck results that you love. This means doing your research, reading reviews, and looking at before and after photos to ensure that the surgeon’s aesthetic aligns with your own. It’s important to choose a surgeon who specializes in tummy tuck procedures, as they will have the expertise and experience needed to deliver optimal results.
Once you have found the right cosmetic surgeon, it’s important to take excellent care of your results to ensure optimal healing. Following your surgeon’s aftercare instructions to the letter is crucial for a successful recovery. For tummy tuck patients, this typically involves keeping the surgical area clean and dry, as well as applying antibiotic ointment for several days to prevent infection. Additionally, wearing compression garments as advised by your surgeon can help reduce swelling and promote proper healing.
In addition to following your surgeon’s aftercare instructions, there are several other steps you can take to care for your tummy tuck results and promote optimal healing. These include:
– Avoiding strenuous activity and lifting heavy objects for a few weeks after surgery to prevent strain on the surgical site.
– Eating a healthy diet and staying hydrated to promote healing from the inside out.
– Taking prescribed pain medication as directed to manage any discomfort during the recovery process.
– Attending follow-up appointments with your surgeon to monitor your progress and address any concerns that may arise.
By following these steps and taking excellent care of your tummy tuck results, you can help ensure that you achieve the best possible outcome from your surgery. Remember that healing is a gradual process, and it’s important to be patient and give your body the time it needs to recover fully. If you have any questions or concerns during your recovery, don’t hesitate to reach out to your cosmetic surgeon for guidance and support. With the right care and attention, you can enjoy natural looking, long-lasting results from your tummy tuck procedure.
Don’t stick marbles (or anything else) in your belly button while it’s healing
While we sometimes have a patient use a soft rubber ring or belly button marble after tummy tuck revision to help maintain shape in cases where there is extreme scarring or contracture to repair, this is something you should leave up to your surgeon! Don’t try this “trick” on your own based on what you read on the internet. In fact, placing a foreign object in your belly button can increase risk of infection and irritate healing incisions, both of which could ruin your end result. In most procedures, your tummy tuck surgeon’s skill and technique should be enough to create a beautiful, round “innie” belly button; no marble or other device should be necessary.
Learn more about the Inland Innie and tummy tuck surgery at a personal consultation
Our Rancho Cucamonga tummy tuck patients tell us they love their Inland Innie belly buttons, a compliment we take to heart as we know this means they are confident showing off their new body shape. If you want to restore a tighter, slimmer tummy and feel more confident in a swimsuit or midriff baring top, our experienced cosmetic surgeons can help you achieve your goals. Call 909-987-0899 or contact us now to get started.