High Belly Button Tummy Tuck

The abdominoplasty, or belly button tuck, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen to give you a flat and firm tummy. This can be done by removing skin, tightening muscles and/or connecting tissue. It is usually performed through an incision in the bikini line, but it can also be done as an extended incision if necessary.

The procedure is intended to give you an hourglass figure, which is often associated with beauty. It can also be done on people who have lost weight rapidly and have loose skin on their lower abdomen. It’s important to note that this surgery does not reduce your waist size; it only removes excess skin from your lower abdomen.

High Belly Button Tummy Tuck

The specialized umbilical float tummy tuck lowers the navel and restores a smooth abdomen

Do you have a small “pooch” and an unusually high belly button? For those with minor amounts of loose skin, a sophisticated tummy tuck variation called the “umbilical float” or “floating” technique can provide particularly natural-looking results with the added benefit of umbilical re-positioning.

  • Who is a good candidate for umbilical float abdominoplasty?
  • How Umbilical Float Abdominoplasty is Performed
  • What to Expect After Umbilical Float Abdominoplasty
  • Benefits of an Umbilical Float Tummy Tuck

Who is a good candidate for umbilical float abdominoplasty?

You may benefits from an umbilical float tummy tuck if you have the following characteristics:

  • You have minor skin laxity (loose skin) on the lower abdomen below the belly button
  • You may have minor skin laxity that extends up to 2 cm. above the navel
  • Your belly button may appear to be unusually high
  • Your belly button can be moved down 3-4 cm. and still fall in a natural-looking position

Not every patient has the exact characteristics to merit this specific procedure, and mini and full tummy tucks are more common. But if you are someone who would benefit from a repositioned umbilicus, this procedure may provide truly attractive, natural-looking results.

How Umbilical Float Abdominoplasty is Performed

The umbilical float tummy tuck incision is made at the base of the abdomen, just below the bikini line. Through this incision, your skin—and your belly button along with it—is detached from the abdominal wall. Your surgeon tightens the skin by pulling it toward the public area and removes any excess; they will also tighten the underlying musculature, if necessary. As the skin is tightened, the belly button is moved lower on the abdomen. Incisions are closed with dissolvable sutures.

By contrast, a full tummy tuck requires a longer incision along the base of the abdomen from hip bone to hip bone, as well as an incision within the belly button. A mini tummy tuck is also different because the belly button does not move, as this procedure solely focuses on tightening the area below the navel.

What to Expect After Umbilical Float Abdominoplasty

Complete recovery from an umbilical float abdominoplasty may take a few weeks or months, depending on the individual. Your abdomen will be swollen for a few days, and you will be wearing a drain in the abdomen to remove excess fluid from your incision sites. Dr. Hess prescribes pain medication, though you may also choose to have an intraoperative TAP block to help to numb the area and manage pain for about 12-24 hours following surgery.

People with stronger abdominal muscles will find they have a shorter recovery. Regardless of physical condition, it is critical to incorporate gentle movement into your daily routine following surgery to prevent blood clots and help reduce swelling.

Benefits of an Umbilical Float Tummy Tuck

If you are a good candidate for the umbilical float tummy tuck, you will find that it offers certain benefits over a mini or a typical tummy tuck:

  • No scar in or around the belly button
  • Correction of lower abdominal skin laxity
  • A repositioned, lower belly button
  • Shorter, more comfortable recovery than a full tummy tuck

Beyond the general benefits of this procedure, having your procedure with Dr. Christopher Hess affords you the benefit of TAP block, a pain management injection performed during surgery to help you have an easier recovery after surgery.

Choosing a Surgeon for Umbilical Float Tummy Tuck

While a tighter tummy and well-positioned, aesthetically pleasing navel is a benefit of this procedure, not all surgeons are qualified to give you aesthetically sound results. The expertise of your surgeon plays a huge role in your results, beginning with whether or not they are qualified to decide whether you are a good candidate for this specialized tummy tuck. If you are considering your tummy tuck procedure options, it’s absolutely critical that you consult with an experienced board certified plastic surgeon.

Tummy Tuck Belly Button Healing Stages

One of the most common concerns for individuals undergoing a tummy tuck procedure is the healing process of the belly button. The belly button, also known as the umbilicus, plays a crucial role in the overall aesthetic outcome of the surgery. Understanding the different stages of belly button healing can help patients know what to expect and how to properly care for their incision site.

Immediately following a tummy tuck procedure, the belly button area will be covered with surgical dressings to protect the incision site. It is important to keep this area clean and dry to prevent infection. Patients may experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the belly button region during the initial healing stages. This is normal and can be managed with pain medication prescribed by your surgeon.

As the healing process progresses, the belly button incision will begin to scab over and eventually form a crust. It is important not to pick at or scratch the scab, as this can disrupt the healing process and lead to complications. The scab will naturally fall off on its own as the incision continues to heal.

During the second stage of healing, the belly button incision will start to flatten and fade in color. This is a sign that the incision is maturing and the skin is regaining its normal appearance. Patients may also notice some itching and tightness in the belly button area as the skin continues to heal.

In the final stage of belly button healing, the incision site should be fully healed and the skin should appear smooth and uniform. It is important to continue following your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions to ensure optimal healing and minimize the risk of complications. Patients should avoid exposing the incision site to direct sunlight and apply sunscreen if necessary to prevent hyperpigmentation.

Overall, the healing stages of a tummy tuck belly button incision can vary from patient to patient. It is important to closely monitor the incision site for any signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or drainage. If you have any concerns about the healing process, be sure to contact your surgeon for further evaluation and guidance.

In conclusion, understanding the different stages of belly button healing after a tummy tuck procedure can help patients know what to expect and how to properly care for their incision site. By following your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions and monitoring the healing process closely, you can achieve optimal results and minimize the risk of complications.

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