Your belly button is right in the midst of the area where a tummy tuck is performed. Dr. Erwin Bulan discusses why the belly button appears a little different after surgery, but the right surgical techniques and expertise makes it look natural.
TUMMY TUCK
Many people want a smoother, firmer abdomen, and a tummy tuck provides it. Formally known as an abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck involves removing excess skin and fat while tightening abdominal wall muscles.
The surgery includes a horizontal incision right above the pubic hairline. The incision length depends on the amount of excess skin. The surgeon lifts the skin and then repairs the abdominal muscles below, making them tighter.
The skin is then pulled back down. After trimming off extra skin, the surgeon sutures the skin together. In the process, a belly button is created.
TUMMY TUCK AND THE BELLY BUTTON
The surgeon makes a small cut around the navel while making the larger, horizontal incision. This does not touch the belly button stalk, per se. In some cases, a second incision around the belly button is needed to remove additional skin in the upper abdomen.
When the surgeon trims the excess skin after the surgery, an opening is made for the belly button. The stalk is carefully placed through the opening and, after the surgeon sews it firmly, the new navel is revealed.
A NATURAL RESULT
While your belly button will change appearance, you want to ensure the look is natural. You may have seen women on the beach after a tummy tuck whose belly buttons look somewhat odd and draw attention to the result.
A board-certified plastic surgeon will make sure your reconstructed belly button looks like it has been there since birth. The key to such a belly button revolves around properly placing incisions, contouring fat and sculpting soft tissues.
If you were never keen on your belly button, discuss reconstruction with the surgeon so you can receive a new look, one that is completely natural. No one seeing your tight abdomen at the beach or pool will suspect the belly button is not the original.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT BULAN PLASTIC SURGERY
If you would like more information about the tummy tuck procedure and the techniques used to ensure a natural-looking belly button post-surgery, schedule a consultation with Dr. Bulan. He will answer all of your questions and address any concerns. Call his New Jersey practice or contact us online to make an appointment.
