Tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is one of the most effective body contouring procedures for both women and men. The results from a tummy tuck can be incredibly transforming and no other cosmetic surgery procedure can produce such impressive results which are visible even straight after the surgery. Although it is a larger and more invasive procedure compared with a breast augmentation or breast uplift, the vast majority of patients are extremely satisfied with their tummy tuck results.
The procedure is highly versatile in that it can treat a number of patient concerns including the removal of excess skin and tightening of the abdominal skin, removal of excess fat and tightening of the abdominal muscles that have been weakened by a previous pregnancy and childbirth.
The procedure involves an incision which is positioned as low as possible in the lower part of the abdomen followed by the removal of redundant and saggy skin. The underlying abdominal muscles are then repaired also known as rectus plication and the incision is then closed. There are a number of techniques for carrying out a tummy tuck including a Brazilian tummy tuck and a mini tummy tuck for patients who have skin laxity in the lower part of the abdomen only. Most patients will require a full tummy tuck for proper correction of weakened muscles, loose skin and excess fat. In some cases, our surgeons can carry out a drain free tummy tuck using progressive tension sutures.
Many patients quite understandably are curious given all the significant work involved in a tummy tuck, and what happens to the belly button during a tummy tuck procedure.
How to have the best tummy tuck
The appearance of the belly button although it is small in size is a key part of the abdomen and many patients often are concerned about the appearance of their belly button more than anything else. Achieving a natural-looking belly button is something our experienced surgeons are able to produce using meticulous surgical techniques. Many patients will have had an “outie” belly button and I’ll surgeons are able to convert this to an “innie” belly button.
Does the belly button get removed during a tummy tuck?
Every patient is unique and our surgeons customise each tummy tuck procedure to the individual patient for the best tummy tuck results. A Brazilian tummy tuck may work great for one patient whereas a mini tummy tuck may be appropriate for slimmer patients with minimal loose skin. In a mini tummy tuck procedure, the belly button is not surgically repositioned. In all cases, your surgeon takes great care to maintain a natural-looking appearance of the belly button.
In most abdominoplasty surgery procedures, the surgeon will try to keep the patient’s own belly button where possible. An incision is made around the belly button to free it from the surrounding skin. Once the abdominal skin has been tightened, the surgeon will then create a new hole for the belly button. In rare cases where patients may have an umbilical hernia, the appearance of the patient’s own belly button may have affected its appearance. In these cases, the hernia will need to be fully repaired first followed by the creation of a new belly button using the surrounding skin.
Why does the belly button look different after abdominoplasty surgery?
We have a large number of before and after tummy tuck photos which you can view on our tummy tuck page. As you can see, many patients will have bellybuttons that do not look exactly the same when compared with their pre-surgery appearance. There are a number of factors that can influence the shape of the belly button after tummy tuck surgery.
Many women may have noticed their bellybutton has changed in size and shape as a result of pregnancy or significant weight gain. Some patients may have an “outie” belly button as a result of pregnancy and would like to have an “innie” belly button. The procedure of belly button surgery is also known as an umbilicoplasty. Umbilicoplasty surgery can be carried out on its own or in conjunction with tummy tuck surgery.
Outie to an innie Surgery | Umbilicoplasty
In most tummy tuck procedures the original belly button is preserved although its appearance may appear slightly different and this may be because of the tightened abdominal skin making the belly button look more stretched. The belly button may also sit slightly lower or higher depending on the appearance you are looking to achieve as agreed at your consultation.
How does your surgeon create a natural-looking belly button?
The creation of a natural-looking belly button is a key part of tummy tuck surgery and our surgeons are renowned experts in all types of tummy tuck surgery. The key to getting a beautiful belly button is to have clear ideas and expectations of what you hope to achieve from the procedure and to make sure your surgeon is aware of this at your consultation. It may be helpful to show your surgeon tummy tuck before and after photos of similar patients to see whether your preferred result is realistically achievable.
The creation of a natural-looking belly button is something your surgeon will plan in detail before your procedure. Your surgeon will carry out pre-operative marking of you before your procedure to show you where the incisions will be placed. Every Surgeon is unique in the particular surgical approach and there may be slightly different techniques for bellybutton surgery call share in common the goal of achieving a natural-looking belly button.
If you would like to find out more about tummy tuck surgery and how to get the most natural-looking belly button, please get in touch with one of our friendly and experienced patient coordinators to book a face-to-face consultation with an expert tummy tuck surgeon in London.
