tummy tuck belly button revision

What’s the sign of a great tummy-tuck? It’s all in the belly-button. Our Cosmetic surgeon excels in tummy tuck belly button revision surgery.

Plastic surgeons aim to deliver results that look natural. After all, you want to look great without advertising that you’ve had some work done. A tummy-tuck is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures being performed today, and it’s usually a combination of liposuction and the removal of excess skin to achieve a slimming and toning effect. In terms of this procedure, natural looking results mean flat abs with sculpted contours with minimal scarring.

But aside from the obvious, how can you tell a truly well performed tummy-tuck from one that’ strictly average? The belly-button is the key.

Cosmetic surgery techniques are constantly improving, and the latest refinement to this procedure is the “Infinity” tummy tuck. It’s so named because the final look of the navel resembles the Infinity automobile logo—a horizontal oval with an up-pointing triangle at the bottom margin. It’s a soft, smooth contour with just the right amount of texture, thanks to the anatomical triangle that’s achieved when the belly-button is pulled tight as the procedure’s finishing touch.

How is  tummy tuck belly button revision performed?

This is achieved by anchoring the lower (inferior) part of the navel deep against the abdominal wall. When done correctly, this gently tensions results in the gently rounded “innie” belly-button associated with great abs. It’s got the aesthetically pleasing Infinity logo look, and this approach is quickly becoming the standard by which tummy-tucks are judged.

In fact it’s not uncommon now for patients who have had a tuck procedure in the past to come in specifically for a revision surgery. Even if they’re happy with contour lines of their new abs, they might not be thrilled with the round, sagging “outie” look their procedure left them with. It’s really a win on multiple levels: the navel can be anchored on the abdominal wall to get the Infinity effect, any excess skin can be removed, and any unwanted fat deposits can be removed using liposuction. After all, if you’ve undertaken the inconvenience and expense of a tummy tuck in the first place, it only makes sense that you want it to look great!

Preparation for belly button revision

The first step  in tummy tuck belly button revision is selecting a highly trained, highly skilled surgeon that you can trust. Here’s another tip: go to the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery and print out their “consultation checklist.” Bring it with you to your consultations, and then compare notes before deciding. This list was developed by cosmetic surgeons specifically for the purpose of helping you choose a surgeon that best fits your needs.

Not much is required in terms of actual physical preparation. It’s highly recommended that you stop smoking for at least 4 weeks prior to this procedure (or any other), since smoking can significantly slow healing and increases your risk of complications. You may also need to temporarily stop taking certain medications in, blood thinners such as Warfarin for example, several days or even weeks before your procedure. Even over the counter drugs known to increase bleeding such as ibuprofen and aspirin should be stopped. Finally, don’t eat anything before your appointment: your surgeon’s office will let you know how long you should fast.

Directly before your procedure begins you’ll sign a statement of informed consent. This is common practice, but make sure you understand the risks, potential benefits, and possible complications and adverse reactions before signing. Never go into a surgery without all of your questions being answered.

The tummy tuck belly button revision surgery.

Belly-button revision surgeries are done in an outpatient environment in almost all cases. This usually means either the surgeon’s own office or an ambulatory surgery center. These procedures are relatively straightforward, and don’t require an anesthesiologist since only local anesthetics are needed. Also downtime is minimal and there’s rarely a reason for the patient to spend any time in a recovery room.

The actual surgery involves removing loose skin from around the umbilicus. The edges of belly-button may be trimmed, pulled tighter, or both in order to improve its shape. When the surgery is complete, sutures are used to hold the edges together while the incisions heal. Barring unforeseen circumstances, the process usually takes under 1 hour.

After your tummy tuck belly button revision surgery

As with any surgical procedure, however minor, there’s going to be some swelling, bruising, and discomfort. There’s almost never a reason to keep the patient for observation, especially not overnight. You probably won’t even need a driver, but be sure to ask before coming in: if you were given certain medications you’ll need a driver or else you won’t be released until they wear off for safety reasons.

What’s involved in the tummy tuck belly button revision recovery? How much downtime can I expect?

Belly-button revision isn’t very invasive and there’s often very little in the way of recovery time. In many cases none at all is required and the patient can return to work that same day, provided their job isn’t strenuous. Perhaps the most important part of tummy tuck belly button revision recovery is taking time off from vigorous activity which puts a strain on the abdominal wall such as lifting weights. Also avoid bending the area, as this can pull on the sutures. In the vast majority of cases patients can resume all normal activities after about 2 weeks.

Especially during the initial stages of healing be sure to keep the region dry, clean, and bandaged with a loose, breathable dressing. Also, if self-dissolving sutures weren’t used you’ll need to return after about 10 days to have them removed.