My belly button appears to be closing following a tummy

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Answered by Elizabeth Morgan, MD, PhD, 15/08/2023 08:04

You are experiencing stenosis, which is the narrowing of the umbilical opening. This causes the belly button to be pulled below the skin, and eventually, the hole will close up. To address this, you will need a revision surgery to open up the hole and suture the belly button to the skin. If this is not done, there is a risk of infection developing in the wound.
Answered by Francis R. Palmer, III, MD, 15/08/2023 08:04

Once the wound has fully healed, you may require a procedure under local anesthesia to improve the narrowed scar. The specific procedure will depend on the underlying cause of the scar narrowing. Regular follow-ups with your surgeon are important. Best of luck.
Answered by Sara Salas, MD, 15/08/2023 08:04

There are limited options for increasing the opening size besides manual dilation or reoperation, which may result in scars.
Answered by Richard Chaffoo, MD, FICS, 15/08/2023 08:04

If the belly button scar contracts or closes during the healing process after a tummy tuck, a revision can be done in the office. Stretching the opening with a Q-tip or using larger stretching objects may help prevent complete closure. A revision can be performed under local anesthesia if needed.

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