How to manage scars following belly button revision surgery?

Question

Hello doctor,

I had a full tummy tuck. Everything went well after that surgery. However, my belly button was closing, and it closed almost to the point where I could not fit even a Q-tip in it. Two months back, I had revision surgery on my belly button to open it up. The doctor indicated that he opened it up wide enough due to the fact that he expected shrinkage.

I feel again that my belly button is shrinking to the point of abnormalcy. I did see my doctor twice since my revision surgery, and each time he seemed to be satisfied with the results. But now I have not seen him again for six weeks. The area surrounding my belly button is discolored.

I clearly have scarring. And, I just think it looks terrible and clearly indicates that I have had some type of surgery. Any suggestions or observations would be appreciated for the belly button itself and the discoloration. Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

First of all, I think the tummy tuck has come out well. However, if the belly button was not properly shaped during the initial procedure, it was definitely a good decision to revise it after a few months. Right now, I feel that the skin is still in the healing phase.

Given that it was a revision surgery, it will take a little longer to heal than the normal period of two months. Also, it depends upon the umbilical stalk length, that how long it will take for the surrounding induration and hence the discoloration to settle down. So for now, it is better to wait and watch.

I hope this helps.

Kindly revert so I can assist you further.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Yes, that definitely makes sense. The belly button stalk, which was retracted initially, might have been pulled back and made into the new belly button. However, the handling itself makes it longer to heal. Right now, if you can get it, then I can suggest using some mild antibiotic (Mupirocin or Nanocrystalline silver-based) ointment in the region, regularly for the inflammation to settle down.

After that (2 to 3 months from the last surgery date), you can use some scar-reducing cream such as Cicatrix with regular massage. That should give you an acceptable result.

I hope this helps.

Please revert in case of further queries.

Thank you.