Belly Button Healing After Tummy Tuck

‍

Ever wondered why some belly buttons have issues after a tummy tuck? In the video below is a neat demonstration. First, however, what is a belly button? It's the scar tube left from our umbilical cord, getting blood supply from both skin and abdomen.⁣⁣⁣⁣ During a tummy tuck, the bellow button is cut around which disrupts. the skin blood supply. After a tummy tuck, it relies solely on blood from inside.⁣⁣⁣⁣ If this blood flow is restricted or "kinked" then that will cause the belly button to turn darker. After surgery, if nerves to your belly button are cut, you might not feel if the blood flow is compromised which can lead to the belly button necrosis.

‍

‍

So how do you prevent this?

• Posture Matters - Slouching post-surgery can spell trouble. Keep that torso upright! Invest in lumbar support (think beach towels or throw pillows) to maintain a flat stomach at all times.
• Garments: Our go-to? Post-operative compression garments with foam inserts. The foam is an educational tool. Notice folds? Straighten up! The foam also acts as a gentle reminder as there is some resistance to slouching. This is one of the tools that we use at Alamo Plastic Surgery to make sure that patients are indeed keeping a flat upright tummy and profusing their belly button as best they can.