Question:
Has anyone had a tummy tuck and had to loose their belly button?

I am having a tummy tuck this summer after having lost 143lbs, and my doctor is also repairing a small hernia too. He says that the incision he will be making to repair the hernia will cause me to loose my belly button. Although I am not attached to it, I kinda want to keep this piece of my anatomy because I think I'll look funny! I don't have any kids yet and When I do decide to have some, I'll have no belly button on my pretty pregnant stomach! What has everyone experienced, and what should I tell my docotor if I want to keep it?    — Lauren M. (posted on April 8, 2003)

April 8, 2003
Are you having a plastic surgeon do your surgery or a general surgeon who is doing a panniculectomy? I work for a group of plastic surgeons who do hernia repair in combination with tummy tucks any I have yet to see a patient lose there belly button, but I've only worked in plastic surgery for 10 years. I know general surgeons doing panniculectomies remove the belly buttom because it takes more time to save it. I would definately tell your surgeon you want your belly button and if he can't save it then maybe you need to find someone who can do hernia repair and tummy tuck without sacrificing you belly button. Good Luck, Rebecca
   — Rebecca L.

April 8, 2003
Lauren, you probably already know this, especially if you have spoken to your doctor, so forgive me if this is old news, but most plastic surgeons advise you not to have a tummy tuck until you have all your kids. Pregnancy stretches you out again as well as causes havoc on the muscles, so you may have a tuck now only to have to repeat it after the kids...as for the belly button, I have heard that even if they remove it, the doc can make you a new one if you ask for it.
   — Cindy R.

April 8, 2003
I'm in the plastic surgery process myself. And what I keep hearing is....If you have a Hernia, you don't get a Belly Button because It causes a weak spot in the stomach muscles. I don't have hernia but my friend, also seeking a TT does, we've seen that same Surgeons and they say I'll get a Belly Button and she won't! She's REAL attached to hers, so she's going to continue to look for someone that will make sure she get's to keep it!
   — Tambi B.

April 8, 2003
When I has my tummy tuck 5 months ago I kept my belly button and yes I had a hernia about the size of my fist. This was done by my general surgeon who also did my RNY. Just talk with your DR because it can be done.
   — samizaki