Can a Tummy Tuck Correct the Shape of a Sagging Belly Button?

Information

Surgical site

• surgical site :abdominoplasty, M-type, Triple lock, Navel Correction, abdomen liposuction, love handle
• liposuction aspirate volume : 2100cc

When people think of skin sagging, they often associate it with facial aging.

However, as interest in body contouring has grown, the demand for body lifting procedures has also increased.

Skin laxity commonly occurs in the abdomen due to pregnancy and childbirth, obesity, or rapid weight loss, leading to a stretched abdominal wall and sagging belly fat.

Unfortunately, once the skin and underlying tissues lose elasticity, it can be difficult to restore them to their original state through exercise alone.

For individuals experiencing abdominal wall and skin laxity due to these factors, abdominoplasty has become an increasingly popular solution.

A tummy tuck involves tightening separated abdominal muscles, removing excess skin, and, when necessary, combining the procedure with liposuction to improve overall abdominal contour.

Additionally, depending on the degree of sagging, umbilicoplasty may be required.

Repositioning and reshaping the navel not only improves its appearance but also enhances the overall waistline, creating a more sculpted and defined look.

Let’s take a closer look at a patient’s case to better understand the procedure and results.

Today’s case involves a patient who underwent a cesarean section twice, approximately 20 years ago.

She was particularly concerned about the wrinkled skin around her navel and the looseness of her abdominal wall.

Although her overall skin elasticity had noticeably declined, her abdominal fat accumulation was minimal due to consistent maintenance.

However, despite her efforts, the sagging belly and protruding abdominal wall remained uncorrected, ultimately leading her to consider surgery.

To achieve a smoother and more contoured waistline, we proposed a medium-type abdominoplasty combined with love handle liposuction.

This approach would effectively tighten the loose abdominal muscles, remove excess skin, and enhance the overall waistline for a more sculpted look.

The protruding abdominal wall from above the navel to below, along with the sagging belly, is even more noticeable from the side view.

For this patient, we planned a medium-type abdominoplasty to sufficiently pull and remove the sagging skin while tightening the loosened rectus muscles from the upper abdomen.

This approach was designed to create a firm and smooth waistline.

Additionally, since the skin would be pulled downward from the upper abdomen, repositioning the navel was necessary.

We carefully designed the new navel location and shape to maintain balance between the upper and lower body while enhancing a slimmer appearance.

Now, let’s compare the pre-surgery and two-month post-surgery photos for a detailed explanation.

The patient had experienced two childbirths long ago, resulting in a sagging abdominal shape.

By correcting the loose skin and abdominal wall through abdominoplasty and muscle plication, the abdomen was transformed into a flatter and more toned appearance.

Additionally, by performing love handle liposuction to remove excess fat in the flank area, a slimmer waistline was achieved, enhancing the overall contouring effect.

From the front view, the transformation before and after the abdominoplasty is also remarkable.

The previously sagging skin and separated abdominal muscles, which blurred the waistline and created a drooping appearance, have been refined into a smoother and more defined shape.

Additionally, the newly designed navel through navel correction enhances the balance of the upper body, contributing to a slimmer and firmer silhouette.

During the patient’s three-week post-surgery check-up, she reported experiencing slight discomfort.

A comprehensive ultrasound examination was conducted on the entire abdomen, but no abnormalities were found.

Postoperative pain and swelling vary among individuals, as the perception of discomfort and the speed of recovery differ for each person.

It is crucial to follow the scheduled post-surgery visits and report any discomfort to the medical team.

In this case, there were no complications in the patient’s overall recovery process, and she was reassured that her condition would continue to improve.

Moving forward, she was guided on ongoing follow-up care and regular ultrasound check-ups to ensure a smooth and stable recovery.

Following the medical team’s instructions and attending postoperative check-ups actively can lead to a safe recovery and optimal surgical results.

Abdominoplasty is not only about physical transformation but also about psychological well-being.

It is important to focus on helping patients regain confidence and improve their quality of life.

Through detailed consultation, precise diagnosis, and a carefully tailored surgical plan, this patient achieved not only a flatter abdomen but also a well-balanced silhouette from the front, side, and back.

This transformation goes beyond aesthetics—it alleviates physical discomfort and restores self-confidence.