Umbilical Float Abdominoplasty
The specialized umbilical float tummy tuck lowers the navel and restores a smooth abdomen
Do you have a small “pooch” and an unusually high belly button? For those with minor amounts of loose skin, a sophisticated tummy tuck variation called the “umbilical float” or “floating” technique can provide particularly natural-looking results with the added benefit of umbilical re-positioning.
- Who is a good candidate for umbilical float abdominoplasty?
- How Umbilical Float Abdominoplasty is Performed
- What to Expect After Umbilical Float Abdominoplasty
- Benefits of an Umbilical Float Tummy Tuck
Who is a good candidate for umbilical float abdominoplasty?
You may benefits from an umbilical float tummy tuck if you have the following characteristics:
- You have minor skin laxity (loose skin) on the lower abdomen below the belly button
- You may have minor skin laxity that extends up to 2 cm. above the navel
- Your belly button may appear to be unusually high
- Your belly button can be moved down 3-4 cm. and still fall in a natural-looking position
Not every patient has the exact characteristics to merit this specific procedure, and mini and full tummy tucks are more common. But if you are someone who would benefit from a repositioned umbilicus, this procedure may provide truly attractive, natural-looking results.
How Umbilical Float Abdominoplasty is Performed
The umbilical float tummy tuck incision is made at the base of the abdomen, just below the bikini line. Through this incision, your skin—and your belly button along with it—is detached from the abdominal wall. Your surgeon tightens the skin by pulling it toward the public area and removes any excess; they will also tighten the underlying musculature, if necessary. As the skin is tightened, the belly button is moved lower on the abdomen. Incisions are closed with dissolvable sutures.
By contrast, a full tummy tuck requires a longer incision along the base of the abdomen from hip bone to hip bone, as well as an incision within the belly button. A mini tummy tuck is also different because the belly button does not move, as this procedure solely focuses on tightening the area below the navel.
What to Expect After Umbilical Float Abdominoplasty
Complete recovery from an umbilical float abdominoplasty may take a few weeks or months, depending on the individual. Your abdomen will be swollen for a few days, and you will be wearing a drain in the abdomen to remove excess fluid from your incision sites. Dr. Hess prescribes pain medication, though you may also choose to have an intraoperative TAP block to help to numb the area and manage pain for about 12-24 hours following surgery.
People with stronger abdominal muscles will find they have a shorter recovery. Regardless of physical condition, it is critical to incorporate gentle movement into your daily routine following surgery to prevent blood clots and help reduce swelling.
Benefits of an Umbilical Float Tummy Tuck
If you are a good candidate for the umbilical float tummy tuck, you will find that it offers certain benefits over a mini or a typical tummy tuck:
- No scar in or around the belly button
- Correction of lower abdominal skin laxity
- A repositioned, lower belly button
- Shorter, more comfortable recovery than a full tummy tuck
Beyond the general benefits of this procedure, having your procedure with Dr. Christopher Hess affords you the benefit of TAP block, a pain management injection performed during surgery to help you have an easier recovery after surgery.
Choosing a Surgeon for Umbilical Float Tummy Tuck
While a tighter tummy and well-positioned, aesthetically pleasing navel is a benefit of this procedure, not all surgeons are qualified to give you aesthetically sound results. The expertise of your surgeon plays a huge role in your results, beginning with whether or not they are qualified to decide whether you are a good candidate for this specialized tummy tuck. If you are considering your tummy tuck procedure options, it’s absolutely critical that you consult with an experienced board certified plastic surgeon.
Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Christopher Hess
Ready to explore your options for getting a flatter, firmer, and proportional abdomen? Contact us at Hess Plastic Surgery to schedule your consultation with Dr. Hess.
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