Understanding Belly Button Changes After DIEP Flap

For many women considering DIEP flap breast reconstruction, one of the most surprising questions that comes up is: What happens to my belly button? It’s a detail that often gets overlooked in the early stages of research—but for patients choosing a procedure that uses abdominal tissue, it’s a very valid (and common!) concern.

No question is too small when it comes to understanding your reconstruction journey. The truth is, while your belly button may look new after surgery, it’s not actually replaced. It’s still your same belly button—it’s simply been carefully preserved and repositioned during the reconstruction process.

Will I Get a New Belly Button After a Tummy Tuck Breast Reconstruction?

Using advanced techniques like our High Def DIEP® flap, PRMA’s dual-surgeon team reshapes your lower abdomen—much like a tummy tuck—while maintaining the natural connection between your belly button and internal structures.

Once the abdominal tissue is transferred to recreate the breast, your surgeon gently re-creates a small opening in the newly contoured skin for your original belly button to come through, giving the appearance of a "new" one while honoring what’s always been yours.

How PRMA Surgeons Preserve and Recreate the Belly Button

PRMA’s approach to DIEP flap reconstruction not only prioritizes breast aesthetics and sensation, but also pays close attention to preserving natural abdominal features like your belly button.

Here’s how surgeons preserve and recreate the belly button:

• A small incision is made around the belly button to separate it from the surrounding skin.
• Tissue is carefully harvested from the lower abdomen to reconstruct the breast.
• The upper abdominal skin is gently pulled downward—similar to a tummy tuck—over the belly button’s original location.
• A precise new opening is created for the belly button to "pop through" and sit in its natural anatomical position.
  

Thanks to PRMA’s advanced microsurgical techniques and dual-surgeon precision, your belly button remains exactly where it belongs. Our advanced San Antonio microsurgeons also apply cosmetic closure methods to shape and contour the area—creating a natural-looking result that blends beautifully with your new abdominal profile.

What Will My Belly Button Look Like After Surgery?

Immediately after surgery, your belly button area may appear swollen, with visible stitches and some scabbing as the site begins to heal. This is completely normal.

As healing progresses over the following weeks, swelling subsides, and the incision lines fade—revealing a more natural appearance.

What PRMA Patients Say About Their DIEP Flap Results

“I would highly recommend PRMA to anyone looking into breast reconstruction and who wants to have this DIEP flap procedure done. If anyone is nervous about traveling out of state to have it done please know that PRMA makes the entire process so easy.”
— Karen

“I am so happy with my results. You don’t know what to expect going into this. PRMA has been so good to me and my doctor was so skilled. I have a few scars that are healing but they are my battle wounds!”
— Wendy

“My experience at PRMA was absolutely fabulous. I recommend all women to come to PRMA for the care and support across all levels!”
—Elizabeth

Preserve What’s Yours With Experienced San Antonio DIEP Flap Surgeons

At PRMA, we understand that every detail matters—down to the appearance and placement of your belly button. With over 15,000 successful breast reconstructions and unmatched expertise in DIEP flap procedures, our dual-surgeon team delivers not only life-changing outcomes but also meticulous cosmetic results.

If you have questions about DIEP flap reconstruction or want to learn more about what to expect from your results, we’re here to help. Schedule a consultation with one of our experienced PRMA surgeons and take the next step in reclaiming your confidence.