Has anyone used the marble or chinese checker trick to change the shape of the belly button following a tummy tuck. I came across the informatin on a tummy tuck site and was wondering if it works and how it done exactly.
Also, anyone with a tummy tuck did they have any dissatisfication with the results of their belly button. I'm 11 days post op and don't know how it will turn out.

I am 4 1/2 weeks post op on a tummy tuck and breast lift and 3 days out on implants. I have been using a marble in my belly button some (a friend who had the same surgery recommended it). I had a hard time finding the right size marble initially. Now that I have I tape it in my navel as tight as possible. The only problem I have had with that is that I have one spot in my navel that is not healing/remains gooey. I took the marble out last night and think I will let my navel heal before trying it again. It has to stay in there for a while to permanently reshape. Can you tell me what, if anything, you have done to help with swelling in your abdomen. I was previously very swollen, but since I had my implants done 3 days ago, I have swollen more in my abdomen. I look like I am about 5 months pregnant and my belly is hard as a rock! When I press it in my fingers the indention stays for a very long time. I would appreciate any "magic tricks" on that!

Hi ARPrincess,

I had done really well with the swelling after my tummy tuck. I had the binder on for 2 whole weeks, then I took it off. I found that whenever I did a little too much, whether standing and moving around, my belly got very swollen. So I started to slow down a bit, put my feet up. Either way, when I sat too long then I started getting strange pains in my upper left side of my belly. So, it's almost like you have to be in tune with your body. The second surgery, the implants probably made your body react again to the surgery. I know that I'm 5 weeks out on all, tummy tuck, breast lift and implants and I have my good days and my bad. You may feel like doing things, but just remember it will probably take a good three months to heal and six months to completely healed. I know that my scar looks great, but internally I'm still healing. I haven't tried the marble yet, I went and got chinese checkers instead, they are smaller, I didn't want a large belly button, you can always stretch it more, but can't shrink it once its stretched. The chinese checkers are smaller and lightweight. My surgeon thinks that she does a great job with the belly button and that it will heal wonderfully. But when I go next week for my second post op visit I will ask her again, she wasn't against it, just didn't think I needed it, but I think I do. You shouldn't put the marble there until the belly button is healed, it seems to be gooey, wait until it's dry. Also, I put neosporin (bacitracin) on my skin before I put the marble (chinese checker) there. I just tried it once, am waiting to see what my surgeon thinks. Did you call your PS, it seems that your retaining water in your abdomen again, it may be filling up with fluid, I would call to be on the safe side. Let me know what happens. And slow down ;)

I am researching tummy tuck and need help finding surgeon and figuring out cost. I also live in the Boston area; can you please help. Thanks.

Boston woman72...I am 7 days post op from FTT and lipo to flanks. I had Dr. Chatson in North Andover MA. and so far I am happy with my results.

Hi there:

Can you please give me some background on your procedure. How are you feeling? How was your experience with Dr. Chatson. What were the costs.

Thanks.

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