The Marble Trick: Rounding Out Your Belly Button

Is your postoperative navel oblong, square, triangular, or even a vertical slit?  Do you wish it were more round?  Many times your new belly button will be too small, or maybe a bit misshapen at first.  But, you can alter the shape and size of your belly button. You may have heard of the marble trick on our message board, and thought, how weird! But, it has worked for many a tummy tuck patient!

So, just how do you do the marble trick?  Well, first ask your surgeon if it is okay. Your surgeon may think it is the most preposterous thing he or she has ever heard of.  Do not do this if the incision around your navel has not healed yet. The incision must be healed. You may experience discomfort or pain during your session, so be sure to ask beforehand.

  • Start by going to the toy store and buying a bag of standard-sized, glass children's marbles. 
  • If you think that standard-sized marbles may be too large at first, also buy a bag of Chinese Checkers marbles. They are usually smaller than standard marbles.
  • Prepare the marbles by washing them very well with hot water and an antibacterial soap. The marbles must be very clean.
  • You may or may not wish to clean out your navel first. You don't want to cause irritation or cause an abrasion or other type of broken skin issue. The incision around your navel must have healed before you attempt this.
  • Start by placing either a small or standard-sized marble within your dry navel.
  • Tape the marble into your navel to hold it in place.
  • Keep the marble in for about 20 minutes at first and gauge your tolerance that evening.  Is your navel sore?  Is it painful?  Know your body and know what you can handle.
  • Do this once or twice a day and increase your time for up to 4 hours a day, each day.
  • Always clean your navel thoroughly and gently after each session.
  • Be sure not to overstretch your belly button.  You don't want an overly large navel.  Stretching your navel is easy, but reducing it is quite a different story!

Good luck!  And if you have any questions, join us on the Tuck That Tummy Message Board