3D Belly Button Tattooing:
The Small Detail That Can Make a Big Difference
When you think of the finishing touches after surgery, a belly button might not be the first thing that comes to mind — but for many people, it’s one of the details that helps them finally feel whole again.
At Perky, we know that every scar tells a story, and sometimes the smallest details can make the biggest emotional impact. For those who have lost their natural belly button during a tummy tuck or DIEP flap breast reconstruction, 3D belly button tattooing can beautifully recreate the illusion of a natural navel — no surgery required.
Why Some People Lose Their Belly Button
During procedures like tummy tucks or DIEP flap breast reconstruction, surgeons often reposition the belly button. In some cases, the blood supply to the original belly button stump becomes compromised. When this happens, the tissue may not survive and needs to be removed to allow the area to heal safely.
The result? A smooth, scarred area where the belly button once was. While there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that, some people find themselves missing the natural look of a navel — a small but central feature that helps their body feel balanced and “normal” again.
What Is 3D Belly Button Tattooing?
3D belly button tattooing is a specialized technique that uses realistic shading, contouring, and color blending to create the illusion of depth and shape — so much so that it looks like a real belly button, even though the skin is completely flat.
It’s the same artistic approach we use for our 3D nipple tattoos:
✨ realistic results
✨ customized design for each body
✨ an empowering, non-surgical finishing touch
Each tattoo is custom-matched to your natural skin tone, placement, and scar pattern, making the result subtle and believable — like it’s always been there.
Why People Choose Belly Button Tattooing
For many clients, this step is about more than aesthetics. It’s about restoring a sense of confidence and completion after surgery.
You’ve been through so much — from major surgery to recovery to learning to love your new reflection. The belly button tattoo is a way to reclaim ownership of your body again, to see symmetry restored, and to celebrate how far you’ve come.
It’s a small detail with a big emotional impact.
The Process
Consultation: We start with a conversation about your goals, color preferences, and healing history.
Design: Together, we determine placement, size, and shading style that feels most natural to you.
Tattoo Session: Using soft, realistic shading techniques, we create a 3D illusion in a single session.
Healing: The area typically heals within a few weeks, revealing a natural-looking result.
No additional surgery, no downtime — just art designed to make you feel complete again.
A Gentle Reminder
You don’t need a belly button tattoo to be beautiful, but if this step helps you feel more at home in your body, we’re here for that. Healing looks different for everyone — and sometimes, it’s found in the smallest details.
Interested in Learning More?
If you’ve lost your belly button during a tummy tuck or DIEP flap and want to explore 3D tattoo restoration, we’d love to help you learn more about the process.
