Umbilicoplasty

Umbilicoplasty, or belly-button revision surgery, helps sculpt a more aesthetically pleasing belly button. It can turn almost any shape or size of belly button into almost any other shape or size. Most of the patients who undergo an umbilicoplasty are women, but men also request the procedure.

Umbilicoplasty can be performed at the same time as a tummy tuck or other cosmetic procedure, and is sometimes done in conjunction with hernia repair. In most umbilicoplasty cases, the patient wants to correct a protruding bellybutton, or turn their “outtie” into an “innie.”

Desired umbilicoplasty results are usually a vertical bellybutton or one that is T-shaped, with a tiny flap of skin overhanging the belly button.

An umbilicoplasty usually requires local anesthesia if it is the only procedure being performed. In some cases, an umbilicoplasty patient may receive a sedative via an intravenous (IV) drip. Surgeons can perform an umbilicoplasty in their offices or in a surgical center, and the entire process takes between 30 and 90 minutes from start to finish.

The surgeon performing the umbilicoplasty hides the scar inside of the navel. There is little if any swelling, bruising or discomfort, and umbilicoplasty results are immediately visible. Patients may return to work or other daily activities the same day as their umbilicoplasty and the sutures (stitches) are usually dissolvable, eliminating the need to return to the doctor to have stitches removed.

Umbilicoplasty is safe, quick and inexpensive, and provides immediate results with a very low risk of complications or side effects. Most umbilicoplasty results will be permanent, barring pregnancy or significant weight gain following the surgery.

Are Your a Good Candidate for Umbilicoplasty?

If you are troubled by the appearance of your belly button — whether you were born with it or experienced a change in its appearance after weight gain/loss or pregnancy — you may be a good candidate for umbilicoplasty. In some cases, you may wish to add this to another procedure, such as a tummy tuck. Your doctor can discuss which options may best solve your concerns.

Benefits

Umbilicoplasty may seems like a very minor change to most people, but this small change can create a greater sense of poise and pride in one’s appearance. In a society where midriff-baring styles are popular, an umbilicoplasty can help create a more youthful-looking midriff. This can give people more confidence in their appearance and allow them to enjoy a full range of fashions without feeling self-conscious.