The umbilicus or belly button is the scar that remains after the umbilical cord that connects a baby to its mother is cut. The shape and size of the belly button depends to a large extent on genetics, but can also be influenced by how the umbilical cord was cut. This can lead to the formation of what is commonly called an outie belly button.
If you feel self-conscious about how your belly button looks when you wear a bikini or clothes that expose your midriff, help is at hand. Plastic surgeons can repair your navel to improve the overall appearance of your torso and boost your self-confidence.
Please continue reading to learn more about a cosmetic surgery called an umbilicoplasty that can repair protruding or outie belly buttons, correct navels stretched by pregnancy or genetic factors, repair belly buttons damaged by a piercing scar, and improve navels that have become misshapen due to hernias or weight changes.
What is an umbilicoplasty plastic surgery procedure?
An umbilicoplasty procedure was originally developed as a reconstructive surgery to repair umbilical hernias. An umbilical hernia is a condition in which the muscles of the abdominal wall become separated. This is called a rectus diastasis and frequently occurs due to pregnancy. As a result of the separation, the intestinal and fatty tissues in the abdomen bulge out through the gap in the muscles, forming an outpouching or hernia.
More recently, however, an umbilicoplasty procedure or belly button surgery is being performed as a cosmetic procedure. It can be done for anyone who is unhappy with the shape, size, or appearance of their belly button.
What does the procedure do?
An umbilicoplasty or navel surgery can help to make the belly button look more aesthetically pleasing. Meaning, a flat belly button can be corrected to have more hooding. A protruding belly button can be made smaller by removing excess skin. Umbilicoplasty can also be done to correct stretch marks, remove belly button piercings, and remodel stretched out skin and fat.
A belly button surgery can be performed alone or in combination with other plastic surgery procedures, such as tummy tuck, liposuction, or breast augmentation. An umbilicus hernia can be corrected at the same time.
Why have an umbilicoplasty?
Do you have an outie navel and want a cute little innie belly button? Are piercing scars making you feel self-conscious? An umbilicoplasty could be the solution.
As noted, some people have a protruding belly button due to genetic factors. Others develop excess skin in the belly button due to pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or trauma. The majority of umbilicoplasty procedures are done in women because pregnancy affects the size and shape of the belly button. Other things that can affect a person's belly button are abdominal hernia and navel piercings.
If you have a belly button that protrudes, is stretched, or generally appears aesthetically unattractive, a plastic surgeon can change its shape and size with a belly button surgery or umbilicoplasty procedure and give it a more attractive appearance.
Is umbilicoplasty the same as tummy tuck? Is it included in a mommy makeover?
An umbilicoplasty is not the same as a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty). However, belly button surgery can be done in conjunction with other plastic surgery procedures. A tummy tuck involves removal of excess tissue (skin and fat) from the abdomen and tightening of the abdominal muscles to create a flatter and smoother silhouette. Having an umbilicoplasty at the same time can further improve the appearance of the torso.
Belly button surgeries can also be included in a mommy makeover. This is a set of customized cosmetic surgery procedures to restore a woman's body to her pre-baby body. It often targets the abdomen and breasts and may include a breast lift, breast augmentation, or breast reduction. Women might also choose to have labiaplasty (trimming of enlarged labia caused by hormonal changes) at the same time.
How do surgeons fix an outie navel?
Consultation
Before belly button surgery, it is important to schedule a consultation and discuss your cosmetic goals with your plastic surgeon. At this initial consultation, the surgeon will obtain a medical history and examine you. They will develop a surgical plan if you are deemed to be a good candidate for umbilicoplasty surgery. They will also discuss other cosmetic surgeries such as tummy tucks to improve the overall appearance of the midriff. This may be necessary to address the muscle beneath and remove extra skin. It is important to have a positive outlook and realistic expectations from the surgery, including understanding the potential risks.
Procedure Details
The umbilicoplasty or belly button surgery is done using local anesthesia and takes about an hour. The surgeon makes an incision internally in the navel. In other words, the doctor cuts inside the belly button. Therefore, the scar is not visible in a bikini or bathing suit. The small incision causes minimal scarring. Surgeons then use the incision to remove excess fat, skin, and tissue and reshape and resize the navel. A small hernia (bulging) can be corrected simultaneously. The result is usually an aesthetically pleasing oval-shaped belly button that is tucked in and has a slight hood in the upper portion.
How long does an umbilicoplasty take to heal?
Umbilicoplasty recovery can vary from patient to patient, but most patients return to work in 1-2 days. You will need to avoid exercise, however, for a few weeks. Your doctor may ask you to wear a compressive garment to keep the swelling down. There will be some slight swelling and soreness but these side effects are usually minimal and easily managed with medications. It is important to keep the surgical area clean and dry, avoid UV exposure, take medications as directed, and follow your surgeon's instructions to ensure an uneventful recovery.
Keep in mind that recovery can take longer if you are having other procedures and umbilicoplasty performed at the same time. For example, many patients have additional procedures like liposuction along with belly button surgery. This can cause swelling and bruising for 2-3 weeks. The final results from these other procedures may not visible for several months. It can therefore take a few months to see the desired results.
What are the possible complications?
In general, an umbilicoplasty is a safe procedure. However, like any surgical procedure, it involves risks such as bleeding, infection, problems with scar maturation, or delayed wound healing.
How much does an umbilicoplasty cost?
The cost of an umbilicoplasty procedure can range anywhere from $2,ooo to $5,000. This can vary by a considerable amount depending on where you live and the skill and experience level of your surgeon.
Is umbilicoplasty covered by insurance?
Cosmetic procedures are not covered by health insurance. When belly button surgery is done as an elective surgery, it will not qualify for insurance coverage. However, it may be partially or fully covered if it is done during hernia repair or after massive weight loss with bariatric surgery. Patients should schedule a consultation with their doctor to determine if the umbilicoplasty can be deemed medically necessary.
Finding a surgeon for belly button surgery
The MeTime app makes it easy to connect with leading plastic surgeons in your area who perform belly button surgery or umbilicoplasty. You can chat with experts, share photos, do a video consult, and get quotes. Download the MeTime app today and see how easy it is to learn about and schedule plastic surgery.
