Procedure | Surgical
Umbilicoplasty
Umbilicoplasty, or belly button surgery, is a procedure that changes the appearance or shape of the belly button. It can be performed alone or as part of another surgery such as a tummy tuck or a body lift. Umbilicoplasty can help to repair the aesthetics of the navel after pregnancy, unsatisfied results from a previous tummy tuck, or a naturally protruding “outie” belly button. The navel can also change after significant weight loss or if the patient has experienced an abdominal hernia.
In pre-op stage:
- Your surgeon may also advise you to stop taking certain medications or supplements in the weeks or days leading up to the surgery.
- Avoid smoking for 2 weeks prior the treatment.
- You’ll also need to avoid eating anything in the hours leading up to the surgery.
During an umbilicoplasty, a discreet incision is made deep within the belly button. Excess fat and skin will be removed to achieve a slim, oval-shaped, belly button. Any small herniations and bulging will also be addressed. Skin will be repositioned so the navel will have a slightly hooded appearance. The incisions will be closed with sutures.
You’ll likely be able to go home the same day as your procedure, though you might still have some pain and discomfort.
As you recover, keep your belly button area clean and dry. Unless you have dissolvable stitches, you’ll need to have your stitches removed about 7 to 10 days after surgery.
You may return to work within 1-2 days.
Some patients are able to return back normal exercise within 3 weeks.
Sutures are usually removed after 2 weeks.
The recovery period for umbilicoplasty procurers is fairly short. In many cases, you’ll be able to return to work in a day or two, though you may need to wait a few weeks before resuming any exercise routines.
Make sure to take any prescribed medication as directed while you heal.
Mostly the results are permanent but may be affected by body weight, pregnancy, aging, skin sagging, and cases of hernia.
Some side effects include:
• Severe bleeding
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Pain that doesn’t go away
• Signs of infection, such as a fever, unusual smell, or colored discharge