What is an umbilicoplasty?

Umbilicoplasty is a cosmetic surgery aimed at reshaping the belly button. The procedure consists of removing excess skin in and around the belly button in order to improve its appearance by adjusting its size, repairing an umbilical hernia or turning a protruding belly button inwards.

The surgery gained popularity among patients that see changes occur to their belly buttons due to weight loss or pregnancy. Other patients are interested in reducing scarring around the belly button caused by previous abdominal surgeries or old navel piercings.

What is involved in an umbilicoplasty procedure?

Umbilicoplasty is performed under local anaesthetic or sedation, and typically takes 1 hour to complete. The specialist surgeon removes excess skin or fat around the belly button through an incision inside the belly button, one that remains hidden once healed.

The procedure can differ based on the individual patient’s body and their cosmetic desires. To change the position of the belly button, the edges of the belly buttons are removed as necessary. If a hernia repair is required, dissolvable stitches will be used in order to tighten the abdominal wall. Dissolvable sutures are then used to close any incisions.

Why may you consider an umbilicoplasty?

Patients interested in improving the appearance of their belly button experience different concerns about the shape and size of their belly buttons. For example:

• Scarring from previous navel piercings or abdominal surgeries.or weight loss.
• Umbilical hernia that appears as a bulge around the belly button.
• Any alteration in appearance caused by pregnancy.

What are the risks of an umbilicoplasty?

While umbilicoplasty is a simple and short procedure with low risk levels, any surgical procedure carries some risks. The procedure may pose the following risks:

• Incisions may take longer to heal, may get infected or bleed.
• The belly button may be over or under corrected.
• The belly button may present as asymmetrical post surgery. 

Is umbilicoplasty painful?

Umbilicoplasty is usually performed under local anaesthetic or sedation, meaning patients will feel no pain during surgery. Any pain experienced after the surgery will be managed with prescribed pain relief and aftercare instructions designed to minimise discomfort.

What is the recovery time following an umbilicoplasty?

Umbilicoplasty has a relatively short recovery period. Most patients will be able to return to work and light daily activities a week after the surgery. Any swelling and bruising in the area affected by the surgery will diminish in a few days. Patients resuming any more strenuous exercise and activities should wait at least 2 to 3 weeks after the surgery.