Umbilicoplasty (Belly Button Surgery)

Enhance your abdominal aesthetics with Belly Button Surgery – the specialised procedure designed to reshape and rejuvenate your belly button for a more balanced and attractive appearance.

Umbilicoplasty, also known as belly button surgery or navel reshaping, is a surgical procedure that alters the appearance, size, or shape of the navel (umbilicus). It is often performed for cosmetic reasons to improve the aesthetic appeal of the navel or to correct deformities that may have resulted from previous surgeries or congenital issues. Umbilicoplasty can be performed on its own or as part of other abdominal procedures, such as abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) or body contouring after significant weight loss.

Umbilicoplasty, a specialised cosmetic surgery, offers a unique solution for individuals who are self-aware or uncomfortable with the appearance of their belly button. This procedure encompasses a variety of benefits, tailored to meet the diverse needs and concerns of patients. Whether it’s the shape, size, or overall look of the navel that’s causing discomfort, umbilicoplasty provides a pathway to increased confidence and satisfaction with one’s abdominal appearance.

One common motivation for undergoing umbilicoplasty is the desire to change a protruding belly button, often referred to as an ‘outie’, into a more inwardly shaped ‘innie’. This adjustment can significantly alter the belly button’s appearance, offering a more traditional look that many find desirable. Additionally, individuals seeking to address and eliminate scars from previous piercings or surgeries find solace in umbilicoplasty. The procedure expertly removes these marks, restoring a smoother, more uniform appearance to the navel area.

Umbilical hernias, characterised by a noticeable bulge near or in the belly button, can also be corrected through this surgery. Often painless, these hernias nonetheless require professional intervention to prevent potential complications. Umbilicoplasty not only repairs the hernia but also enhances the cosmetic appeal of the belly button.

Significant life events such as pregnancy or considerable weight loss can lead to changes in the belly button’s size, making it appear larger or more stretched. Umbilicoplasty offers a corrective measure, allowing for the reduction and reshaping of the navel to achieve a more proportionate and aesthetically pleasing appearance. Additionally, for those who have experienced traumatic injuries affecting the belly button, umbilicoplasty can repair the physical damage, restoring its original form and function.

Furthermore, individuals who have undergone previous abdominal surgeries may find that the results have left their belly button looking altered or misshapen. Umbilicoplasty serves as an effective corrective procedure to address these issues, ensuring that the belly button complements the overall appearance of the abdomen.

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Umbilicoplasty, also known as belly button surgery, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that involves reshaping and/or repositioning the belly button to improve its appearance. Some of the benefits of umbilicoplasty surgery include the following:

Improved Appearance

Umbilicoplasty can improve the appearance of the belly button, making it more aesthetically pleasing and balanced with the surrounding abdomen.

Corrects Imperfections

Umbilicoplasty can correct imperfections such as an outie belly button, excess skin, scars, or deformities caused by previous surgeries.

Boosts Confidence

Many people feel self-conscious about the appearance of their belly button, and umbilicoplasty can help boost their confidence and self-esteem.

Quick and Safe Procedure

Umbilicoplasty is a relatively quick and safe procedure that can be performed on an outpatient basis under local anaesthesia.

Minimal Downtime

Recovery time for umbilicoplasty is usually short, with most patients able to return to work and normal activities within a few days.

Long-lasting Results

The results of umbilicoplasty are usually long-lasting, with the new appearance of the belly button remaining stable over time.

Umbilicoplasty, a specialised form of cosmetic surgery, is designed to address various concerns related to the appearance of the belly button. At Centre for Surgery, our expert plastic surgeons conduct thorough consultations to assess the suitability of individuals for this transformative procedure. Candidates for umbilicoplasty often present a range of issues that affect their confidence and satisfaction with their abdominal aesthetics.

Individuals may seek umbilicoplasty for several reasons, including the desire to remove scarring that has resulted from piercings. Such scars can mar the appearance of the belly button, making this procedure an attractive option for those looking to restore its natural look. Additionally, significant weight loss can lead to lax skin around the navel area, prompting individuals to consider umbilicoplasty to tighten and rejuvenate their abdominal profile.

Pregnancy is another common factor that alters the appearance of the navel, often leaving women with stretched or misshapen belly buttons post-delivery. Umbilicoplasty can effectively address these changes, offering a route to reclaiming the pre-pregnancy appearance of the belly button. Moreover, individuals with an ‘outie’ belly button caused by an umbilical hernia may also find umbilicoplasty beneficial in achieving a more traditional ‘innie’ appearance, alongside the necessary hernia repair.

The umbilicoplasty procedure can vary depending on the specific goals and needs of the patient. However, the following is a general outline of the steps involved in a typical umbilicoplasty surgery:

Anaesthesia

Umbilicoplasty is typically performed under local anaesthesia with or without sedation, but general anaesthesia may be used in some cases or when combined with other procedures. An anaesthetist will administer the appropriate anaesthesia to ensure the patient’s comfort and safety during the surgery.

Marking and incision

The surgeon will mark the navel and surrounding area to guide the incision and plan the modifications. They will then make a small incision around the navel, which can vary in shape and size depending on the specific goals of the surgery. Common incision patterns include a semicircular, circular, or inverted V shape.

Reshaping the navel

The surgeon will carefully dissect the skin and underlying tissue from the navel to gain access to the area that needs modification. They will remove any excess skin, fat, or tissue as needed to achieve the desired shape and size. If a hernia is present, the protruding tissue will be pushed back into the abdominal cavity, and the defect in the abdominal wall will be repaired with sutures or mesh.

Repositioning the navel

The surgeon will then reposition the navel, adjusting its shape, size, and location to create a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. This can involve moving the navel higher or lower on the abdominal wall or changing its orientation or depth.

Closing the incision

Once the desired modifications have been made, the surgeon will carefully suture the skin back together around the navel. They may use dissolvable sutures, which the body will absorb over time, or non-dissolvable sutures that need to be removed later. The surgeon may also apply surgical glue or adhesive strips to help hold the incision closed.

Dressing and postoperative care

After the surgery is complete, the surgeon will apply a sterile dressing and compression garment to help reduce swelling and support the healing process. The patient will be given instructions on how to care for the incision site, as well as any necessary pain medication or antibiotics to prevent infection.

There are several factors which will determine the overall cost of the belly button reshaping procedure, and the final quotation will be given after a face-to-face consultation with your specialist plastic surgeon.

The strategic combination of umbilicoplasty with other procedures such as abdominoplasty and mummy makeovers offers a holistic approach to body contouring, ensuring that the outcomes not only meet but exceed patient expectations.

Umbilicoplasty and Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty, widely known as a tummy tuck, is a transformative procedure that meticulously removes excess skin and fat from the abdominal area, thereby sculpting a more toned and defined physique. However, for individuals who also experience dissatisfaction with the appearance of their belly button—be it due to distortion, scarring, or hernias—the addition of umbilicoplasty can significantly enhance the aesthetic results.

The concurrent performance of umbilicoplasty and abdominoplasty is particularly beneficial for patients seeking a complete rejuvenation of the abdominal area. This combination addresses both the contour and the central focal point—the belly button—ensuring a harmonious and pleasing appearance. Opting for these procedures in a single session not only proves to be more cost-effective but also consolidates the recovery period, allowing patients to enjoy their new figure with minimal downtime.

Belly Button Surgery and Mummy Makeover

The concept of a mummy makeover has gained considerable popularity, offering a bespoke series of body contouring procedures tailored to address the unique changes experienced by women post-pregnancy or following significant weight loss. This comprehensive approach typically encompasses liposuction to eliminate unwanted fat, a tummy tuck to remove excess skin and restore abdominal firmness, and breast augmentation to enhance or restore breast volume.

Incorporating belly button surgery, or umbilicoplasty, into the mummy makeover protocol addresses an often-overlooked aspect of post-pregnancy body changes—altering the belly button’s shape and appearance. Pregnancy can significantly impact the belly button’s aesthetics, leading to stretching, distortion, or the development of hernias. By including umbilicoplasty, women can achieve a more thorough and satisfying transformation, ensuring that every element of their abdominal profile is refined and rejuvenated.

RELATED: Combining Tummy Tuck and Hernia Repair Surgery

Centre for Surgery is a leading provider of cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures in London, UK. Our team of highly skilled and experienced plastic surgeons, anesthetists, and nurses are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care and achieving exceptional outcomes for our patients.

Our state-of-the-art clinic is equipped with the latest technology and equipment, and we offer a wide range of surgical and non-surgical procedures to help our patients achieve their aesthetic goals. We are committed to ensuring that our patients are fully informed about their options and the risks and benefits of each procedure, and we work closely with each patient to develop a personalized treatment plan that is tailored to their unique needs and goals.

Patient safety and satisfaction are our top priorities. We follow strict safety protocols and guidelines to ensure that our patients receive the highest level of care before, during, and after their procedure. We are committed to providing a comfortable, welcoming, and professional environment where our patients can feel confident and at ease throughout their journey.

Our body contouring surgeons at Centre for Surgery are highly qualified and experienced plastic surgeons who specialise in aesthetic surgery of the breast and body. Here are some reasons why you should choose our surgeons:

GMC Specialist Register

Our surgeons are on the GMC specialist register for plastic surgery, which means they have undergone rigorous training and have met the highest standards for medical practice in the UK.

Membership of UK and European Associations

Our surgeons are full members of the UK Association of Plastic Surgery and the European Association of Plastic Surgery, which demonstrates their commitment to staying up-to-date with the latest techniques and technologies in the field.

Aesthetic Fellowships

Our surgeons have completed aesthetic fellowships in body contouring surgery, which means they have received specialised training in this area and have a deep understanding of the unique challenges and techniques involved.

Reconstructive Surgery Experience

Our surgeons have a strong background in reconstructive surgery, which gives them a unique perspective on body contouring procedures and enables them to achieve the most natural-looking and long-lasting results.

RealSelf Top Doctors: Our surgeons have been recognised as RealSelf Top Doctors, which is an exclusive status awarded to less than 10% of the RealSelf doctor community. This status is earned by achieving consistently high patient satisfaction, providing excellent feedback on expert answers to patient questions, and investing significant time in Q&A and other doctor activities. This recognition is a testament to our surgeons’ exceptional skills and commitment to patient satisfaction.