Umbilicoplasty

The belly button, otherwise known as the navel or umbilicus, is the depression in the skin as the result of the removal of the umbilical cord. The formed cavity is generally referred to as an “innie”. However, some people will form an “outie”, where skin bulges out instead of in. This can often cause people to have low self-confidence and body image issues. If this is the case for you, umbilicoplasty may be for you. Our surgeons also repair belly buttons which have been affected by piercing as well as those who require creation of a new belly button following surgery of the abdomen. Some people will have an underlying umbilical hernia and this can be repaired at the same time as the umbilicoplasty.

Our clinic at 106 Crawford Street was recently inspected and rated as good across all 5 domains.

All our surgeons are on the GMC specialist register for plastic surgery. The Royal College of Surgeons of England has an excellent information resource on cosmetic surgery.

How to choose your plastic surgeon

Our surgeons are full members of:

Umbilicoplasty is a procedure which alters the appearance of the belly button to enhance its aesthetics. Dr Mitsakos and Dr Tillo have many years experience of performing belly button surgery of all degrees of complexity.

The benefits of outpatient cosmetic surgery

The procedure can be performed on its own, or in conjunction with a tummy tuck or umbilical hernia repair.

Factors such as ageing, pregnancy, weight loss or gain, trauma or hernias can impact the appearance of your belly button. A typical belly button will appear small and vertical. Umbilicoplasty will be able to alter the belly button to ensure it is considered better looking.

If you are concerned about the appearance of your belly button, umbilicoplasty or belly button surgery can be an option to address your concerns at our cosmetic surgery centre.

The Centre for Surgery approach to aftercare

At Centre for Surgery, our surgeons strongly believe that the success of any cosmetic surgery procedure including belly button surgery is optimised with following all of the surgeon’s pre-procedure instructions. We always strive to go above and beyond to make sure all our patients are optimally prepared for breast lift surgery – physically, mentally and emotionally.

All patients should be in good health and have realistic expectations about what can be achieved with belly button surgery.

We do not treat patients below the age of 18 years of age.

Healing is better if patients refrain from or quit smoking.

Belly button surgery is performed purely for cosmetic purposes, to help improve one’s image and self-esteem.

Advice on optimum pre-operative preparation

Prior to any surgical procedure, you will have a consultation with the surgeon. This will allow you to outline your wants and needs for the procedure and will allow you to have realistic expectations of the outcome. You will also have to discuss your full medical history with the surgeon.

Umbilicoplasty surgery is performed as a day case procedure at one of our outpatient surgicentres in London or Watford.

Umbilicoplasty can be performed under a local anaesthetic or general anaesthetic. If you choose to have surgery under a general anaesthetic, you will need to have a responsible adult to escort you home in a car or taxi and to keep an eye on you for 24-48 hours. In certain cases such as a coexisting umbilical hernia requiring repair in addition to an umbilicoplasty, general anaesthesia is highly recommended for your comfort.

The procedure involves the surgeon designing incisions in discreet areas as much as possible to conceal any visible scarring.  The exact technique used will vary depending on your belly button and the look you are wanting to achieve afterwards. 

The procedure should take about one to two hours to complete. You will be able to return home the same day as the procedure. 

You can expect some swelling and bruising for the first few days following your surgery but it is expected to resolve fairly quickly. 

You should be able to go back to work within 48 hours.

How to speed up recovery after cosmetic surgery

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There are a number of 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.