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Cosmetic surgery can work wonders on almost any area of the body – and the belly button is no exception. That’s where an umbilicoplasty comes in.
What is an umbilicoplasty?
An umbilicoplasty is a surgical procedure that alters the belly button’s appearance. Often people prefer the appearance of an “innie” belly button, as opposed to an “outie.” An outie belly button can either be apparent since birth or can sometimes occur as a result of pregnancy, weight gain or loss, piercings or a hernia. If the belly button changes in appearance, people may wish to alter it to make it appear more pleasing. This is done purely for aesthetic reasons. Umbilicoplasty surgery is becoming an increasingly popular procedure.
Am I a good candidate for an umbilicoplasty?
To be considered for an umbilicoplasty, you will need to be:
- 18 years or older
- Be physically and mentally healthy
- Have a healthy BMI
- Have realistic expectations of what the procedure can achieve
- Have a belly button with an appearance you are unhappy with.
If you are planning to have another child, it is important to consider whether or not you want to undergo an umbilicoplasty. An umbilicoplasty will not cause you any problems during your pregnancy. However, during pregnancy, the belly button will stretch, and you may lose the results achieved after surgery. Therefore, if you want to have an umbilicoplasty, you may want to be sure you will not have more children in the future.
You will need to be a non-smoker or be able to stop smoking at least two weeks prior to surgery. You may also have to stop taking certain medications before surgery.
What does an umbilicoplasty involve?
An umbilicoplasty is most commonly performed under a local anaesthetic. However, if you do not want to be awake for the procedure, you may elect to have a general anaesthetic using TIVA anaesthetic instead.
Once the anaesthetic has been administered, the surgeon will make incisions inside the belly button. This position is done to ensure you have minimal noticeable scarring following the procedure. The exact method will vary depending on your belly button and the desired outcome. Once the incisions have been made and the skin has been removed, the remaining skin will be stitched together. These stitches may be dissolvable, so they will not need to be removed. You may have a light dressing applied afterwards.
You will be able to return home the same day as the umbilicoplasty, you will just need to wait until the effects of the anaesthetic have worn off. If you had a general anaesthetic, you will need to arrange for someone to accompany you home. You will need to take two days off work. However, this varies from person to person, and some may need more time off work than others. You will have to avoid any strenuous physical exercise for two weeks to ensure you do not damage the new belly button.
Interested in umbilicoplasty? Centre for Surgery currently offers this procedure. Contact us today to find out more or to book a consultation with one of our surgeons.
