An increasingly popular cosmetic procedure is umbilicoplasty, often referred to as belly button surgery, which is designed to reshape and refine the navel for a more aesthetically pleasing look tailored to your desire. You might want to change the look of your belly button because of genetics or because it’s been changed by pregnancy or weight loss, and our expert surgeons at Harley Clinic can help you achieve the desired results with precision and comprehensive care. It’s a minimally invasive procedure but the results are long-lasting, allowing you to feel more confident in your body going forward.
What is Umbilicoplasty? (Belly Button Surgery)
Essentially, umbilicoplasty is a procedure that changes the shape and appearance of the navel. Many people opt for an umbilicoplasty procedure if they have an outie belly button, excess skin from weight loss, or have found that their navel’s appearance has changed because of pregnancy. As a result, umbilicoplasty is often performed alongside other cosmetic surgeries, such as a tummy tuck or liposuction.
The procedure begins with the surgeon making a small incision inside the belly button which is used to remove any excess skin and start the process of reshaping it. The goal is to create a natural-looking, symmetrical, and aesthetically pleasing belly button. Hernia repairs can be performed as part of the surgery if required. It’s generally a quick procedure with minimal downtime, which is partly why it’s such a popular choice for people looking to enhance their belly button’s appearance without the hassle of a long recovery time.
If you’re interested in seeing how belly button surgery can help you, book a consultation today.
Umbilicoplasty: Quick Overview
- Surgery Time: 1 hour
- Anaesthetic: Local or general
- Hospital Stay: Day
- Time Off Work: 2 Days
- Exercise: 4 Weeks
- Mobile: Immediately
- Washing: 48 hours
- Sleeping Position: on you back for 1 week
- Full Recovery: 2-4 weeks
Why Have Belly Button Surgery?
It’s completely normal for a person to feel aware of and self-conscious about their belly button, particularly when wearing swimwear or fitted clothing. If the appearance of it has changed due to pregnancy (see our Mummy Makeover page for more post-pregnancy body contouring), weight fluctuations, a past surgery, or if you simply don’t like the look of it in its natural form, umbilicoplasty can enhance its appearance and boost your confidence. The surgery can also correct an umbilical hernia, which is often the cause of a prominent outie belly button.
If you’re considering an umbilicoplasty procedure because of functional concerns, such as some discomfort caused by an umbilical hernia or scarring from previous surgeries, the procedure might be right for you as well. Belly button surgery improves the look, comfort, and functionality around the abdominal area, removing any problematic issues and helping you to achieve a more natural, youthful appearance. Here’s a quick breakdown of the benefits:
- Enhances your self-confidence
- Turns your outie into an innie
- Repairs damage from pregnancy, weight loss, or surgery
- Improves the overall appearance of the abdomen
- Can be combined with other cosmetic procedures for comprehensive aesthetic improvement
- Minimal scarring with discreet incisions
- Quick recovery time compared to other abdominal surgery
If you’re excited by the prospect of improving your belly button’s appearance, contact us now to arrange a consultation.
Preparing for Your Umbilicoplasty Surgery
When you have your initial consultation with one of our experienced specialists, we’ll assess your medical history, go through your aims for the surgery, explain the procedure in detail, and answer any questions you might have about the process. We’ll talk you through the potential risks, what outcomes you can expect, and how to take care of yourself during the recovery period. Preparation is essential to ensure the best results possible, so patients will be advised to:
- Stop smoking at least a few weeks before and after the surgery to promote healing.
- Avoid certain medications and supplements that might increase the risk of bleeding.
- Maintain a stable weight before surgery
- Arrange for transportation and assistance post-surgery
- Follow all preoperative instructions provided by the surgeon
Following these guidelines will help ensure a smooth experience during the procedure and in the recovery. Certain individuals might receive more tailored advice, so it’s important to be well-informed and to follow your specific guidance as closely as you can. That way, your recovery and results will be optimal.
If you have any concerns about preparing for surgery, speak to our specialists and they can talk you through it.
Recovery and Results from Umbilicoplasty
Though recovery time varies from patient to patient–and depending on how complex the specific surgery is–you can generally expect to return to light activities within a few days and to be fully recovered within 2-4 weeks. The initial healing process is relatively quick, but it’s important to continue following your surgeon’s advice for the duration to achieve the best results.
What to Expect Post-Surgery
Though the post-surgery process will generally be smooth and easy to navigate, there are a few things you should expect:
- Some swelling and bruising around the navel
- Minor discomfort, but this can be managed with pain relief medication
- A follow-up visit after 1 week for a wound assessment
- Dissolvable stitches for a smoother healing process
- Gradual improvement in the appearance of the belly button as swelling subsides
It’s best to avoid any strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for at least 4 weeks after your surgery to allow for the healing process to happen properly. As swelling and bruising go away over time, the final results will become more apparent, and you’ll gradually see a more refined and natural-looking belly button.
As the incision is made within the belly button, minimal scarring will be visible after the surgery. You can expect your navel to look natural and well-contoured. The results are usually permanent as well, so long as you maintain a stable weight and don’t have any surgeries that might affect the navel. Minor swelling and sensitivity might persist for a few weeks, but most patients find that the long-term results and confidence boost make any discomfort worth the short recovery. By closely following postoperative care instructions, keeping the area clean and avoiding any unnecessary strain, you can help ensure that the procedure’s results are optimised.
Umbilicoplasty FAQs
Can you combine belly button surgery with other procedures?
Belly button reshaping surgery can be performed on its own as a standalone procedure, but it can also be combined with other procedures such as liposuction and a tummy tuck. Combining liposuction and an umbilicoplasty procedure is ideal for patients who have lost a lot of weight and want to improve their body contouring. When you combine belly button surgery with a tummy tuck, you change the shape and location of the navel while strengthening the abdominal walls at the same time.
Who is the ideal candidate for umbilicoplasty?
The ideal candidate for umbilicoplasty surgery is in good physical health. They may dislike the appearance of their belly button. It could have stretched during pregnancy, or perhaps they have excess skin or a problem with the size or shape. Either way, if you feel self-conscious about your belly button and want to feel more confident when wearing clothes that show off your midriff, then you are an ideal candidate for an umbilicoplasty procedure.
Who is not suitable for umbilicoplasty surgery?
The following patients may not be suitable for belly button surgery:
- Pregnant women
- Obese individuals
- Patients on blood-thinning medications
- Patients with severe lung diseases or excessive scar tissue from a previous abdominal surgery
What are the potential risks and side effects of umbilicoplasty?
There are potential risks associated with all surgeries. Risks and side effects of umbilicoplasty include:
- Anaesthesia risks
- Infection
- Numbness
- Bleeding scar tissue
- Return of hernia
- Fluid in the abdominal muscles
How much does umbilicoplasty cost in the UK?
Though the cost of umbilicoplasty in the UK typically depends on the complexity of the procedure and the clinic, you can expect yours to cost somewhere between £2,500 and £4,000. It’s recommended to consult with a specialist at Harley Clinic for a personalised quote based on your specific needs and desired outcomes.