Belly Button Surgery

While certain traits like eye color and hair texture are genetic, an “innie” or “outie” belly button is a matter of chance. The umbilicus (belly button) is the scar that forms after the umbilical cord is cut after birth. How the umbilical cord is cut will be the most significant determinant of how your belly button will look. People who grow up with an “outie” belly button had extra cord left over, which created a larger abdominal scar. While this occurrence is completely harmless, some people find their “outie” embarrassing and look for ways to improve its appearance.

What is Belly Button Surgery?

Belly button surgery or an umbilicoplasty is a cosmetic treatment to enhance the shape and appearance of the navel. While it can be performed alone, it is also a vital component of a successful tummy tuck for many patients. During those procedures, the belly button may be repositioned on the abdomen to create a natural, proportionate appearance to the midsection.

Choosing Your Surgeon

Not all surgeons take the time and care on belly button surgery Dr. Barrett employs to achieve an optimal aesthetic outcome. He is meticulous in his approach to this procedure to ensure his patients receive a highly satisfying effect on the feature that forms the central focal point of the stomach area. By focusing on creating the most attractive shape and minimizing any visible scarring, Dr. Barrett produces superior results that delight his patients.

Is Belly Button Surgery Right for You?

While transforming an “outie” to an “innie” is the most popular reason to undergo belly button surgery, it is not the only one. Patients might also pursue this surgery to:

• Repair stretching and damage caused by piercing
• Replace a belly button that was previously removed for medical reasons
• Correct navels that have become misshapen over time
• Restore belly buttons that have changed due to weight gain or pregnancy
• Address noticeable bulging, deformities or irregularities

If you are self-conscious about your looks because of your belly button, surgical enhancement is an option to restore the look of your midsection and your confidence in wearing bathing suits and other stomach-baring fashions.

Benefits of Belly Button Surgery

When belly button surgery is performed as a stand-alone procedure, it can be done using local anesthesia in most cases. Recovery from this operation tends to be relatively quick, with most patients returning to regular schedules within a matter of days. Some of the benefits you can expect from your surgery include:

• Transformation of an “outie” to an “innie”
• Reduction in the size of the belly button
• Elimination of excess skin or wrinkles in the area
• Removal of scars from piercings or previous surgeries
• Replacement of a belly button for a natural look
• Correction for an umbilical hernia
• Rejuvenation of the entire abdominal region

If you pursue surgery to repair an umbilical hernia, your procedure may be covered at least in part by insurance. We encourage you to discuss this with your insurance provider before your consultation with Dr. Barrett, so you know if coverage is available. Belly Button Surgery Overview Umbilicoplasty performed alone can usually be done under local anesthesia, with sedation if requested by the patient. Dr. Barrett makes a small incision in the skin surrounding the belly button to excise excess skin and repair any separation that might be due to a hernia. In some cases, he may place a small amount of abdominal skin over the button to create an attractive inner positioning. Dr. Barrett then closes the incision using meticulous suturing techniques that reduce tension on the opening and allow for the best possible healing of the area.

Most umbilicoplasty procedures take between one and two hours to complete. If it is included with an abdominoplasty, Dr. Barrett usually spends approximately one hour on the belly button alone to produce the best possible outcome from this visible portion of the procedure. Based on before and after photos of many of his patients, it is easy to see the value of this extra time in the overall aesthetic results he can achieve.

After Your Belly Button Surgery

Immediately after your belly button surgery, you are likely to experience swelling and soreness in your midsection. Dr. Barrett will prescribe pain medication to keep you comfortable for the first few days. He will also provide you detailed instructions on how to care for your surgical site to ensure a healthy healing process and an optimal outcome.

Most of Dr. Barrett’s patients can return to work and other activities as soon as one to three days after their operations, depending on the extent and complexity of the surgery. Results are visible at this time and will continue to improve as post-operative swelling subsides. It may take a few months before the outcome is fully apparent. That improvement should be permanent.

Abs You Can Flaunt

Your belly button may seem like a relatively small and inconspicuous feature, but its appearance sets the look of your midsection. If you are interested in wearing bathing suits or other midriff-baring clothing, an attractive belly button gives you the confidence you need to flaunt your look rather than hiding it. If you are interested in learning more about options in belly button surgery, contact Barrett Plastic Surgery today at 310-598-2648.

The information about belly button surgery was reviewed by Dr. Daniel Barrett. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us using our contact form below.