An umbilicoplasty, or ‘belly button surgery’ is a relatively new procedure to create a more aesthetically pleasing naval and is one of a range of cosmetic surgery procedures that target minor imperfections.
Belly button surgery: Am I suitable?
The belly button is formed at birth, although it may alter as we age due to pregnancy or extreme weight loss, for example. Or a person may have always had an ‘outie’ and prefer an ‘innie’. It is possible for a cosmetic surgeon to affect pretty much any alteration that a patient desires.
Scarring is very visible in this area, so it is not advisable if you’re suffer from keloids as the potential of scarring will outweigh the benefits of modifying the appearance of your belly button.
Your consultation with your surgeon will determine whether the op will give you the results you are expecting. Also a full medical history will be taken to check whether you’re physically able to undergo the procedure.
Belly button surgery: What do I have to do to prepare?
Your surgeon will give you instructions to help you prepare for surgery and these may include guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications. While making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and to help you out for a few days, if needed.
Belly button surgery: What’s the treatment like?
The procedure takes about an hour and is usually performed under local anaesthetic. If the position of the belly button is to be altered then the surgeon might need to remove the surrounding skin. There are various techniques to modify the shape of the belly button and the surgeon will try and make incisions within the belly button as scarring will be very noticeable in this area.
Belly button surgery: What about after?
This is a simple procedure and normal activities can be resumed almost immediately with full recovery within a week.
Belly button surgery: Are there any risks or side effects?
There can be issues with infection so it is important to keep the area clean. There may be issue with numbness, asymmetry or noticeable scars but this is a relatively straightforward procedure.
Belly button surgery: What will it cost me?
An umbilicoplasty usually costs about £1,000.
