What Is an Umbilicoplasty?
An umbilicoplasty is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to alter the size, shape, or appearance of the belly button, or umbilicus. It is a relatively minor and straightforward operation that can effectively transform an 'outie' belly button into an 'innie'. The procedure can be performed alone or as part of a larger abdominal surgery, such as a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty.
Common Reasons for Umbilicoplasty
There are several reasons an individual might consider umbilicoplasty, ranging from purely aesthetic concerns to correcting medical conditions. A board-certified plastic surgeon can assess the underlying cause of an 'outie' and recommend the best course of action.
- Congenital Variation: A protruding navel is often simply a natural outcome of how the umbilical cord healed after birth. For many, the desire to change its appearance is purely cosmetic.
- Post-Pregnancy Changes: After carrying a baby, a woman's abdominal wall and navel can stretch, sometimes causing a previously 'innie' belly button to become an 'outie'.
- Significant Weight Fluctuation: Both weight gain and significant weight loss can alter the appearance of the belly button due to changes in surrounding skin and tissue.
- Umbilical Hernia: This occurs when a portion of the intestine or fatty tissue pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall, causing a bulge at or near the navel. A surgeon can repair the hernia while also performing cosmetic reshaping.
- Piercing or Scarring: Scar tissue from a piercing or other trauma can lead to an undesirable belly button shape.
The Umbilicoplasty Procedure
The surgical process for transforming an 'outie' to an 'innie' is generally quick, often taking less than an hour. It is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning the patient can go home the same day.
Steps in the procedure:
- Anesthesia: The surgeon will administer either local anesthesia (to numb the area) or light sedation. General anesthesia may be used if the procedure is combined with other surgeries.
- Incision: A small incision is made around the belly button, which minimizes visible scarring as it is discreetly hidden within the navel's new contours.
- Reshaping: The surgeon carefully removes any excess skin or tissue that is causing the protrusion. They will then reshape the navel to create a new, inward-facing form.
- Hernia Repair (If Necessary): If an umbilical hernia is also present, the surgeon will repair the abdominal wall and reinforce it, often with sutures, before reshaping the belly button.
- Sutures: The incision is closed with sutures, which may be dissolvable or removed later. The final result is a more aesthetically pleasing, recessed navel.
Recovery and Risks
Recovery from umbilicoplasty is generally straightforward, but it is important to follow the surgeon's post-operative instructions carefully to ensure the best results and minimize complications.
Recovery Timeline
- First Few Days: Patients can expect mild discomfort, swelling, and bruising, which can be managed with prescribed pain medication. Some may return to work within a day or two.
- First Few Weeks: Strenuous activity, including heavy lifting and intense exercise, should be avoided for two to three weeks. This is crucial for proper healing.
- Long-Term: Swelling will continue to subside over the following weeks. The final results become more apparent as the area fully heals.
Potential Risks and Complications
While considered a low-risk procedure, umbilicoplasty does carry potential complications, as with any surgery. Discussing these risks with a surgeon is vital.
- Infection: As with any incision, there is a risk of infection at the surgical site. Following post-operative care instructions is essential.
- Scarring: While hidden, some scarring is inevitable. Patients should weigh the benefit of a different navel shape against the possibility of a new scar.
- Asymmetry: There is a risk that the reshaped belly button may not appear perfectly symmetrical.
- Anesthesia Reactions: Complications can arise from the anesthesia used, though this is rare.
- Seroma: The collection of fluid beneath the skin is a possibility, though this can usually be addressed by the surgeon.
Umbilicoplasty vs. Tummy Tuck
Umbilicoplasty is a standalone procedure focused solely on the belly button. However, it can be combined with a tummy tuck for more extensive abdominal contouring. Here is a comparison of the two approaches:
| Feature | Umbilicoplasty | Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Reshape the navel, fix an outie | Remove excess skin and fat, tighten abdominal muscles |
| Scope | Minor, localized procedure | Major, comprehensive abdominal surgery |
| Anesthesia | Local anesthesia or light sedation | General anesthesia |
| Incision | Small incision around the navel | Incision from hip-to-hip, plus around the navel |
| Recovery | Days to a few weeks | Weeks to months |
| Cost | Typically lower | Significantly higher |
Choosing a Surgeon and Non-Surgical Options
For anyone considering umbilicoplasty, finding a qualified and experienced surgeon is crucial. Look for a board-certified plastic surgeon with specific experience in performing navel procedures. Websites like the American Board of Plastic Surgery can help verify a surgeon's credentials.
Are there any non-surgical options?
In most cases, there are no effective, non-surgical methods to permanently change a natural 'outie' belly button into an 'innie'. The shape is primarily determined by how the underlying scar healed. Some products, like silicone navel shapers, are used for temporary post-operative care, not as a long-term solution for congenital 'outies'.
Conclusion
For those who wonder, "Can I get surgery to make my outie an innie?", the answer is a definitive yes. Umbilicoplasty offers a direct, surgical solution for transforming the appearance of the navel, whether for cosmetic reasons or in combination with a hernia repair. While the procedure is generally low-risk with a manageable recovery, a thorough consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon is essential. This ensures the procedure is right for you, that your expectations are realistic, and that you are fully informed about the potential benefits and risks involved. It is a highly effective way for individuals to achieve a more desired abdominal aesthetic and boost their self-confidence.
