Can umbilicoplasty help? (Photo)

Question

I had an umbilical hernia repair 6 weeks ago. It was a very small hernia that didn't require mesh. I have 3 children and got this hernia after my first pregnancy. Having this procedure was such a big deal for me mentally to feel more confident as I believed I would have an innie (though I expected not a deep one given how thin I am). Sadly, I am so disappointed with the results so far. It is still hard and lumpy just along the incision. Is there hope that it will look better with more time?

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Beautiful930074,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear Beautiful 
Umbilicoplasty after a hernia repair is entirely possible but i would wait 4 months at least for all of the tissue to soften and then see how it looks..  You are correct in that it is difficult  to get much depth in very thin patients but improvement may be possible
. Umbilicoplasty: may also refer to reshaping the existing belly button to improve its appearance. Umbilical hernia repair: If you have a hernia, it may need to be repaired during the procedure.

FAQs; frequently asked questions about umbilicoplasty

Who is a candidate for umbilicoplasty? 
Candidates for umbilicoplasty are individuals who are unhappy with the appearance of their belly button due to factors such as excess skin, scarring, asymmetry, or protrusion.

What is the recovery:?
 Recovery time will vary depending on the extent of the surgery and individual healing abilities. You will need to follow post-operative instructions provided by your surgeon, which may include wearing a compression garment and avoiding strenuous activities.

How much does it cost? 
The cost of belly button correction as part of abdominoplasty is included in the cost. Revision or correction cost varies depending on factors such as the   surgeon's expertise, geographic location, surgical facility fees, anesthesia and the extent. of the procedure. On average, the cost can range from $2,000 to $5,000 dollars.

Insurance coverage?
Generally, cosmetic procedures like belly button correction are not covered by insurance unless there is a medical necessity, such as repairing a hernia.

Will there be visible scarring? 
Incisions are typically made around the belly button, so scarring may be present. However, I will sew the edge in toward the deeper fascia which usually will hide most of the new incision.

How long does the procedure take? 
This can vary but for a simple revision in the office with local anesthesia, this will generally take 1-1.5 hours.

When will I see the final results? As with most surgery, the incision is healed in the first week, the tissue will soften up over 4-6 months and any redness generally fade over 12 months.

Surgical Options: Depending on the specific issues with your belly button, the surgeon may recommend one of several techniques:
 There are several techniques used in umbilicoplasty, including:
Hooding correction: Addressing excess skin around the belly button.
Reduction: Decreasing the size of the belly button.
Flattening: Creating a flatter appearance of the belly button.
Symmetry correction: Balancing the appearance of asymmetrical belly buttons.
Reshaping: Altering the shape of the belly button, such as converting an "outie" to an "Innie."
Revision of scar tissue: If you have scarring around the belly button from a previous 	surgery, it will need to be removed and start fresh.

Can umbilicoplasty help? (Photo)

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Can umbilicoplasty help? (Photo)

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about Belly Button Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.