How can I make my bellybutton more vertical? (Photos)

When the main concern is the appearance of the belly button, larger surgeries like a mini or full tummy tuck are usually not necessary unless there is significant loose skin. Liposuction can reduce fat volume, but it will not reliably change the shape of the belly button and in some cases may highlight laxity above it.
Umbilicoplasty is a focused procedure that reshapes the belly button itself, allowing it to look smaller, more vertical, and less “frowning.” This is often the most suitable option for patients who have only mild skin laxity but dislike the belly button’s contour.
A floating navel tummy tuck is sometimes considered when the navel is positioned very high and there is more skin excess, but it is a larger operation and not typically the first step when the issue is primarily cosmetic shape.
I have also shared a detailed video where I explain the different surgical options for improving belly button appearance and show examples of how umbilicoplasty can create a more natural look.
— Güray Yesiladali, MD

Thank you for your question. Your umbilicus is hooded, which suggests that you have skin laxity above your belly button and a small amount of excess fatty tissue also. The correction you see with your back arched puts your umbilicus on tension, and mimics what a skin removal surgery (abdominoplasty, reverse abdominoplasty or mini abdominoplasty) could accomplish. I tend to agree with the surgeons you have seen, as you do not appear to have a significant amount of skin excess to justify a full abdominoplasty. Your umbilicus is also positioned high on your abdomen, so would also make sufficient skin removal and scar placement for a traditional full abdominoplasty less than ideal. Options that may improve the appearance include liposuction with the addition of a skin-tightening modality such as renuvion or smart lipo to assist with upper abdominal skin contraction. A mini-tummy tuck involving a floating navel will help to tighten the skin and can result in a more vertically oriented umbilicus, but it will also move the umbilicus lower on your abdomen. Best of luck in your journey!