Would I benefit from belly button surgery? (photo)

Question

I had abdominal skin removal surgery and the surgeon created a new belly button and left a visible scar. She didn’t offer any help and said to learn to live with it. I received a second opinion and they claimed that the stem was left too long and revising it should be simple. I’m nervous to take the plunge. Suggestions please!

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Naked surgeon:   Belly Button surgery and correction

Dear Bright 282

What is an umbilicoplasty?

An umbilicoplasty is correcting a belly button after abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck.  This involves reshaping the belly button to achieve a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. 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.

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.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Bright282,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. Maybe you can try laser treatment to try to reduce the hyperpigmentation of your scars. 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

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