Shrinking belly button. Can this be treated? (Photo)

Question

It appears my bellybutton is closing. I've had one round of kenalog and have another scheduled in a couple weeks for the keloid. I've been able to clean the inside with a qtip until recently. I was having to clean and dry with a qtip because water gets trapped and smells awful. When i was able to clean and dry with a qtip, BB was about the depth on cotton tip. However now it looks very shallow, wondering if I've lost my BB

Luis A. Mejia, MD · Answer

Dear Mrs.davis19, thanks for sharing your case and pictures, this is totally fixable and under an simple procedure. Make sure you go on consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Hope this helps and best of lucks. Dr. Luis Mejia.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear mrs.davis19,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
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

Mrs. Davis
Umbilicoplasty:can refer to reshaping the existing belly button to improve its appearance.

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,with belly button 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.

Where are the Incisions

Umbilicoplasty 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.

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.

Umbilical surgery is usually a short outpatient procedure performed with local 	anesthetic.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Scar tissue has shrink the opening of your belly button, but I suspect the rest is still present. these tiny circles can be difficult to address.  Please discuss this with your surgeon who knows where the blood flow is to your belly button.

Shrinking belly button. Can this be treated? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Umbilicus

Answer: Umbilicus

Recommended reading

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.

Shrinking belly button. Can this be treated? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Umbilicus

Answer: Umbilicus

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

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.