Can an Umbilicoplasty Repair my Outie Belly Button? (photo)

Question

I had my second child August of last year and my belly button has become an outie. The first pregnancy I bounced back and it was a shallow innie and now it is a full on outie and I don't believe this will ever change. Would I be a good candidate for an umbilicoplasty? Are there any doctors in NC that perform this procedure? I am not wanting a tummy tuck, just repair of my belly button.

Ellen A. Mahony, MD · Answer

Hello Jasmine,

	Yes, you can change and "outie" to an "innie" but before doing that, you want to be sure that your do not have a small hernia behind it.  A hernia would change the selection of procedures and may also change whether this is done in an office setting or requires an operating room.

	Many plastic surgeons are also trained in general surgery and are quite comfortable with making this assessment.  If you do not know of any, seek out a general surgeon for a consultation.

	Thanks for asking!  Dr Ellen

Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD, FACS · Answer

You might have a hernia around your belly button.  For this, I would recommend seeing a general surgeon in your area to see if this can be corrected.  Good luck!

Joseph L. Grzeskiewicz, MD, FACS · Answer

It should be fairly straightforward to repair your "outie" or umbilical hernia, and it doesn't have to involve a tummy tuck.  You should have acceptable scarring.  Good luck.

Randy Proffitt, MD · Answer

Having an "outie" belly button after pregnancy usually means you have a hernia.  This can be easily repaired by a general surgeon or plastic surgeon.  I usually repair those I encounter myself since I am board certified in both plastic and general surgery.

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

Most 'outie conversions' after pregnancy represent a protrusion of peritoneal fat that has pushed out the stalk of the belly button base. In essence, a very small hernia. Your type of umbilicoplasty means that it must have a simultaneous closure of the small hernia hole and retacking down the belly buttom stalk.

Can an Umbilicoplasty Repair my Outie Belly Button? (photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: "Outie" belly button

Answer: "Outie" belly button

Answer: Umbilicoplasty for Outie Repair

Answer: Umbilicoplasty for Outie Repair

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.

Can an Umbilicoplasty Repair my Outie Belly Button? (photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: "Outie" belly button

Answer: "Outie" belly button

Answer: Umbilicoplasty for Outie Repair

Answer: Umbilicoplasty for Outie Repair

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.