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

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

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!

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.

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.

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.