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Since clothing fashions changed over this past decade – tops have gotten shorter, pants have dropped lower below the waist, and the belly button has been left totally and fashionably exposed. However, not everyone is born with a good looking belly button and others experience change as part of the normal aging process, pregnancy, weight gain or loss, hernias and hernia surgery, or trauma. Belly button surgery is one of the most popular surgeries being performed today.
Belly button repair, also known as “umbilicoplasty,” safely and predictably corrects defects and distortions and results in an attractive, natural looking belly button that will allow you to wear the fashions of your choice and show off your new navel.
Any person who is unhappy with the size, shape and appearance of his or her belly button could be an ideal candidate for umbilicoplasty surgery. You should be in otherwise good health, not smoke, and have realistic expectations about the procedure.
Dr. Davison and Dr. Pinell believe the time they spend with you during your consultation is critical. It is during this time that they come to fully understand your concerns and expectations, as well as thoroughly examine your anatomy in order to develop the best treatment plan that is right for you.
Working through very small incisions made deep in the belly button, Dr. Davison or Dr. Pinell remove excess fat and skin. They then correct bulging and repair any small hernia that may exist. After reshaping the belly button into a more attractive and natural appearance, the incisions are closed with sutures.
Although belly button piercings may look cute and attractive, they sometimes create long-lasting cosmetic problems.
It’s not uncommon for the body to reject naval piercings, and people may develop allergies to various types of metals found in belly button jewelry.
Allergic reactions and rejection by the body can cause significant infection and scarring. Amateur piercings may lead to infection or scarring that permanently alters the appearance of your belly button.
It’s very easy for belly button jewelry to repeatedly snag on clothing, which eventually stretches tissues around the piercing. Constant snags may also cause irritation and injury that result in scar tissue.
It’s even worse if the piercing is accidentally ripped out of your skin. Anyone that has experienced this knows how painful it can be, and the results after wounds heal may not be pretty. Although scars may become less noticeable over time, they won’t disappear entirely on their own.
There may be no aesthetic issues at all. If you are unhappy with the appearance of a piercing or a healed site of a previous piercing, umbilicoplasty may be the only way to fix it.
Directly after the surgery, patients may experience swelling and soreness. Most patients can return to work soon within one to three days after surgery, depending on the extent of the surgery.
The results of umbilicoplasty are expected to be permanent. Improvement to the belly button often presents a dramatic improvement in the physical appearance and self-confidence of patients.
Additional changes in the look of the belly button may develop if you experience additional pregnancies or weight gain.
The total cost of umbilicoplasty depends on the condition of the patient and the extent of correction needed. Your surgeon will advise you of an accurate price during your personalized consultation.
The cost of your umbilicoplasty will also vary if this technique is being performed as part of a larger cosmetic procedure, such as combination tummy tuck or a Mommy Makeover. DaVinci Plastic Surgery offers financing options, which can be discussed during your consultation.
How does pregnancy affect the look of your pregnancy?
The look of your belly button can change during pregnancy. The belly button can appear stretched during pregnancy, but it may look shorter and wider after delivery. Tissues in your belly button may fuse together as the body heals afterward, which can result in a protruding belly button.
How can I benefit from umbilicoplasty after pregnancy?
Umbilicoplasty can help return the look of your belly button to how it did before pregnancy. It’s important to remember that umbilicoplasty doesn’t change any other part of your stomach, and some women prefer to combine umbilicoplasty with other procedures, such as tummy tuck surgery or liposuction.
We advise you to wait for this surgery until you are sure you won’t get pregnant again. Another pregnancy can undo the results of belly button repair and other procedures in the abdominal area.
The solution may be a combination of umbilicoplasty and other procedures to eliminate or reduce the appearance of scar tissue. Sometimes umbilicoplasty alone is enough to correct the problem. Your surgeon can address your unique circumstances and help you find the best procedure or combination of treatments to achieve your goals.
What kind of anesthetic is used during belly button repair?
The type of anesthesia will depend upon exactly how involved your surgery is going to be. Your surgeon will let you know this during your personal consultation with him.
Where will my umbilicoplasty be performed?
Dr. Davison and Dr. Pinell perform all their surgeries in a state-of-the-art surgery center that is fully accredited and equipped with only the most advanced technologies available today.
How long does umbilicoplasty surgery take?
Umbilicoplasty surgery typically takes about one hour, but this depends upon the extent of correction needed. Your surgeon will discuss the anticipated length of your procedure during your consultation.
Can I drive myself home after umbilicoplasty surgery?
Whether you will be able to drive yourself home after surgery will depend upon the type of anesthesia used and the extent of the surgery. Your surgeon will discuss this with you during your consultation.
Will I have scars from my umbilicoplasty surgery?
All surgeries create scars, but your incisions will be well hidden – within your new beautiful belly button.
Will insurance pay for umbilicoplasty surgery?
Insurance does not pay for cosmetic procedures. If your umbilicoplasty surgery is performed for medical or health reasons, it may be covered. Financing is now available for cosmetic procedures. You may speak with our business office for more information.
The initial consultation with your surgeon is critical! It should always be face to face with your surgeon, during which time he/she listens closely to your concerns. Dr. Davison and Dr. Pinell believe this time spent with you is critical to both you and him/her. It is during the consultation that your surgeon comes to fully understand your concerns, evaluates them correctly, and is then able to make the recommendations and develop the treatment plan that is right for you. Dr. Davison and Dr. Pinell invest the time to sit down and talk to you face to face.
