Belly button surgery (umbiloplasty)
Umbilical plastic surgery (umbiloplasty) is a surgical procedure to correct and reshape the navel, for example following pregnancy or an umbilical hernia.
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Important note
This article is for information purposes only and is not a substitute for a medical diagnosis or advice. If you are unsure, or if you require a personalised treatment plan, it is essential that you consult a qualified specialist.
The navel is a key aesthetic feature of the abdomen. However, its shape can change as a result of pregnancies, significant weight fluctuations, piercings or an umbilical hernia, and may be perceived as unattractive. Navel plastic surgery, known technically as umbilicoplasty, is the surgical procedure specifically designed to correct and reshape the navel.
This article explains clearly and in detail when an umbilical plasty is recommended, what role it plays in a tummy tuck, and which techniques are used to achieve a natural-looking result.
What is an umbilical plasty?
Umbilicoplasty is a surgical procedure in plastic surgery designed to alter the shape, size or position of the navel. It can be carried out as a standalone, minor procedure or form an integral and aesthetically crucial part of a more extensive operation such as a tummy tuck.
The two main uses of umbilical plastic surgery
There are essentially two scenarios in which umbilical correction is carried out.
1. Isolated umbilical plasty
This is a minor procedure, usually carried out under local anaesthesia, which corrects a specific problem around the navel. Common reasons include:
- Correction of a protruding navel („outie“): A navel that points outwards rather than inwards.
- Treatment of an umbilical hernia: In such cases, the hernial defect in the abdominal wall is usually closed surgically, typically by suturing or using a mesh; a simple umbilical plasty is not sufficient here.
- Removal of excess skin: This often occurs after pregnancy or weight loss, when the navel becomes loose and distorted horizontally.
- Scar correction: For example, following a poorly healed piercing or previous operations.
2. Umbilical plasty as part of a tummy tuck
This is the most common reason for having an umbilical correction. In the case of a Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) A large amount of excess skin and fatty tissue is removed between the navel and the pubic mound. The navel itself remains in its original position on the abdominal wall.
- Umbilical repositioning: The surgeon first cuts the navel away from the surrounding skin at its base. Once the abdominal skin has been pulled downwards and tightened, a new opening is created at the anatomically correct position, through which the original navel is brought back out and sutured into place.
- The „artistic signature“: The discreet and natural appearance of this new navel is regarded as the „artistic signature“ of an excellent plastic surgeon. A navel that looks artificial or scarred can detract from the result of an otherwise perfect tummy tuck.
A direct comparison of the areas of application
| Criterion | Isolated umbilical plasty | Umbilical reconstruction during a tummy tuck |
|---|---|---|
| Primary objective | Correction of an existing deformity of the navel (e.g. following weight fluctuations, piercings or pregnancy). | Reconstruction and repositioning of an aesthetically pleasing navel within a tightened abdominal wall. |
| Extent of the procedure | A minor, targeted procedure that is confined exclusively to the navel and its immediate surroundings. | An integral and aesthetically crucial stage in a major abdominal operation. |
| Anaesthesia | Usually under local anaesthesia, with twilight sedation if necessary. | Always under general anaesthesia as part of the overall procedure. |
| Recovery & Time Off Work | Usually brief; you can return to social activities after a few days, but you should avoid sport for around 2–4 weeks. | Long; depends entirely on the recovery period following a tummy tuck (several weeks). |
| Costs | Separate, lower costs for the specific procedure. | Included in the total cost of the tummy tuck. |
Surgical objectives: What makes for a „beautiful“ navel?
During reconstruction, an experienced surgeon aims to recreate the characteristics of a natural navel that is considered aesthetically pleasing:
- A small, vertically oval shape.
- A slight, natural overhang at the top edge („hooding“).
- A sufficient depth.
- Scars that are positioned as inconspicuously as possible inside the navel.
Risks and the importance of the right cover
Although an isolated umbilical correction is a minor procedure, like any operation, it carries risks. In the case of a tummy tuck, the general risks associated with major surgery also apply. Specific risks associated with umbilical plasty include:
- Wound-healing disorders or infections
- Prominent scarring
- An unsatisfactory aesthetic result (too large, too small, unnatural shape)
- In very rare cases, a circulatory disorder which can lead to partial or complete loss of the navel (umbilical necrosis)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Umbilical Plastic Surgery
The cost of a standalone procedure under local anaesthesia is usually between 1,500 and 2,500 euros. If it forms part of a tummy tuck, it is included in the overall cost of that procedure.
A localised correction carried out under local anaesthetic is pain-free during the procedure; afterwards, mild, temporary discomfort at the incision site may occur. In the context of a tummy tuck, the pain is managed with accompanying medication.
The aim is always to position the incisions so that the scars disappear within the new navel or in its natural shadow. With careful technique and good healing, they are usually barely visible afterwards.
Following a minor correction, most patients are able to resume normal social activities after a few days. You should avoid sport and heavy lifting for approximately 2–4 weeks. In the case of a tummy tuck, the recovery time depends on the extent of the procedure.