Umbilicoplasty, also known as belly button surgery, is a popular cosmetic surgery that removes excess skin in and around the belly button to provide patients with a more vertical and tucked-in abdomen.

In addition to reshaping the belly button, umbilicoplasty is also beneficial for removing abdominal scars following a piercing, pregnancy, or prior surgery.

In this guide, we will take a closer look at umbilicoplasty’s ability to reduce scar appearance, as well as all the information you need to know about the benefits and recovery time of the procedure.

Here at the CREO Clinic, Dr Omar Tillo performs all types of umbilicoplasty due to his extensive experience in the field. Having carried out the surgery numerous times, he will be able to design a bespoke treatment plan according to each patient’s unique requirements.

What Can Cause Scars on Your Stomach?

Piercings

It is common for an old belly button piercing to leave behind a scar on your abdomen that affects the appearance of your belly button. These unsightly scars can be a source of insecurity for many people – even those with the most contoured stomachs.

Pregnancy

Many women are left with a stretched navel following pregnancy, as well as scars around the belly button area. These can be a source of anxiety for women who wish to return to their pre-pregnancy aesthetic.

Natural Remedies

Topical Treatments

You can attempt to treat scarring around the belly button with topical treatments if you wish to avoid surgery. Some of the most effective include moisturising creams and silicone gel.

Umbilicoplasty To Reduce Scarring

As mentioned, umbilicoplasty is an effective procedure for reducing scarring and improving the overall appearance of the abdomen after a piercing or pregnancy.

If the scarring results from an old piercing, discuss with your surgeon the most effective options based on its appearance and location. Umbilicoplasty is best suited for scarring on the small ring of skin surrounding the belly button or in the indentation of the belly button.

Pregnancy can often create an “outie” (where the skin in the belly button protrudes outward) through the natural stretching of the stomach. Many women do not like how their new belly button looks postpartum, especially if the umbilical cord is cut a certain way at birth which changes the overall appearance of the navel.

Umbilicoplasty may be able to rectify these issues by removing excess navel skin to make the belly button smaller and more vertically shaped. This can also help to reduce scarring in and around the belly button.

Procedure Benefits

There are several benefits associated with umbilicoplasty. Listed below are some of the most significant:

The procedure removes scarring in the belly button that may have resulted from an old piercing or previous surgery.
The procedure can reduce the size of naturally large navels or an enlarged belly button due to pregnancy or significant weight loss.
The procedure has the potential to repair an umbilical hernia which typically presents as a painless bulge in or around the navel.
The procedure can transform an “outie” into a more favourable “innie” (where the belly button dips forward).
The procedure provides patients with a more desirable aesthetic that improves levels of self-esteem and confidence.

Recovery Time

As with any cosmetic procedure, you may experience some swelling and bruising in the affected area immediately after surgery. This should dissipate within a few days.

In general, umbilicoplasty has a short recovery period as most patients are able to return to work 48 hours after surgery. However, you should wait at least four weeks before resuming strenuous exercise to give the incision site enough time to heal.

Is Umbilicoplasty Worth It?

Having scarring on the midriff can be a source of anxiety for many people. This insecurity can be difficult to manage as it may restrict the type of clothing you wear, especially when swimming or partaking in water sports.

With this in mind, umbilicoplasty can be a life-changing procedure as it provides patients with a vertical and more tucked-in abdomen, which may lead to improved self-esteem and a better quality of life.

Schedule A Consultation With CREO Clinic Today

For further information on umbilicoplasty surgery, contact the CREO Clinic to schedule a 1-on-1 consultation with Dr Tillo. With a wealth of experience in the field, he will be able to design a bespoke treatment plan according to your specific needs.