Umbilical cord surgery objective steps recovery and risks

self-confidence, belly button reshaping (umbilicoplasty) can be the ideal solution. This simple cosmetic procedure helps correct an inverted or protruding belly button, reduce its size, or improve its appearance after pregnancy or significant weight loss.In this Dalili Medical article, we will explain the procedure step by step, the expected results, the possible risks, and how to avoid complications — so you can have a full understanding of belly button reshaping before making your decision.

What Is Belly Button Reshaping (Umbilicoplasty)?

Belly button reshaping is a surgical procedure designed to improve the appearance of the navel and make it more aesthetically pleasing and harmonious with the shape of the abdomen. Through this procedure, the surgeon can:

convert a protruding belly button into an innie — or the opposite
correct asymmetry or size issues
improve the appearance of the navel after pregnancy or major weight loss
improve scars caused by umbilical hernia or after body contouring surgeries

The procedure can be performed alone, or as part of a tummy tuck — especially in women after pregnancy or in people who have lost significant weight.

Is Belly Button Reshaping Safe?

When performed by an experienced plastic surgeon, the procedure is considered very safe with a low complication rate.
However, like any surgical procedure, some risks may occur, including:

mild infection at the incision site
small scars around the navel
slight asymmetry in rare cases
temporary change in skin sensation around the navel

This is why choosing a certified, experienced surgeon in belly button surgery or body contouring is very important.

Can You Change Belly Button Shape Without Surgery?

Currently, there are no proven non-surgical methods that permanently reshape the belly button in adults.

Some tapes or belly button supports may help in infants or during healing — but they cannot create a permanent cosmetic change for adults.

Therefore, umbilicoplasty remains the best solution for lasting, visible improvement.

How Does the Surgery Correct a Protruding or Inverted Belly Button?

Many people seek umbilicoplasty to convert a protruding belly button into an inner/innie — especially if caused by excess skin or mild umbilical hernia.

During surgery, the surgeon:

rearranges tissues around the navel
removes extra skin or bulges
creates a natural-looking, aesthetically pleasing innie belly button

If the navel is too deep or stretched due to pregnancy or weight loss, the procedure can restore a more youthful, balanced look.

Is the Procedure Only for Cosmetic Purposes?

Yes — many patients undergo belly button reshaping purely for cosmetic reasons even without medical issues.

Does the Surgery Leave a Scar?

Most incisions are hidden inside the natural folds of the belly button.

So scarring is usually minimal and fades gradually until it becomes almost invisible.

Belly Button Appearance After a Tummy Tuck

After healing, the navel appears tighter and more rounded.

Once swelling subsides, the belly button looks natural and balanced.

How Long Does Belly Button Healing Take?

Full healing usually takes 4–6 weeks.

Redness and swelling fade during this period, and the final belly button shape becomes more visible.

Are the Results Permanent?

Yes — the results are long-lasting.

The belly button maintains its new shape after healing.

In rare cases, small revision surgery may be needed if a patient wants further refinement.

How Fast Can You Resume Normal Life?

Even though it is a surgical procedure, recovery is generally fast:

most patients return to normal social life after one day
the procedure is not usually painful
most stitches do not need to be removed manually

If the surgery is combined with a tummy tuck, recovery may take longer — but umbilicoplasty alone heals quickly.

Causes of Belly Button Deformities

Genetic shape — born with an innie or outie navel
Umbilical hernia — bulging fat or intestine through weak abdominal muscle
Obesity — fat accumulation around the abdomen
Pregnancy — skin stretching changes the navel structure
Infections — can temporarily distort the shape
Surgeries or injuries — scars can change the navel appearance
Skin conditions or rare tumors

If deformity appears suddenly with pain, discharge, or persistent swelling — medical evaluation is necessary.

Indications for Umbilicoplasty

cosmetic dissatisfaction with the navel shape
very deep or very protruding belly button
wide or elongated navel
changes after pregnancy or weight loss
umbilical hernia or old hernia scar
repeated skin infections
psychological or confidence issues

Ideal Candidate for the Procedure

in good overall health
no active skin infection around the navel
stable weight
clear cosmetic concerns
realistic expectations
committed to post-operative care instructions

Cosmetic or Psychological Reasons

The desire to enhance appearance and boost self-confidence.
Feeling embarrassed about the belly button shape when wearing certain outfits such as bikinis or tight clothing.

Types of Belly Button Cosmetic Procedures

1. Inverted Belly Button Correction
Goal: Adjust a deeply inverted belly button to achieve a more balanced and attractive look.
Method: Tightening the surrounding skin and inner tissues, and sometimes removing excess skin.
Suitable for: Individuals with a deep or uneven belly button after pregnancy or weight changes.

2. Protruding Belly Button Correction
Goal: Reduce the protrusion and reshape it into a naturally inverted look.
Method: Tightening the muscles and tissues around the belly button and repositioning them.
Suitable for: People with a naturally protruding belly button due to genetics or a previous umbilical hernia.

3. Belly Button Reduction
Goal: Make the belly button smaller and more proportional to the abdomen.
Method: Removing excess skin around the belly button and reshaping it.
Suitable for: Individuals with a wide or unusually large navel.

4. Post-Pregnancy / Post-Weight Loss Umbilicoplasty
Goal: Restore a more defined belly button shape after skin stretching or sagging.
Method: Tightening the skin and abdominal muscles around the belly button.
Suitable for: Women after childbirth or individuals who lost significant weight.

5. Umbilical Hernia Repair with Cosmetic Adjustment
Goal: Treat the hernia while also improving the cosmetic appearance of the belly button.
Method: Repairing the hernia first, then reshaping the belly button.
Suitable for: Patients with a previous umbilical hernia who want a more aesthetic outcome.

6. Purely Cosmetic Umbilicoplasty
Goal: Improve the belly button look only for aesthetic reasons.
Method: Adjusting depth, shape, or size without muscle intervention.
Suitable for: Healthy individuals who simply want a more attractive belly button.

How Belly Button Cosmetic Surgery Is Performed

Umbilicoplasty aims to correct the belly button shape whether it’s protruding, inverted, wide, or not proportional to the abdomen. The procedure is usually simple. Here are the steps:

1. Pre-operative Preparation

Medical assessment to rule out umbilical hernia or skin issues
Discussing the desired shape with the surgeon
Routine tests if needed (blood tests, imaging)

2. Anesthesia

Local anesthesia for simple procedures
General anesthesia for complex cases or hernia correction

3. Surgical Steps (depending on the issue)
A. Inverted belly button correction / reduction:

Small incision inside or around the belly button
Removing excess skin if needed
Reshaping the belly button to fit the abdomen naturally

B. Protruding belly button correction:

Tightening muscles/tissues to achieve a moderate inversion
Removing excess tissue causing the bulge

C. After hernia or scar correction:

Removing scar tissue
Repairing hernia before reshaping the belly button

4. Wound Closure

Tiny sutures (often dissolvable)
Applying a protective dressing

5. Recovery

Most people return to normal activities within one week
Mild swelling/bruising for a few days
Avoid exercise/heavy lifting for about 2 weeks

Contraindications for Umbilicoplasty

Severe heart or lung disease making anesthesia risky
Blood clotting disorders
Poorly controlled diabetes
Active skin infections around the belly button
Severe immune system weakness / immunosuppressive drugs
Pregnancy or breastfeeding (recommended to postpone)
Unrealistic expectations
Untreated umbilical hernia

Can Belly Button Beautification Be Done Without Surgery?

Yes, but the results are limited compared to surgery.

1. Non-surgical options:

A. Exercise & Core strengthening
Improves abdominal tone → better appearance but limited for major issues.

B. Laser or Radiofrequency (RF)
Stimulates collagen + tightens the skin → gradual improvement.

C. Filler injections / fat grafting
Used to fill depressed areas → temporary results.

D. Firming creams
Slight improvement only — does not change shape significantly.

2. Limitations:

Not suitable for very protruding or very wide belly buttons
Cannot remove excess skin
Temporary results (especially fillers)

3. Benefits:

No incisions
Short downtime
Safe for most people

Possible Complications After Umbilicoplasty

Swelling and bruising (usually 3–7 days)
Mild pain or sensitivity
Infection (managed with antibiotics)
Minor bleeding or hematoma
Scarring or shape irregularity
Delayed wound healing
Dissatisfaction with final appearance

Aftercare Instructions

Keep the area clean

Wash hands before touching
Clean gently with mild soap or antiseptic
Dry carefully without rubbing

Dressing care

Keep bandage as directed
Change daily or when dirty

Prevent infection

Avoid touching with dirty hands
Avoid swimming pools/jacuzzis until healing

Pain & swelling control

Use prescribed pain relievers
Apply cold compresses around (not directly on) the belly button

Clothing & activity

Wear loose clothes
Avoid heavy activities for 2–3 weeks

Follow-up

Attend all post-op appointments
Remove sutures if not dissolvable

Additional Tips

Do not try to tighten or reshape the belly button by yourself.
Keep the skin around the belly button moisturized with a recommended cream after the incision has healed.
Avoid direct sun exposure on the area until any redness or recent scars have faded.

When Will the Final Belly Button Shape Settle?

Days 1–7 after surgery

The belly button is usually swollen and red.
Some bruising or mild discharge may appear.
The shape is temporary and not accurate at this stage.

Week 2–4

Swelling and bruising gradually improve.
The shape becomes more defined, with slight residual swelling.

Month 1–3

The belly button is close to its final shape.
Swelling disappears and surgical lines or small scars become less visible.

After 3–6 months

The final shape fully stabilizes.
The skin looks natural and the texture of the navel becomes normal.
Any mild differences continue to improve with time.

Risks and Complications of Belly Button Cosmetic Surgery

1. Common and temporary side effects

Swelling and bruising: normal for 3–7 days.
Pain and sensitivity: mild discomfort controlled with painkillers.
Redness and puffiness: usually fades as healing progresses.

2. Less common complications

Infection: redness, warmth, or discharge may indicate infection requiring antibiotics.
Bleeding or hematoma: minor bleeding may occur; rarely, a hematoma may need drainage.
Delayed wound healing: sometimes the incision heals slowly or partially opens.

3. Appearance-related issues

Noticeable scars or belly button deformity: most stitches leave minimal scars, but some may develop visible scarring.
Dissatisfaction with the final shape: can be adjusted with revision if needed.

4. Rare complications

Temporary numbness or reduced sensation around the belly button.
Rare skin problems such as excessive scarring or hyperpigmentation.

5. Factors that increase risk

Smoking or poor circulation.
Chronic illnesses such as diabetes or heart disease.
Skin infections around the belly button before surgery.
Not following post-operative instructions.

Pre- and Post-Operative Tips for Umbilicoplasty

First: Pre-Operative Tips

Choose a qualified surgeon
Preferably a plastic surgeon or experienced general surgeon.

Assess overall health
Routine tests such as blood work, blood pressure, and blood sugar if needed.

Inform your doctor about chronic conditions
Such as heart disease, diabetes, or bleeding disorders.

Stop smoking and reduce caffeine
Smoking delays wound healing and increases infection risk.
Caffeine may increase swelling, so it's best to reduce it before surgery.

Stop certain medications
Blood thinners or anti-inflammatory medications — only under medical guidance.

Discuss your desired belly button shape
Talk with your surgeon about the final look to choose the right technique.

Second: Post-Operative Tips

Keep the belly button clean

Wash hands before touching the area.
Clean daily with lukewarm water and mild soap or an approved antiseptic.
Dry gently with clean gauze without rubbing.

Dressing care

Keep the dressing as advised.
Change it daily or when it becomes dirty.
After removing the dressing, brief air exposure helps quicker healing.

Avoid pressure on the belly button

Wear loose clothes.
Avoid intense exercise or heavy lifting for 2–3 weeks.

Monitor for abnormal signs
Severe redness, warmth, increasing swelling, unusual discharge, or strong pain → contact the doctor immediately.

Control pain and swelling

Use prescribed pain relievers when needed.
You can use cold compresses around the belly (not directly on the navel) during the first two days to reduce swelling.

Follow-up appointments
Attend all scheduled follow-ups to monitor healing.
Remove stitches if they’re not dissolvable according to the doctor’s instructions.

Sun protection
Avoid direct sun exposure on the belly button area after healing to prevent hyperpigmentation or visible scarring.

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