5 Things You Need to Know About Umbilicoplasty

1. Like Opinions, Everyone's Got One

Before we're born, we are attached to our mothers by an umbilical cord, which provides nutrients to us while inside the womb. After birth, this cord is cut close to our bellies, and the scar that forms becomes our belly button, or navel (or, in medical terms, umbilicus). This scar attaches to the muscle underneath the skin. The size, shape and other characteristics of our belly button is determined by how this scar attaches itself to the muscle. Up until about five years ago, however our belly buttons looked, we were stuck with it. But a relatively new procedure called an umbilicoplasty can change that.

2. Give That Navel a New Look

Cosmetic surgery practices such as breast enhancement or liposuction (to remove fat from certain parts of the body) have long been popular. A few years ago, a surgical procedure to change the appearance of the belly button known as an umbilicoplasty gained popularity. This surgery can change the size and shape of the belly button that was formed at birth. Scars left by other types of abdominal surgery or navels that have changed due to age or pregnancy can also be altered with an umbilicoplasty.

3. Turning Outies to Innies and Other Reasons for Surgery

When the scar that forms after the umbilical cord is cut grows inside a hole, this type of belly button is known as an "innie." Those that grow outside the hole are called, quite understandably, "outies." Most people consider an "outie" unattractive, and this is one of the main reasons people seek an umbilicoplasty. This procedure might also be done to as a supplement to help enhance a tummy tuck or abdominal liposuction, which might change the shape of the navel. You might have also have abdominal surgery such as a Ceasarean section; an umbilicoplasty can help make your midriff look sexy again.

4. A Relatively Simple Procedure

An umbilicoplasty is a fairly standard, uncomplicated cosmetic surgery. A combination of an anesthesia and a sedative are given. It takes about an hour for the surgery to be complete (longer, of course, if you're having the umbilicoplasty in conjunction with another type of cosmetic surgery to the abdomen). The technique used varies depending on the type of look you are seeking, which you would have discussed with the surgeon beforehand.

5. Can It Go Wrong?

Most of the time, an umbilicoplasty is well-tolerated, with mild pain that can be eased with painkillers and bruising and swelling around the navel area that does not last long. Performing light activities is usually permissible the day after surgery. But as with any surgery, complications, though rare, can arise. There is a slight chance of infection or a reaction to the anaesthesia. The surgery might leave the navel looking lop-sided. Excessive scarring is a risk (when the scar, normally hidden inside the navel, thickens and becomes broader). Do not have an umbilicoplasty if you are prone to scarring.