Umbilicoplasty, usually known by the more friendly title of belly button revision, is a surgery which is designed to alter the shape of the navel. The surgery may be undertaken for a number of reasons, and it can be bundled in with other cosmetic surgeries or done as an entirely separate procedure. Many plastic surgeons offer belly button revision as part of their services, or are able to refer patients to a surgeon who does the surgery.
The navel, or belly button, is formed during pregnancy, and the shape is determined in the days shortly after birth, when the umbilical cord dries up and eventually falls off. Dramatic weight changes, pregnancy, and hernias can alter the shape of someone's belly button. People feel uncomfortable with their navels for a variety of reasons. Some people with minimal belly buttons or outies wish that they had more distinctive “innie” belly buttons, while other people dislike the shape of the navel.
If a patient decides on belly button revision as a solution to the problem, a meeting with the surgeon will determine how the belly button should look after surgery. The surgery is very brief, and usually performed with the use of a local anesthetic, or conscious sedation by request of the patient. The surgeon alters the shape of the belly button, takes a few stitches, and the procedure is complete. Recovery time is fairly rapid as long as the site is kept clean, and minimal swelling and soreness are associated with belly button revision.
Like any surgical procedure, there are some risks to belly button revision. If the undesirable shape is being caused by a hernia, for example, the surgeon may need to perform a more invasive surgery to correct the hernia. It is also possible for infection to set in at the belly button revision site, or for a patient to need additional surgery. A qualified physician will disclose risks of the surgery, along with his or her failure rate.
A belly button revision can also be included in a tummy tuck, breast augmentation, or similar procedure. During a tummy tuck, a belly button revision is usually included automatically, since the shape of the abdomen will have changed dramatically. With other procedures, a belly button revision can be added by request, usually for a small additional fee. As with all cosmetic surgeries, ensure that a physician is board certified before committing to a procedure, and ask to see the surgeon's portfolio.