Dr. Hootan Daneshmand
Umbilicoplasty in Bakersfield, CA
Umbilicoplasty Surgery
An umbilicoplasty procedure was originally used to repair umbilical hernias in infants. But now, many people undergo the procedure for strictly cosmetic purposes. A previous pregnancy or scar tissue from a piercing are the most common causes of a non-aesthetically pleasing belly button bulge. This causes many people to become insecure about the appearance of their belly button, especially during swimsuit season. The good news is that this cosmetic surgery can remove excess skin around the belly button and give you the cute “innie” belly button that you desire.
If you’re interested in undergoing belly button surgery, it’s a good idea to consult with the best board certified plastic surgeon in Bakersfield, CA first. Dr. Daneshmand at Silhouette Plastic Surgery Institute has more than 30 years of experience in performing all sorts of plastic and reconstructive surgeries. Call 949-359-8397 to schedule an initial consultation with him.
What is an Umbilicoplasty?
An umbilicoplasty is basically belly button plastic surgery. Umbilicoplasty procedures were originally created for the sake of umbilical hernia repair in infants. Now, it’s largely a cosmetic procedure.
The overall goal of this plastic surgery procedure is to improve the appearance of the belly button after pregnancy and piercing scarring. Many times, hernia surgery is also performed during an umbilicoplasty.
Why Do People Undergo Umbilicoplasty Surgery?
Most patients undergo umbilicoplasty surgery because they feel self conscious about the overall appearance of their belly button. This may be because they had a past pregnancy, they have significant piercing scar tissue, or even because they experienced significant weight loss. Whatever the case may be, belly button surgery may be able to fix this insecurity.
Pregnancy often creates an “outie” belly button through the natural stretching of the stomach. Women who previously had an “innie” belly button may not like the way their new belly button looks postpartum. Additionally, an umbilical cord that’s cut a certain way at birth can change the overall appearance of the belly button. A belly button surgery may be able to fix these issues by removing excess navel skin which may make the belly button look smaller and more vertically shaped.
Old, infected, or scarred piercings may also change the shape and size of belly buttons. Belly button surgery may be able to correct scarring and shape by removing excess skin.
Lastly, weight loss from Orange County gastric bypass surgery can drive people towards belly button surgery. That’s because people who have experienced dramatic weight loss have lots of loose skin. This loose skin can make the belly button look large, stretched out, and not aesthetically pleasing.
Who is a Good Candidate for an Umbilicoplasty?
Good candidates for belly button surgery include those who:
- Have good physical health (no medical history of major diseases/disorders)
- Don’t smoke
- Aren’t currently pregnant
- Don’t plan on becoming pregnant in the near future
- Are at a stable, healthy weight
Can You Undergo Other Procedures During an Umbilicoplasty?
An umbilicoplasty can certainly be performed as a standalone procedure. But many patients choose to undergo other cosmetic surgeries along with it.
For example, belly button surgery can be performed in conjunction with other Orange County mommy makeover procedures such as an Orange County tummy tuck abdominoplasty, Orange County breast lift, Orange County liposuction, Orange County labiaplasty, and more.
How Umbilicoplasty Surgery Works
An umbilicoplasty is a very quick, safe procedure that can be completed in about an hour. To begin, an anesthesiologist will give you either local or general anesthesia. If you’re just undergoing belly button surgery, you may only need local anesthesia. But if you’re undergoing another procedure too, such as a tummy tuck, you will likely need general anesthesia.
Next, Dr. Daneshmand will make a small incision in order to remove excess skin around the belly button. Depending on your specific aesthetic goals, he may remove enough extra skin to make it an “innie” belly button, or he may make it a smaller, vertical shape. Lastly, he’ll stitch up the incision and send you home to heal.
Umbilicoplasty Recovery
Because an umbilicoplasty is a quick, minimally invasive surgery, there should only be minor discomfort for a few weeks. However, if you also underwent other procedures – such as a tummy tuck or liposuction, for example – your recovery time will likely be longer.
People who undergo just belly button surgery can return to work in only a few days. However, intense exercise should be avoided for a few weeks. Be sure to follow Dr. Daneshmand’s post-op instructions. For example, he’ll likely instruct you on how to keep your belly button clean and dry in order to avoid infection.
If you underwent another abdominal procedure along with your belly button surgery, you may have to wear compression garments during your recovery. Liposuction or tummy tuck recovery generally lasts for 6 to 8 weeks.
Umbilicoplasty Risks and Complications
Many patients do not experience serious complications from belly button surgery. However, it’s important to know about the risks before going under the knife. Possible umbilicoplasty risks and complications include:
- Scarring
- Excessive bleeding
- Belly button infection
- Pain that doesn’t go away
- Adverse reactions to anesthesia
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Dizziness
- Blood clots
- Disliking the appearance of the new belly button
Umbilicoplasty Procedure Cost
According to a site called RealSelf – where patients discuss their plastic surgery experiences – the average cost of an umbilicoplasty in the U.S. is $2,200.
It’s important to note that the cost of plastic surgery procedures will vary depending on your location and your plastic surgeon’s experience level. Additionally, most insurance companies do not cover the cost of cosmetic surgery because it’s elective, and therefore, not medically necessary. But if you’re undergoing belly button surgery to fix an umbilical hernia, you may be able to claim that the procedure is medically necessary on your insurance.
Call Silhouette Plastic Surgery Institute Today
If you’re self-conscious about the shape or size of your belly button, an umbilicoplasty may be the right procedure for you. Dr. Daneshmand at Silhouette Plastic Surgery Institute can help you figure out if you’re a good candidate for this surgery. Additionally, he can give you realistic expectations about cost, recovery time, what your new belly button may look like, and so much more. Call our Orange County plastic surgery clinic today at 949-359-8397 to schedule an appointment.