Umbilicoplasty: Restoring a natural belly button
It is not uncommon for patients who have undergone abdominal surgery to experience distortion, or in some cases complete destruction or removal of the umbilicus, or belly button. This is especially common for patients who undergo multiple complicated abdominal surgeries, or who have been treated for umbilical or ventral hernias. In some cases, the belly button is free-floating, without a good central attachment to the abdominal wall, whereas in other patients, the belly button may be stretched out, tightened and small, or completely absent. Many patients are also concerned by the appearance of a protruding umbilicus, or “outie.” As any patient who has suffered from one of these conditions would say, the presence of an abnormal or absent belly button can be quite distressing. and disfiguring of the overall appearance of the abdomen.
Luckily, there is a procedure available to improve the appearance of a distorted belly button, and restore a natural appearance to the abdomen. Umbilicolasty is a procedure which aims to re-create a natural-appearing belly button, and provide a more natural appearance for the abdomen. The procedure uses the tissues that are in the region of the belly button, and can be performed as part of a tummy tuck, or by itself as a small outpatient procedure under local anesthesia. The restoration of a natural contour and appearance of the belly button is one that patients have found very pleasing. If you or someone you know is concerned by a distorted belly button, or would like to have an “outie” belly button moved inward, call the office to schedule your consultation, and Dr. Ridha will review the options, and help restore a natural appearance to the abdomen.