Umbilicoplasty refines the shape and depth of the navel; it is performed either together with abdominoplasty or on its own.
The navel sits at the center of the abdomen, so despite its small size it is the first thing the eye notices. A protruding navel, a wide and shallow one, one stretched sideways after pregnancy or weight change, or one distorted by piercing or laparoscopic surgery scars changes the impression of the whole abdomen. Umbilicoplasty refines the shape and depth of the navel, with the incision placed inside the navel so that the scar is not visible from the outside.
The shape of the navel is not only a matter of skin. A protruding navel is often pushed out because the fascia at its base has weakened, and some of these cases are umbilical hernias. In that case, refining the skin alone lets it push out again. Atelier Plastic Surgery checks for a hernia by palpation and ultrasound and, when needed, repairs the fascia at the same time.
In abdominoplasty, how the navel is designed determines the result. Atelier Plastic Surgery published in an academic journal the Reverse Lip Design, which plans the skin excision line of abdominoplasty in advance to distribute tension evenly around the navel, and applies this design experience to stand-alone umbilicoplasty as well. Dr. Go personally handles the consultation and the surgery.
The excess skin and subcutaneous tissue of the protruding navel are reduced through an incision inside the navel, and the base of the navel is anchored to the abdominal wall fascia so that it sits inward. If the fascia has weakened, it is reinforced with sutures.
For a wide, shallow navel, part of the inner skin is removed to reduce the diameter, and the base is anchored to the fascia to create depth. For a navel spread sideways, the incision line is designed to produce a slightly elongated vertical oval. The incision is placed inside the rim of the navel so the scar hides in the fold.
This is a condition in which tissue from inside the abdomen pushes out through a defect in the fascia beneath the navel. The hernia sac is returned into the abdominal cavity, the fascial defect is sutured, and the navel is reshaped. If the defect is large, the use of reinforcing mesh is considered. Depending on the size of the hernia and the symptoms, consultation with a general surgeon may be needed.
When the navel has been distorted or narrowed by laparoscopic surgery or piercing scars, or after a previous abdominoplasty, the scar tissue is excised and the navel is reshaped with local flaps. Stenosis, where the navel has narrowed to the point of closing, is widened in the same way.
These may vary depending on your condition; we will give you precise details at your consultation.
The position, diameter, depth and vertical proportion of the navel must be decided in balance with the whole abdomen. Looking at the navel alone and simply making it small does not suit the abdomen. Drawing on its research experience in navel design for abdominoplasty, Atelier Plastic Surgery plans the incision line and anchoring points in advance for stand-alone umbilicoplasty as well.
Many protruding navels are caused by weakened fascia or a hernia. Because refining the skin alone lets the navel push out again, we check the condition of the fascia by palpation and ultrasound at consultation and decide whether sutures are needed.
Placing the incision outside the rim of the navel leaves a circular scar. We place the incision in the fold inside the navel and keep the closure tension low so that the scar is not visible from the outside.
If the skin around the navel is also loose, refining the navel alone leaves the sagging behind. In that case, planning it together with abdominoplasty or mini abdominoplasty suits the result better. If the abdominal skin is firm, stand-alone umbilicoplasty is sufficient.
You are discharged the same day after local anesthesia or sedation. Gauze is placed inside the navel to maintain its shape, and a dressing is applied over it.
Light daily activities and desk work are possible. Keep water away from the navel and maintain the dressing. Pain is generally mild and is controlled with prescribed medication.
At the first visit we check the wound and change the dressing. Showering is permitted depending on the condition of the wound.
Stitches are removed. The navel begins to take shape, and some swelling may remain. If the fascia was sutured, avoid exercise that strains the abdomen.
If hernia repair was included, lifting heavy objects and abdominal exercises are restricted until this point. After simple shape correction, light exercise is possible from about 2 weeks.
Swelling subsides and the depth and shape of the navel stabilize. The scar fades inside the navel, and the final shape settles over about 6 months, varying by individual.
Umbilicoplasty is a small-scale surgery, but the following complications may occur: bleeding and hematoma; infection; partial necrosis due to reduced blood supply to the navel skin; delayed wound healing; re-deformation, in which the closure separates and the navel becomes shallow or wide again; asymmetry; stenosis, where the opening of the navel narrows; hypertrophic scars and keloids; and changes in sensation around the navel. After umbilical hernia repair the hernia may recur, and if mesh was used, a foreign-body reaction may occur. The inside of the navel tends to collect secretions, so hygiene after surgery is important. Results vary by individual, additional correction may be needed, and the shape of the navel may change again with a future pregnancy. All of the above is explained fully at consultation.
The content on this page is general medical information provided in accordance with the Medical Service Act. The results of surgery and treatments and the recovery period may vary by individual. All surgeries and treatments carry a risk of side effects, so please decide after a thorough consultation with a specialist.
Abdominoplasty and diastasis recti repair with the excision planned in advance
Learn more Related Mini abdominoplastyMini abdominoplasty that corrects sagging below the navel through a short incision
Learn more Related Postpartum body restorationPostpartum abdominal and breast restoration, with the approach decided by diastasis recti
Learn moreConsultations are conducted by the Director herself. Schedule one by phone or KakaoTalk, or leave an online consultation request.
