The belly button often goes unnoticed due to its inconspicuous nature. However, the appearance of the navel dictates the look of the entire abdomen. Changes to the shape of this physical feature may cause a person to avoid wearing bikinis or other midriff-bearing fashion. Umbilicoplasty is a body procedure that can correct unwelcome changes and restore a person’s confidence in their midsection.
At her boutique plastic surgery practice in Westport, CT, Dr. Ellen Mahony provides highly personalized care designed to help patients achieve refined, natural-looking results. With extensive training in reconstructive and cosmetic surgery, Dr. Mahony combines surgical precision with an artistic eye to create outcomes that complement each patient’s unique anatomy and aesthetic goals.
What is Umbilicoplasty?
Umbilicoplasty is a plastic surgery procedure performed to improve the appearance of the belly button. Umbilicoplasty has historically been an integral aspect of abdominoplasty, better known as a tummy tuck. Today, the procedure may be performed in conjunction with a bigger surgery or on its own.
Benefits of Umbilicoplasty
Umbilicoplasty can create a more balanced, aesthetically pleasing appearance while helping patients feel more confident in their midsection.
Benefits of umbilicoplasty may include:
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Improved belly button shape and symmetry
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Reduction of stretched or enlarged appearance
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Correction of protruding belly buttons
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Enhanced abdominal contours
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More youthful-looking appearance
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Improved confidence in swimwear and fitted clothing
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Natural-looking, customized results
Because the procedure is tailored to each patient, results are designed to complement the surrounding abdominal anatomy.
Candidates for Umbilicoplasty
You may be a candidate if you:
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Feel self-conscious about your belly button
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Have a stretched or enlarged navel
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Notice changes after pregnancy or weight loss
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Have a protruding or asymmetrical belly button
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Want a smoother abdominal appearance
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Are in good general health
The Umbilicoplasty Procedure
Umbilicoplasty is typically performed as an outpatient procedure using carefully placed incisions to reshape and refine the belly button. Depending on the patient’s needs, excess tissue may be removed and the navel repositioned or reshaped to create a more aesthetically balanced appearance.
The procedure is customized to each patient, with close attention paid to proportion, symmetry, and natural-looking results.
Why Choose Dr. Ellen Mahony for Umbilicoplasty
Dr. Ellen Mahony provides a boutique surgical experience centered around individualized care, discretion, and natural-looking results. Rather than taking a high-volume approach, she focuses on developing personalized treatment plans that align with each patient’s unique anatomy and cosmetic goals.
Patients choose Dr. Mahony because of her:
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Board certification in plastic surgery
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Extensive reconstructive and cosmetic surgery training
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Sophisticated aesthetic approach
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Personalized, white-glove patient experience
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Attention to detail and natural-looking outcomes
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Warm, attentive bedside manner
Her extensive medical background and commitment to precision help patients feel comfortable, informed, and confident throughout every stage of treatment.
Achieve a More Refined Abdominal Appearance With Umbilicoplasty in Westport, CT
Umbilicoplasty can improve the appearance of the belly button and enhance the overall harmony and contours of the abdomen. Dr. Ellen Mahony combines advanced surgical expertise with compassionate, individualized care to create elegant, natural-looking results tailored to each patient.
To learn more about umbilicoplasty in Westport and Fairfield, contact Dr. Ellen Mahony, MD, at 203-221-0102 to schedule your private consultation.
Ask Dr. Mahony
Umbilicoplasty is most often sought by women. As we age, the appearance of the belly button can change. This may stem from pregnancy or weight fluctuation. In some cases, it is an injury that results in an interest in belly button reshaping and repair. Some suggest that social media plays a role in people’s interest in umbilicoplasty, as this sets the tone for what is deemed normal and attractive. If the belly button does not fit the social norm, a person may feel very self-conscious about their appearance. There is no medical reason for umbilicoplasty. It is a procedure that people get because they want to feel better about how they look. We understand and are happy to help.
Some of the reasons for seeking umbilicoplasty include:
- Correction of an “outie” belly button
- Abdominal rejuvenation
- Scar removal
- Reducing belly button size
- Trimming excess skin around the belly button
- Restoring the belly button that was lost due to injury or surgery
When umbilicoplasty is performed as an independent procedure, it may be performed with local anesthesia only. As a part of a larger process, such as a tummy tuck, this technique requires general anesthesia. To reshape the belly button, Dr. Mahony makes a small incision around the border of the belly button. This allows for excess skin to be trimmed and the belly button to be reshaped. Tissue may be placed over the belly button in some cases to create inner positioning. Incisions are carefully closed with proper tension/slack to support optimal healing. Most procedures take one to two hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
When umbilicoplasty is performed independently of any other procedures, patients may resume most normal activities the following day. If hernia repair or abdominoplasty is performed, patients may need two weeks off work and other activities to heal well. As soon as the surgical area begins to recover from swelling, the effects of surgery become noticeable. The final outcome of surgery is evident one year after the procedure.
Belly button surgery is a convenient procedure with several benefits.
- Umbilicoplasty can change the “outie” to an “innie”
- The belly button can be reduced to look younger
- Scars from previous surgery or piercings can be eliminated or reduced
- Loose skin and wrinkles can be smoothed
Ultimately, the benefit of undergoing umbilicoplasty to reshape the belly button is the improvement in self-confidence that is obtained. We are tied to our appearance, and social media only enhances that. To reshape a central part of the abdomen is to regain the feeling of being fully oneself.
All surgeries carry risks. These include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Poor incision healing, keloid scarring
- Skin discoloration
- Poor aesthetic outcome
Patients interested in plastic surgery are provided with detailed pre-care instructions to follow before their procedure. Recommendations include avoiding alcohol, smoking, and blood-thinning medications and supplements. It is important to report any medications being taken to the doctor during the consultation visit.
When you visit Dr. Mahony in our Westport, CT office, you can expect friendly, professional care. Be prepared to discuss your medical history, previous surgeries, and use of medications, vitamins, and supplements. Your abdomen and belly button will be examined to assess tissue laxity and elasticity. Dr. Mahony will discuss the details of the surgical technique most appropriate for you and answer any questions you may have. A member of our staff can discuss procedure costs, preparation, and financing options, if necessary.
