Serving - atlanta, ga
While certain traits like eye color and hair texture are genetic, an “innie” or “outie” belly button is a matter of chance. The umbilicus (belly button) is the scar that forms after the umbilical cord is cut after birth. How the umbilical cord is cut will be the most significant determinant of how your belly button will look. People who grow up with an “outie” belly button had extra cord left over, which created a larger abdominal scar. While this occurrence is completely harmless, some people find their “outie” embarrassing and look for ways to improve its appearance.
Belly button surgery or an umbilicoplasty is a cosmetic treatment to enhance the shape and appearance of the navel. While it can be performed alone, it is also a necessary component of a successful tummy tuck for many patients. During those procedures, the belly button may be repositioned on the abdomen to create a natural, proportionate appearance to the midsection.
Not all surgeons take the time and care on belly button surgery. Atlanta Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Lindsey Webb, customizes her surgical technique to provide the optimal aesthetic outcome. She is meticulous in her approach to this procedure to ensure her patients receive a highly satisfying effect on the feature that forms the central focal point of the abdominal area. By focusing on creating the most attractive shape and minimizing any visible scarring, Dr. Webb produces superior results that delight her patients.
While transforming an “outie” to an “innie” is the most popular reason to undergo belly button surgery, it is not the only one. Patients might also pursue this surgery to:
If you find yourself hiding your midsection because of the appearance of your belly button, surgical revision or correction may be an option for you.
When belly button surgery is performed as a stand-alone procedure, it can be done using local anesthesia in most cases. Recovery from this operation tends to be relatively quick, with most patients returning to regular schedules within a matter of days. If you have an umbilical hernia, your procedure may be covered at least in part by insurance.
Some of the benefits you can expect from your surgery include:
Umbilicoplasty performed alone can usually be done under local anesthesia, with sedation if requested by the patient. Dr. Webb makes a small incision in the skin surrounding the belly button to excise excess skin. Securing the surrounding abdominal skin to the underlying fascia can induce a muscular appearance. If a small hernia is present, that can be addressed. The umbilicus is carefully secured into a more aesthetic position with sutures. Dr. Webb then closes the incision using tiny, meticulous dissolvable sutures to reduce tension on the opening and allow for the best possible healing of the area.
Most umbilicoplasty procedures take thirty minutes to one hour to complete. If it is included with an abdominoplasty, Dr. Webb ensures this visible portion of the procedure has the best possible outcome. Based on before and after photos of many of her patients, it is easy to see the value of this extra time in the overall aesthetic results she can achieve.
Immediately after your belly button surgery, you are likely to experience mild swelling, bruising and tenderness in your midsection that typically is relieved with over-the-counter pain medication but Dr. Webb will prescribe pain medication to keep you comfortable for the first few days, if needed. She will also provide you detailed instructions on how to care for your surgical site to ensure a healthy healing process and best possible outcome.
Most of Dr. Webb’s Atlanta patients can return to work and other activities as soon as one to three days after their operations, depending on the extent and complexity of the surgery. Results are visible at this time and will continue to improve as postoperative swelling subsides. It does take several months for the final outcome to be apparent.