Frequently Asked Questions | Belly Button Surgery

If you are considering belly button surgery, also called umbilicoplasty, learn more about the procedure with these frequently asked questions.

Belly Button Surgery Questions

What is belly button surgery?

Belly button surgery, or umbilicoplasty, is a procedure in which those that were born with excessive skin in their belly button (an outie) have the excess skin removed. This procedure can also be performed to fix hernias and put the skin in and around the belly button in the proper place.

What happens at my initial consultation?

At your first consultation, Dr. Ortiz will discuss your goals, your health, and your hernia, if applicable.

How much does umbilicoplasty cost?

The cost of belly button surgery depends on whether you have a hernia or simply excess skin in the navel. Because surgery to repair a hernia requires full anesthesia, the cost is higher.

What is included in the cost of the procedure?

The cost of your belly button surgery includes all pre-op and post-op appointments, anesthesia, the surgery and surgical materials, as well as any post-op compression garments. Prescription pain medication is not covered in the cost of surgery and is not dispensed by North Raleigh Plastic Surgery.

What are your payment terms?

We require a payment of 25% of the total cost up front to secure your surgery date. The remaining balance must be paid in full no later than two weeks before the surgery takes place. While most cosmetic surgeries are not covered by insurance, we offer a cash discount and accept Care Credit and all major credit cards.

Am I a good candidate for belly button surgery?

Ideal candidates for umbilicoplasty have a small to moderate sized hernia with a moderate amount of excess loose skin. You should not have any other medical problems before pursuing this surgery.

What kind of anesthesia is used?

If there is no hernia, only local anesthesia will be used. For patients with hernias, our anesthetist will administer IV sedation.

What should I expect after belly button surgery? What is recovery like?

You should expect pain around your belly button and plan for approximately 6 weeks of recovery time, during which you will not be able to exercise. You should be able to return to work or school in just a few days, however. Your incisions will be closed with skin glue, sometimes called “liquid stitches”. For patients with a hernia, you will have stitches under the skin, which you will not see or feel. Narcotics will be prescribed for pain relief. North Raleigh Plastic Surgery does not dispense this pain medication.

How long does belly button surgery take?

The procedure will take approximately 1 hour and you will be sent home with care instructions.

What kind of scar will I have?

The scar will be hidden inside your belly button, making it virtually invisible.

Are there complications with umbilicoplasty?

Complications with this procedure are very rare. Infection is the most common, but it can be avoided with proper aftercare. Some patients develop a pronounced scar, which may require revision.

How many post-op appointments will I have?

You will have a minimum of 3 appointments with Dr. Ortiz after your breast augmentation: one appointment a week after the surgery, one appointment at 2 months post-surgery, and the final appointment at 6 months after surgery. If you need to see Dr. Ortiz at any time between these appointments, please call us.

FAQs - Belly Button Surgery