Belly Button
BELLY BUTTON BEAUTIFICATION – CREATING A NATURAL AND BEAUTIFUL LOOKING RESULT.
During and post-pregnancy, the belly button’s appearance can be altered due to an umbilical hernia or stretched skin that overhangs the belly button. The best way to correct this is to fix the cause of the problem: either repairing the hernia or removing loose skin with a tummy tuck or mini-tummy tuck. There are times when a small skin excision can make a significant improvement to the appearance of the belly button.
The most obvious sign that someone has had a tummy tuck is an unattractive belly button. The importance of a nice belly button is often overlooked. The primary goal in tummy tuck surgery is to create a beautiful and natural looking result; such that it would allow someone to walk along a beach in a bikini without a stranger knowing they had surgery. This requires a low scar that hides under the bikini and a natural looking belly button with discrete scars. An ideal belly button is not too large or too small, has a natural flow into it from below, has slight hooding on the top portion and is oval in shape. It takes additional time in surgery to create this, but it is one of the most important considerations.
How an umbilicoplasty is performed really depends on the reason for the surgery. Hernia repairs are not considered a cosmetic procedure and are usually done by a general surgeon; typically under general anaesthesia. They make an incision next to the belly button and cut the base of the belly button where it connects to the muscle layer. They then push the contents back into the belly and repair it with sutures or a mesh. This usually makes the appearance look much nicer, but the main goal is to prevent that protruding tissue from becoming entrapped and losing blood supply. What is important for people to understand is that this procedure will alter the plastic surgeon’s abdominoplasty technique.
For most other umbilical procedures, they can simply be done under local anaesthetic, with the plastic surgeon correcting things as needed. Some stitches will be used, which will be removed in about a week.
Dr Shortt will go over your options, so you feel that your surgery is specifically planned for you.
When to consider having this procedure?
In general, candidates for an umbilicoplasty surgery are aged 18 – 70 years, are in good health and are able to have general anaesthetic, their weight has been stable for several months post-pregnancy or significant weight loss, and may have one or more of the following characteristics:
the belly button’s appearance has been altered due to an umbilical hernia
a desire for a cosmetic revision to make a tummy tuck look more natural
unhappy with the appearance of their belly button post-pregnancy
stretched skin that overhangs the belly button, giving it a widened and deeper appearance
scarring or distortion such as piercings, laparoscopic surgery, or other surgery resulting in the distortion or even loss of the belly button. In the latter case a belly button can be recreated.
What is the recovery time?
Any time you operate, there are risks of bleeding, infection, and poor wound healing. Specific to the belly button, there could be a recurrence of the problem (especially the hernia), a thickened scar, or a scar that contracts causing the belly button to become too small.
Hernia repairs improve cosmetic appearance, but also minimize the risk that the tissue which was protruding loses its blood supply, which would necessitate urgent surgery. For all other procedures, the main benefit is cosmetic enhancement.
For most other umbilical procedures, aside from hernia repair, they can simply be done under local anaesthetic, with the plastic surgeon correcting things as needed. Some stitches will be used, which will be removed in about a week.
As with any surgery under general anaesthetic, there are potential risks or complications to consider. During your private consultation, Dr Shortt will take a thorough medical history from you, discuss your surgical options, explain the complete procedure and potential risks, discuss what to expect pre and post surgery, and your estimated recovery time.
Learn more about Belly Button Surgery in Dr Shortt’s Blog
How to Get a Great Mommy Makeover and Look Like a Celebrity
How do celebrities look so great post-pregnancy and what surgeries are they getting to look this way?
I was answering questions in Realself recently, when I came across this question and I thought I would share my response. Some celebrities look amazing after pregnancy… as though they never had a baby at all. Several things contribute to this.
What’s New in Mommy Makeovers?
Mommy Makeovers are one of my favourite procedures. I love the dramatic changes that people can have with one surgery. My most favourite memories have come from the big reveal after a Mommy Makeover. I have had patients cry with joy. I have seen husbands’ jaws practically hit the floor. I have had patients tell me how much it has improved their self esteem.
Why I Love the Mommy Makeover
A breast lift and a tummy tuck are surgical procedures that go well together: one surgery day; one recovery; less costs; and an amazing body transformation. I perform breast and tummy surgeries together on a regular basis. It is referred to as the Mommy Makeover and is one of the most satisfying procedures for my patients and me. I see patients regularly who are interested in returning their bodies back to its pre-pregnancy stage.
Feel good, look great!
LET’S DISCUSS YOUR OPTIONS CONTACT US TODAY.