| UPL | Belly Button Surgery |
|---|---|
| Procedure | An umbilicoplasty creates better defined belly button (=umbo / umbilicus) and an umbilical hernia repair reduces protruding fat (="outie" belly button). A prominent belly button is often caused by protruding fat from behind the muscles through the umbilical opening. Surgical access is via a small cut inside the belly button. The fat tissue is reduced, and the defect is closed with dissolving sutures. An umbilicoplasty uses local flaps taken from adjacent skin which are fixed to the base of the umbilicus. I do not use drains routinely. The wounds are repaired with sutures under the skin which do not require removal and dissolve within four months. |
| Scars | Inside +/- outside the belly button |
| Operation time | 1 hour |
| Anaesthesia | Local or General |
| Hospital Stay | Day Surgery |
| Benefits | Aesthetic, Psychological, Symptomatic |
| Risks | Bleeding, Infection, Scar problems (stretched, thick, abnormal pigmentation, red, retracted etc.), Skin discoloration, Skin cones, Wound separation, Slough, Necrosis, Pain, Numbness, Bruising, Swelling, Overcorrection, Undercorrection, Recurrent herniation, Aesthetic imperfections (higher risk after subsequent pregnancies / weight changes), Seroma, Intra-abdominal organ injury, Constipation, Subcutaneous fistula, Need for further surgery, Allergic reaction, (General anaesthetic: Chest infection, Heart attack, Stroke, Blood clots in legs & lungs). N.B. Most complications are unlikely. Serious risks or death are rare |
| Risk factors | Alcohol, Asymmetry cannot be entirely corrected, Coughing, Straining, Nausea, Too early or excessive mobilisation, Wound interference without surgeon's agreement; Contraindications which preclude surgery unless discussed otherwise in the consultation: Smoking / vaping / nicotine / recreational inhalations within 6 weeks before and after surgery, Contraception with estrogens or HRT tablets (if under general anaesthetic), Air travel over 2 hours within 6 weeks before and after surgery (if under general anaesthetic), Air travel under 2 hours within 2 weeks before and after surgery, Overweight (Body Mass Index = BMI of 27 and over), Recent weight changes over 6kg, Pregnancy (if under general anaesthetic), Raised blood pressure (if poorly controlled), Bleeding tendency (Stop herbal products or supplements for two weeks before surgery), Diabetes or immunosuppression (if poorly controlled) |
| Optimising factors | Diet rich in Vitamin C and protein, plenty of fluids, fresh air, sufficient sleep, scar massage, sun protection, silicone sheets / gel |
| Discomfort | 1 - 2 weeks |
| Bruising | 2 - 3 weeks |
| Recovery | Light activities and driving 2 weeks, Physical work / sports / sex 6 weeks, Unrestricted 3 months |
| Acceptable appearance | 2 - 4 weeks for most patients (This is subjective) |
| Final result | 6 - 18 months |
| Alternatives | No Surgery, Mesh repair |
Anstey Hall
Maris Lane
Cambridge
CB2 9LN
