Umbilicoplasty (Navel Surgery)
Umbilicoplasty is a small procedure that adjusts the shape and size of the navel. Patients usually present because of outward protrusion after pregnancy, excessive widening or distortion of shape. The important distinction is this: outward protrusion is sometimes not an aesthetic problem but an umbilical hernia. In that case repair takes priority and aesthetic adjustment is added to it. This distinction is always made at examination.
Hernia is ruled out first
Outward protrusion of the navel is not always an aesthetic problem. In an umbilical hernia, tissue from inside the abdomen pushes out through an opening in the abdominal wall.
A hernia usually becomes more prominent on coughing, straining or standing, and reduces on lying down. This finding is looked for at examination and imaging requested if needed.
Carrying out only an aesthetic adjustment while a hernia is present is wrong; the problem persists and can enlarge. Repair takes priority; aesthetic adjustment can be added in the same operation.
Reasons for presenting
The nature of the complaint determines the approach.
| Finding | Approach | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Protrusion, increases on straining | Hernia repair first | May be a hernia |
| Distortion after pregnancy | Umbilicoplasty | Tissue has stretched |
| Navel very wide or deep | Shape adjustment | Aesthetic indication |
| Muscle separation in the abdominal wall | Tummy tuck assessed | The navel is adjusted anyway |
| Tummy tuck planned | No separate procedure needed | The navel is repositioned anyway |
| Deformity after piercing | Shape adjustment | Scar tissue assessed |
Relationship with abdominoplasty
In a tummy tuck the navel is detached and sutured into its new position anyway, and its shape is adjusted at the same time. If a tummy tuck is planned, a separate umbilicoplasty is not required.
In patients whose only complaint concerns the navel and who have no abdominal wall problem, umbilicoplasty can be performed on its own. The procedure is short and can be done under local anaesthesia.
If there is muscle separation (diastasis) in the abdominal wall after pregnancy, that is assessed separately; the shape of the navel is often a consequence of that separation.
Frequently asked questions
My navel protrudes — is it a hernia?
Should it be done together with a tummy tuck?
Is local anaesthesia sufficient?
Will there be a scar?
When can I have it after pregnancy?
Will my piercing scar improve?
Related pages
Surgery & AestheticsAll surgical procedures and decision guides.Op. Dr. Selman TaşkınPlastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Specialist · Reg. No 150440Medical AestheticsNon-surgical options.The information on this page is for general guidance and does not replace an examination. Every patient's anatomy, medical history and expectations differ; suitability can only be determined through examination.
KVKK Aydınlatma Metni · Gizlilik Politikası · Çerez Politikası