If you’re unhappy with the shape of your belly button, don’t despair – there is a surgical solution. Belly button reshaping surgery, also known as ‘navel correction surgery’, can create a more aesthetically pleasing navel.
This type of surgery is usually performed for cosmetic reasons, but it can also be done to improve the function of the belly button. For example, if you have an ‘outie’ belly button that tends to catch on clothing, surgery can create a more smoothly contoured ‘innie’. It is almost similar to umbilical hernia surgery.
An umbilical hernia is when a small part of the intestine bulges through a weakness in the abdominal muscles. This can happen at any age, but it is more common in newborns and young children. Most umbilical hernias close on their own by the time a child reaches age 5. If it does not close, surgery may be needed to prevent complications.
Navel correction surgery is usually performed under local anaesthesia, meaning you will be awake during the procedure but your abdomen will be numb. General anaesthesia is also an option, but it is not as common. Some surgeons provide sedatives that help in relaxing. The type of surgery you have will depend on the condition being treated.
Umbilical hernia surgery: The child will be given general anaesthesia. This means they will be asleep and pain-free during the surgery. The surgeon will make a small cut on the child’s belly button.
The surgeon will look for a hernia sac that contains the bulging intestine. He/she pushes the intestine back into the abdomen and removes the sac. The surgeon may put dissolvable stitches to close the opening in the muscle wall. A tiny piece of mesh may be placed over the opening to help prevent it from occurring again. The incision, will be then be closed with stitches or surgical tape and a small tube (catheter) may be placed through the incision into the bladder to help drainage for a day or two. The surgery may around 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Belly button reshaping surgery: If you are having surgery to correct the shape of your belly button, the surgeon will make one or two incisions. The first incision will be around the belly button. The second incision may be necessary if the surgeon needs to remove excess skin or fat. Once the incisions are made, the surgeon will reshape the belly button and close the incisions with stitches. The surgery usually takes about 1-2 hours. You may stay in the hospital overnight or be able to go home the same day.