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Belly Button Surgery (Umbilicoplasty)

Happy Customer Reviews

Certified & Experienced Doctors

Outie to Innie Conversion

Post-Pregnancy Correction

Hidden Incision Techniques

Local Anaesthetic Procedure

Details
Surgery Time
Return to Work
Full Recovery
Anaesthesia
Location
Information
1 - 2 hours
3 - 5 days
4 - 6 weeks
Local Anaesthetic
London, Essex, Hertfordshire

Understanding Belly Button Surgery (Umbilicoplasty)

Belly button surgery, medically known as umbilicoplasty, is a highly specialised procedure designed to change the size, shape, or position of the navel. The belly button is naturally the focal point of the abdomen, and changes caused by pregnancy, weight fluctuations, piercings, or genetics (such as a protruding ”outie”) can cause significant self-consciousness.

At Shumaila's, our GMC-registered surgeons perform umbilicoplasty as a day-case procedure under local anaesthetic. Using precise, hidden-incision techniques, we reshape the surrounding tissue to create a natural, inward-facing contour. If your outie is caused by an underlying umbilical hernia, our surgeons can repair the hernia and perform the cosmetic correction simultaneously.

Outie to Innie Conversion

  • The most common request, addressing a naturally protruding navel
  • The surgeon carefully removes excess skin and repositions the remaining tissue inward
  • Creates a natural, recessed "innie" appearance with scars hidden inside the new navel fold

Post-Pregnancy & Scar Correction

  • Addresses navels that have become stretched, flattened, or horizontally splayed after pregnancy or weight loss
  • Also used to excise thick, raised scar tissue caused by old belly button piercings
  • The surrounding skin is tightened and the navel is reconstructed to restore a youthful, vertical or neat circular shape

Safe and Surgically Proven

Belly Button Surgery (Umbilicoplasty) is a well-established procedure when performed by qualified surgeons under UK clinical governance.

At Shumaila’s London, all procedures are delivered by GMC-registered surgeons in CQC-registered environments, with individualised consent and aftercare.

Belly Button Surgery (Umbilicoplasty) Recovery Timeline

Before Treatment

Immediately After Treatment

3-7 Days Post-Treatment

2 Weeks Post-Treatment

1 Month Follow-up

3-6 Months Peak Results

It’s safe because

Performed exclusively by highly experienced, GMC-registered surgeons in our CQC-regulated London and Essex clinics

Carried out under local anaesthetic, completely avoiding the systemic risks associated with general anaesthesia

Underlying umbilical hernias are professionally diagnosed and repaired simultaneously to ensure structural safety

We enforce a mandatory two-week cooling-off period after consultation, adhering to UK cosmetic surgery best practice

And effective, due to:

Incisions are meticulously planned to sit within the natural folds of the new navel, rendering scars virtually invisible

The use of fine, absorbable sutures ensures secure internal tissue repositioning without the need for painful stitch removal

Surgical reshaping provides a permanent cosmetic correction, provided your weight remains stable

Can be seamlessly combined with a full tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) if broader abdominal contouring is required

Excellent 4.9 out of 5

Experts Guaranteed

Shumaila’s world class team of doctors span from the UK to Eruope

Clinics

10+

Experts

10+

Experience

35+ years

Award Winning Clinic

Award Winning Clinic

Expect results in

Weeks 1–2 (Initial Healing)

The primary focus is protecting the internal stitches. The new shape is visible, but the abdomen will be swollen. Stick to light walking and avoid bending or lifting.

Weeks 3–4 (Suture Dissolution)

The absorbable stitches will dissolve naturally. The swelling reduces significantly, and the navel begins to look more natural as the tissue relaxes.

Months 2–3 (Scar Maturation)

The hidden incision lines continue to heal and fade. You can safely resume all core exercises and strenuous physical activities.

Months 3–6 (Final Maturation)

The final, permanent result is achieved. The navel looks entirely natural, with no obvious signs of surgical intervention.

Year 1+ (Permanent Contour)

Provided you maintain a stable weight and do not become pregnant, the reshaped navel contour is permanent.

Ready to start?

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25+ Years’ Aesthetics Experience

Specialist Surgical Expertise

9 Convenient London-Area Clinics

GMC & CQC Registered

Post-Operative Aftercare

Proper aftercare is essential to ensure the internal tissue heals securely in its new position. Follow these UK clinical guidelines:

First 48 Hours: Rest as much as possible. Keep the protective dressing completely dry. You will experience mild to moderate soreness, which can be managed with prescribed or over-the-counter painkillers.

Showering: You may shower after 48 hours, but avoid soaking the abdomen in a bath. Gently pat the area dry with a clean towel; do not rub the navel.

Physical Activity: Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and specifically any core-focused workouts (like sit-ups or pilates) for 4 to 6 weeks to prevent internal stitches from tearing.

Clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothing with soft waistbands that sit well above or below the navel to avoid friction and pressure on the healing incision.

Sleeping Position: Sleep on your back for the first two weeks to avoid putting direct pressure on the abdomen and the newly reshaped navel.

Frequent Asked Questions

Yes. Converting a protruding outie belly button into a recessed innie is the most common reason patients request umbilicoplasty. The surgeon repositions the skin and underlying tissue to create a natural, inward-facing contour.

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