Can umbilicoplasty change an outie to an innie?

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.

Will belly button surgery fix an umbilical hernia?

If your outie is caused by an underlying umbilical hernia, our surgeons will repair the hernia and perform the cosmetic umbilicoplasty during the same surgical session. This addresses both the medical weakness and the aesthetic appearance simultaneously.

Will there be a visible scar after umbilicoplasty?

Our surgeons use precise techniques to place all incisions within the natural folds and contours of the newly shaped navel. Once fully healed, the fine scars are virtually invisible, hidden inside the belly button itself.

Is belly button surgery painful?

The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic, meaning your abdomen will be completely numb and you will feel no pain during surgery. Mild soreness and swelling are expected for a few days afterwards, which is easily managed with standard painkillers.

How long does it take to recover from umbilicoplasty?

Recovery is relatively fast. You can return home the same day and resume light, desk-based work within 48 hours. However, you must avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and core workouts for 4 to 6 weeks to allow the internal tissue to heal securely.

Can pregnancy ruin the results of my belly button surgery?

Yes. The significant abdominal stretching that occurs during pregnancy can re-distort the shape of a surgically corrected navel. For this reason, we strongly advise waiting until you have completed your family before undergoing umbilicoplasty.

Belly Button Surgery (Umbilicoplasty)

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

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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.

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

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10+
Experience
35+ years

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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.

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25+ Years’ Aesthetics Experience
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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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