Plastic surgery for your belly button? It's not as weird as you may think

Did you know that your belly button serves no particular purpose? Our umbilical cords are a lifeline that connects us to our mothers while in the womb, providing us with the oxygen and nutrients we need to grow and thrive until we're born. And once we're out in the world, the cord is cut. The stump that's left behind falls out, and voila – the belly button is what's left.

Like people, belly buttons come in all shapes and sizes. Most are innies, but some are outies. They can be wide, narrow, vertical or horizontal. They also change with age, pregnancy, weight gain and weight loss and certain medical conditions and procedures. And since they're not functional, they can be reshaped, resized, repositioned and even removed.

Intrigued? We reached out to three ASPS Member Surgeons to learn more about different belly button surgeries.

Umbilicoplasty and belly button revision

Umbilicoplasty is a procedure that's used to change the shape, size or position of the navel. It's sometimes also referred to as belly button revision surgery, though this isn't entirely accurate.

According to Samuel Lin, MD, revision usually refers to "going back in and doing another procedure in an area that's already had a procedure or scarring."

For those who haven't had prior surgery and are only looking to address the navel due to something like sagging or overhanging skin, that's technically a "primary umbilicoplasty."

Dr. Lin said that many people seek belly button revision surgery after procedures like an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) or panniculectomy (skin removal from the abdomen) because they're not happy with the scar or new shape or size of their belly button after the procedure.

Umbilicoplasty can also be performed at the same time as another cosmetic procedure and is often done at the same time as a tummy tuck. Some surgeons, including Michelle Roughton, MD, may recommend a tummy tuck to patients unhappy with their belly buttons for various reasons, including an old piercing scar, which she said can be difficult to repair in an aesthetically pleasing way.

"Often, I've seen results where the scar is more obvious than the original piercing," said Dr. Roughton. "I've encouraged my patients to either leave it alone or let me take it out with a tummy tuck. The traditional tummy tuck or abdominoplasty brings the belly button out through a new hole, and I can excise the pierced area with the excess skin in the lower abdomen that we are removing."

Umbilectomy or belly button removal

Umbilectomy is belly button removal surgery, often used for medical reasons, such as to remove an umbilical hernia to treat cancer or frequent infections. For some, however, it's an elective procedure used as part of body modification to reflect personal identity and individuality, according to J. Timothy Katzen, MD, who has performed the procedure.

"Just as tattoos, piercings, scarification or ear stretching have long been used as expressions of art and self-definition, belly button removal has become another form of this culture," said Dr. Katzen. "Some people are drawn to the uniqueness of a navel-free abdomen because it sets them apart from traditional beauty standards, allowing them to embrace a look that feels entirely their own. In this sense, belly button removal is not about correcting a flaw, but about redefining aesthetics and celebrating individual differences. It gives individuals the ability to align their physical appearance with their personal vision, making it a powerful and valid choice within the broader world of body modification."

Not as complex as you may expect

Umbilicoplasty and umbilectomy are straightforward procedures with a quick recovery if performed by a qualified plastic surgeon. Unless you're having another procedure at the same time, both can use local anesthesia, with recovery only requiring limited activity for two to three weeks and proper wound care.

Whether you want to make an outtie an innie, make your belly button bigger, smaller or more symmetrical – or even remove it entirely – a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon is the best place to start.

To find a qualified plastic surgeon for any cosmetic or reconstructive procedure, consult a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. All ASPS members are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, have completed an accredited plastic surgery training program, practice in accredited facilities and follow strict standards of safety and ethics. Find an ASPS member in your area.