If you have an imperfect or unusual belly button, you might avoid wearing one-piece bathing suits or t-shirts in public spaces. You may feel self-conscious about how your belly button looks, whether it has been impacted by scarring, piercings, pregnancy, or congenital disabilities. At Lou Plastic Surgery of Houston, TX, both men and women can seek cosmetic procedures to improve the look of the belly button with a surgery called umbilicoplasty.

 

What is the umbilicoplasty procedure?

 

Umbilicoplasty surgery, often called “belly button surgery,” is a cosmetic procedure performed by a plastic surgeon to address the appearance, position, size, or shape of the belly button. This may be done for various reasons. Perhaps the patient has an “outie” that makes them self-conscious when wearing revealing clothing. Or maybe there was a defect present at birth that resulted in an unusually-shaped belly button. Whatever the reason, patients can connect with Dr. Derek Lou of Lou Plastic Surgery to change the belly button skin and the muscle underneath for a more attractive appearance of the naval.

 

Understanding the umbilicoplasty procedure and how it is performed

 

The umbilicoplasty procedure was initially performed on infants to treat hernias upon birth. However, this is not the only reason it might be considered, especially for teenagers or adults. Patients might need to repair their belly button after unusual scarring or changes caused by belly button piercings, or they may have a belly button that makes them feel insecure during bathing suit season. Dr. Derek Lou sees both men and women interested in this and other body procedures available in his practice.

 

A trained and experienced provider, Dr. Derek Lou, performs the umbilicoplasty procedure at Lou Plastic Surgery. The surgery is performed with either local or general anesthesia in a surgical setting. Depending on their unique preferences and medical history, other sedation may be used to put the patient at ease. Once sedated, Dr. Derek Lou will create an incision around the belly button and belly button area to remove any extra skin. The muscle underneath may also be altered to help pull the belly button inward for a more proper appearance. Finally, the site is sutured shut to complete the surgery.

 

Why should I choose umbilicoplasty?

 

There are several benefits to undergoing the umbilicoplasty procedure with Dr. Derek Lou. This procedure:

 

·         Can change an “innie” to an “outie,” or vice versa

·         Can fix a misshapen or malformed belly button from an old piercing or scarring

·         Improves one’s self-confidence and self-esteem

·         Can be combined with other body surgeries

·         Can create a belly button where one wasn’t present (congenital disability)

 

Who is an ideal candidate for umbilicoplasty?

 

The best candidates for procedures such as umbilicoplasty are those who need to repair or create a belly button to improve the appearance of their tummy area. It can even be used for those who want to change the look of the belly button, as well as the shape, size, or position, which can be unusual due to pregnancy, previous belly button piercing complications, or birth defects. To confirm if you are a proper candidate for this treatment, we encourage you to book an initial examination and consultation visit with the team at Lou Plastic Surgery in the Houston, TX, area.

 

What can I expect for recovery after the umbilicoplasty procedure?

 

Because this belly button procedure is considered a minimally-invasive surgery, patients return home the same day and will often be able to return to work a few days after their procedure with little interruption. Patients will want to avoid any strenuous activity until the plastic surgeon and his team clear them. However, with proper aftercare, patients can reduce their risk of unwanted scarring, possible infection, and other complications that may arise. Most patients will see the final results of their procedure approximately one-month post-operation.

 

What risks can occur with umbilicoplasty surgery?

 

As with all types of surgeries on the face and body, there is always the risk of certain complications or issues that may arise during or after the procedure. Some of these risks may include:

 

·         Anesthesia complications

·         Post-surgical infections

·         Excessive bleeding

·         Poor scar formation

·         Asymmetry of the belly button

 

Patients must have realistic expectations regarding the results that can be achieved with this and other cosmetic surgery procedures provided by Dr. Derek Lou of Lou Plastic Surgery.

 

Why should I choose Dr. Derek Lou for my umbilicoplasty surgery?

 

Patients come from around the United States to have their umbilicoplasty surgery performed by Dr. Derek Lou. He is a board-certified, fellowship-trained plastic and reconstructive surgeon in the Houston, TX area who is pleased to provide this and many other body procedures for new and returning patients. In addition, he offers life-changing cosmetic surgery outcomes at his private practice and has had extensive training from Harvard University and post-graduation education and services. He can help patients achieve their goals while ensuring dramatic, natural-looking results with every procedure.

 

What other procedures can Dr. Derek Lou perform?

 

Dr. Derek Lou of Lou Plastic Surgery in Houston, TX, is pleased to offer a wide range of facial, breast, and body procedures. Additionally, his medical spa provides nonsurgical solutions for several different concerns, including cosmetic injectables, laser skin rejuvenation, and also sells medical-grade skincare products for purchase. Some patients who undergo umbilicoplasty surgery may also want to complete this procedure alongside other body services such as liposuction or a tummy tuck. This is often discussed during the initial consultation with our team to get a better picture of the goals patients want to achieve with surgical and nonsurgical solutions.

 

How do I book a consultation with Lou Plastic Surgery?

 

If you are interested in cosmetic plastic surgery to achieve a more desirable belly button appearance, we welcome you to request an appointment at Lou Plastic Surgery and consult with Dr. Derek Lou about your needs. The office is located in Houston, TX, at 1155 Dairy Ashford Road, Suite #610, and is open to patients in and around the areas of Houston, Sugarland, The Woodlands, Katy, and other cities and states in North America.