Do You Really Need Belly Button Surgery with Your Tummy Tuck?
With swimsuit season in full swing, some women are now turning to belly button surgery to achieve their desired beach-ready look. This procedure, also known as umbilicoplasty, seems to have made a recent splash on the plastic surgery scene, but what can it do, exactly, and should you add it to your tummy tuck procedure?
What Is Belly Button Surgery, and Who’s Getting It?
As health and fitness are becoming a larger priority for many people, procedures like belly button surgery are also gaining popularity. This procedure can improve the appearance of your belly button, whether you’re unhappy with an unwanted belly button piercing, you want an “innie” instead of an “outie,” or even if you have a small umbilical hernia. But this procedure may be best suited for those who have already achieved their desired weight and fitness level, as it does not address excess fat or skin that may be keeping you from reaching your goals.
Belly button surgery seems to be the most popular among women who have already had children, as sometimes, a pregnancy or weight gain can change the shape and appearance of your belly button (CBS News). In some cases, women who have always had an “innie” may now have an “outie” due to pregnancy. But if you’ve been working hard to get your pre-baby body back and seem to be falling short no matter how much exercise you’re doing, belly button surgery may not be the most effective solution.
Post-Pregnancy Plastic Surgery Options
If you’re considering plastic surgery to help you achieve your body contouring goals following a pregnancy or weight loss, exploring all of your options is often the best starting point. While a belly button procedure could help to address this concern, you may want to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon about your other options as well.
One of the most common procedures to address loose or excess skin following a pregnancy is a tummy tuck, which addresses the abdominal area. During the procedure, your plastic surgeon will create a carefully placed incision from which to remove loose skin and excess fat tissue, as well as tighten the weakened muscle tissue. The result is a smooth, even contour that may not be possible to achieve through diet and exercise alone (The American Society of Plastic Surgeons).
Many times, women also include liposuction with their tummy tuck, which can remove isolated pockets of stubborn exercise-resistant fat in the abdomen, waist, and love handles (The American Society of Plastic Surgeons). This procedure can be an excellent complement to abdominoplasty, as small areas of excess fat are a common concern for many women following pregnancy. This combined procedure may be more appropriate than a belly button surgery if excess or loose fat or skin are bothering you.
The Bottom Line
No matter what your cosmetic concern, if it’s keeping you from fully enjoying life and absolutely loving your body, then plastic surgery may be able to help you. The first step of any procedure is to find the right board-certified plastic surgeon, set up a consultation, and discover if he or she will be a good fit for you and your cosmetic needs.
At Premier Plastic Surgery & Dermatology in Pittsburgh and Wexford, client satisfaction is our top priority. Our state-of-the-art facilities help to ensure your comfort, safety, and quality results. Whether you’re considering a tummy tuck, liposuction, or another body contouring option, our board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brian Heil would be happy to meet with you one-on-one to discuss your unique needs and goals. Dr. Heil’s years of professional training and experience make him one of the top plastic surgeons in the Pittsburgh area.
If you’d like more information about your body contouring options, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Heil, please contact us at 724-264-3608, and let us help you take the next step towards loving your look.
