Umbilicoplasty for Loose Skin?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am interested in umbilicoplasty surgery. My belly button has been this way for about 10 years, ever since the birth of my son. It has been the source of my insecurity and I am so self-conscious about it that I can’t even wear a fitted shirt because it clings to my belly button and creates this weird looking indent. I hate it and fixing it would make me so incredibly relieved and ecstatic. I can’t afford a tummy tuck and even so I would hate to go thru all that just to fix one little thing. I really sincerely hope something can be done.

A: Quite frankly, your belly button concerns are due to the excessive surrounding tissues that are collapsing around it and engulfing it. This is not a belly button problem per se, it is due to excessive abdominal skin and fat. Thus there is no umbilicoplasty surgery that is going to correct it nor would it even be wise to spend any money trying it as it will not solve your concerns. What you need is a fully tummy tuck which will treat the real source of the belly button problem by removing all the excessive tissue and in the process create a new belly button. While you may not be able to afford it now, it is much better that you wait until the day you can and then have the correct operation. That is a far better financial decision as an umbilicoplasty surgery now would be a disappointment and waste of money.

Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana