Belly button surgery is a relatively small procedure, but it still carries risks, including infection, bleeding, delayed wound healing, visible or thickened scarring, narrowing of the navel, an unnatural or uneven shape and, occasionally, a return of the original appearance. Careful assessment for an underlying hernia, meticulous technique and good aftercare keep these risks low.
Keeping risk in proportion
Umbilicoplasty is usually performed under local anaesthetic as a day case, which avoids many of the risks associated with longer operations under general anaesthesia. However, the belly button is a small area with a delicate blood supply, sits in a naturally moist fold and is highly visible, so even minor healing problems can affect the final appearance. Understanding what can happen helps you make an informed decision and recognise problems early.
General risks
- Bleeding: minor oozing is common in the first day; a collection of blood (haematoma) is uncommon and may need draining.
- Infection: the navel is a warm, moist area, so keeping it clean and dry matters; antibiotics are given if an infection develops.
- Anaesthetic: local anaesthetic carries few risks, but an allergy or reaction is possible; sedation or general anaesthesia, when used, is managed by an anaesthetist.
- Blood clots (VTE): the risk is low for a short local anaesthetic procedure but higher if a hernia repair or general anaesthetic is involved; staying mobile helps.
Risks specific to belly button surgery
- Stenosis: the navel opening can contract and narrow as it heals, making it look small or closed; this may need a further procedure.
- Unnatural shape: the belly button may look too round, too shallow or unnaturally positioned; careful planning aims to create a natural, slightly vertical shape.
- Asymmetry: slight unevenness is common during healing and often improves as swelling settles.
- Scarring: scars are hidden within the navel where possible, but some people form thickened, raised or darker scars.
- Wound breakdown: a small area of the wound may separate or heal slowly, particularly in smokers.
- Skin loss: uncommonly, part of the navel skin may not survive because of poor blood supply, affecting the final result.
- Recurrence: an outie may partly return, particularly if a hernia was missed or the tissues are under tension.
How these risks are reduced
Before surgery, Mr Nassab examines the abdominal wall to check for a hernia, arranging an ultrasound when there is doubt, because correcting the skin without addressing a weakness underneath can lead to recurrence. Smoking and nicotine products should be stopped for at least six weeks before and after the procedure, as they impair blood flow to the delicate navel skin. Tell the team about any blood-thinning medicines or supplements. After surgery, keep dressings clean and dry, avoid lifting and core exercise for around four weeks and attend all follow-up appointments so any healing problem is caught early.
What is normal after surgery
In the first two weeks, mild soreness, bruising, swelling and a little clear or blood-stained discharge are expected. The navel may look slightly puffy, irregular or asymmetric, and the scar can appear pink for several months. These changes usually improve gradually. It is sensible to wait around a year before judging the final shape, as scars mature over 12 to 18 months. If the result is still unsatisfactory after that, a revision may be discussed.
When to seek help
- Contact the team the same day: fever, spreading redness, increasing pain, or discharge that is cloudy or smells unpleasant.
- Contact the team urgently: rapid swelling and tension around the navel, or skin that turns dark or black.
- Same-day GP or NHS 111: sudden swelling or pain in one calf or leg.
- Call 999: chest pain or breathlessness.
Cosmetic surgery is for adults aged 18 and over, and suitability is always assessed individually.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is belly button surgery safe?
It is a relatively small procedure, usually under local anaesthetic, and serious complications are uncommon. Like any surgery, it carries risks, which are reduced by careful assessment and aftercare.
Can a belly button close up after surgery?
Narrowing, called stenosis, can happen as the scar contracts. Following dressing instructions helps, and if narrowing occurs it can often be improved with a further procedure.
Could my outie come back?
Recurrence is possible, particularly if an underlying hernia was not addressed. That is why the abdominal wall is checked before any cosmetic reshaping.
Does smoking affect belly button surgery?
Yes. Nicotine reduces blood flow to the skin and increases the risk of wound breakdown and skin loss. Stopping at least six weeks before and after surgery is advised.
When is revision considered?
Revision is usually considered only after the tissues have fully settled, typically around 12 months, so that the true result can be assessed.
