How Much Does Umbilicoplasty (Belly Button Surgery) Cost?

Whether you have an innie or an outie, a perfect circle or a lopsided oval, for some individuals, the size, shape and appearance of their belly button can cause embarrassment, frustration or even discomfort.

Medically known as the umbilicus, the belly button or navel is actually the scar that is created after the umbilical cord is cut after birth.¹ This initial cut can play a big role in determining how the belly button will look after it heals.¹ However, other factors later in life can also impact the appearance of the navel, including weight loss or gain, umbilical hernia, pregnancy, piercings, aging and abdominal surgeries.²

If you aren’t happy with the look of your belly button, a minimally invasive procedure called an umbilicoplasty can be performed to change the size, shape and overall appearance of the navel.

What Is an Umbilicoplasty?

An umbilicoplasty, also known simply as belly button surgery, is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure designed to improve the shape, size, location and overall appearance of the belly button.³

Although the procedure was initially developed to treat umbilical hernias in babies, currently most umbilicoplasties are performed on adults for cosmetic reasons.³

Benefits

While an umbilicoplasty is usually a part of any tummy tuck procedure, there are other reasons that a person may opt for the procedure even without a tummy tuck. Those could include individuals who are looking to:¹

• Change an outie belly button to an innie
• Change the size, shape or appearance of the belly button
• Correct navel scarring or damage due to piercing
• Fix an umbilical hernia
• Improve a hooded belly button
• Restore a belly button that has changed due to pregnancy or weight change
• Remove surrounding stretch marks

How Much Does an Umbilicoplasty Cost?

The national average cost* for an umbilicoplasty is $2,646. The cost can range from $2,061 to $5,037 depending on a variety of factors, such as:⁴

• Additional treatments (e.g., tummy tuck)
• Complexity of the procedure
• Surgeon’s experience and location
• Type of anesthesia used

Average cost of an umbilicoplasty by state/district

Below is a breakdown of the average cost* of an umbilicoplasty for all 50 states and the District of Columbia:⁴

Is an Umbilicoplasty Covered by Insurance?

An umbilicoplasty is generally considered a cosmetic procedure and not covered by insurance. However, if the procedure is being used to correct an umbilical hernia or other medical condition, insurance may cover some or all of the procedure.⁵

Be sure to check with your insurance provider to see if the procedure is covered for you.

What Happens During an Umbilicoplasty?

Wondering what happens during an umbilicoplasty? Here is what to expect before, during and after the procedure.

Preparation

If you are considering an umbilicoplasty, you’ll want to schedule a consultation with a surgeon to review your medical history and desired goals. There may be different or complementary procedures that will help you achieve your desired results.⁶

Procedure

The procedure will begin with local or general anesthesia. Depending on the aesthetic goals, the surgeon will make small incisions around the current belly button to adjust its shape, size or location, and then suture any incisions closed. Some surgeons may fit the patient with a compression garment to help reduce postoperative swelling. The procedure itself takes about an hour.³

Recovery

Recovery from an umbilicoplasty procedure is often minimal. Mild swelling, tenderness and bruising are common.¹ Initial discomfort after the procedure can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medication, and most individuals can return to work within a day or two.⁷ Exercise and strenuous activities should be avoided for two weeks or until you get your doctor’s permission.⁷

Final results from an umbilicoplasty may take several months up to a year to finalize.⁶

Potential side effects

Although an umbilicoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure, there is a chance of complications. Be sure to talk with your surgeon on ways to mitigate potential side effects:³

• Dissatisfaction with the new navel
• Excessive bleeding
• Infection
• Nausea or vomiting
• Reaction to anesthesia
• Scarring

If you are dissatisfied with the shape or appearance of your belly button, an umbilicoplasty procedure may be a way to help you achieve your desired abdominal aesthetic.

Frequently Asked Questions About Umbilicoplasty

Do you still have questions about belly button surgery? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions.

Financing an Umbilicoplasty With the CareCredit Credit Card

Ready to revitalize your appearance and boost your confidence? The CareCredit credit card makes it easy to pay for an umbilicoplasty and related expenses not covered by health insurance.** Use our Acceptance Locator to find a doctor or cosmetic surgeon near you that accepts CareCredit so you can stop dreaming and start living your best life. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your CareCredit account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to cosmetic procedures, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for dentistry, pet care, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Kate Bayless is a health and wellness freelance writer with 15 years of experience. Her work has appeared in Parents, Women's Health, Beachbody and OpenFit.