If we look back at fashions from 100 years ago, particularly for women, we can see that they were very modest by today’s standards. Women were covered almost from their neck to their feet, with the exception of fancy ball gowns that would show shoulders and the top of the breasts. Over the decades, women’s fashions allowed for more skin to be shown, but it was really not until the mid- to late-1960s that it was finally acceptable for women to show their belly buttons in public while wearing bathing suits and other popular clothing fashions.

Despite the fact that today’s fashion trends now allow for women to show off their belly buttons, some women are still not comfortable doing so. Whether as a result of changes in weight, pregnancy, or the belly button they were born with, many women may feel self-conscious about the shape and size of their belly button. Fortunately, Dr. Paul Pin has performed many surgeries to improve the appearance of the belly button.

Reasons for Changing the Shape or Size of the Belly Button

The most common reason for requesting a belly button revision surgical procedure is to restore the normal shape and size following dramatic changes in weight. Such weight fluctuations can stretch the abdominal skin around the belly button, which will compress it into an elongated horizontal shape. Similarly, women who have recently delivered a child often find that they are left with a small hernia behind their belly button that makes them feel self-conscious. Finally, some people who were born with an “outie” belly button may want to undergo revision surgery to turn it into a more aesthetically pleasing “innie.”

Belly Button Revision Surgical Procedure

A belly button revision takes about an hour and can be performed using a local anesthetic during a standard office visit. Dr. Pin will first make a small incision around the belly button. Depending upon the results you are looking to achieve, he will then either remove excess skin from around the belly button or create a small flap of abdominal skin to come down over the top of the belly button. Dr. Pin will place the stitches inside the belly button in order to hide them as much as possible. This will also help give the deep dimple effect that is very desirable in creating the “innie” shape of belly button.

Recovery after Surgery

Recovery from belly button revision surgery is usually quite fast, and you should be able to resume your normal activities within one to three days. The area around your belly button may feel sore or tender for a day or two following surgery.

One hundred years ago, society would have been scandalized at the thought of women exposing their belly buttons not just while at the beach or beside the pool, but as part of their everyday fashion choices. Today, however, it is not that unusual for women to show off their belly button. A belly button revision surgery can help them feel confident when wearing such clothing styles.