Everyone has a belly button. It’s the only visible remnant of the umbilical cord and a reminder that we all began life as tiny, helpless babies.
Just like the people they adorn, belly buttons come in all shapes and sizes. Most are concave “innies,” but many are concave “outies,” which are more noticeable on the exposed midriff.
Belly buttons can change with age and life events too. Belly button stretch marks frequently appear after pregnancy, for example, and weight changes can deposit extra skin around the belly button too.
When preventing stretch marks and other unsightly belly button issues isn’t possible, treatment is the next best option.
Popular Treatment Options for Unsightly Belly Buttons
Let’s take a look at five popular treatment options for belly button and other tummy-related cosmetic complaints.
Remember that the best option for your specific complaint depends on many factors. It’s always best to make treatment decisions in close consultation with a licensed medical provider.
Topical Skin Care Products
Numerous topical creams, lotions, and serums may improve the appearance of stretch marks with regular, as-directed use.
Many are available over the counter. However, it’s always best to consult your dermatologist for advice on your specific situation, which can vary based on the underlying complaint and personal factors such as skin type. Look for active ingredients like hyaluronic acid and moisturizing ingredients such as cocoa butter.
Injectable Treatments
The most popular injectable treatment for belly button complaints is belly button filler, which adds volume to the treated area and may stimulate the body’s natural collagen production to sustain that volume over a longer period of time.
This treatment must be administered by a licensed medical provider with adequate dermal filler training. They’ll perform a detailed initial consultation to assess your needs and confirm that you’re a good candidate for treatment.
Noninvasive Cosmetic Procedures
These less-risky alternatives to traditional cosmetic surgery include:
- Laser treatments that rejuvenate the skin and the underlying blood vessels
- Microdermabrasion, an advanced exfoliation procedure that can resurface rough, damaged skin
- Microneedling, which can stimulate collagen production and may lessen the appearance of stretch marks
- Chemical peels, which also exfoliate and resurface the skin
- Coolsculpting, which freezes fat underneath the skin so that it can be safely reabsorbed by the body
Fat Removal Procedures
When noninvasive procedures like laser therapy aren’t enough, “less-invasive” surgical procedures like laser liposuction may help. These options are more expensive and complicated than noninvasive alternatives, but they’re not as risky as traditional cosmetic surgery.
Surgical Options
Belly button surgery is a plastic surgery procedure that should always be performed by a licensed, board-certified plastic surgeon.
Belly button surgery takes different forms and isn’t always done for cosmetic reasons. For example, umbilical hernia repair is often medically necessary. However, cosmetic abdominal surgery is a popular option for patients who don’t respond well to less risky treatments.
The best option depends on the patient’s specific situation and needs. A tummy tuck procedure is best for patients who want to remove excess skin and restore strength to the abdominal core. Gastric surgery may be indicated for severely overweight patients who’ve struggled to lose weight by other means.
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