Belly Button Removal Cost and Procedure Guide

Belly buttons — almost everyone has one, and depending on how your body heals, you may have an innie or an outie. But are belly buttons really necessary? It turns out your navel serves no biological purpose aside from being a unique part of your anatomy.¹

In recent years, some people have been choosing to part ways with their belly buttons altogether. But an umbilectomy is more than a niche aesthetic trend; there are other reasons you might need one. This article looks into those factors, discusses the procedure and explains what an umbilectomy could cost and if it's right for you.

What Is a Belly Button and Why Does It Look Like That?

Your umbilicus, or belly button, is a birthmark — a scar left behind from where your umbilical cord once connected you to your mother in the womb. Before you were born, this cord was your lifeline, delivering oxygen and nutrients and removing waste.¹

After birth, your umbilical cord was clamped and cut, leaving behind a scar that formed your belly button. The way it healed and your genetics played a big part in determining whether you ended up with an innie (indented) or an outie (protruding) belly button.¹

Many factors can cause your belly button to change over the years. Over time, weight fluctuations can impact its appearance. For instance, significant weight loss or gain can stretch the skin around the belly button, leading to a horizontal fold. Pregnancy is a major cause of change. As the uterus expands, it can put pressure on the belly button, potentially transforming an innie into an outie and altering its overall shape, making it appear longer or wider.¹

When to Consider Belly Button Removal

You may think that belly button removal is done mostly for cosmetic reasons. While it can give you a unique, navel-free look, umbilical surgery is required for people with medical conditions, such as umbilical hernias and persistent infections as well as those having some types of cancer treatment. Here's a look at some of the common reasons you might have a belly button removal procedure.

Umbilical hernia

An umbilical hernia is a soft bulge that appears in or near your belly button when a part of the intestine pushes through. It occurs whenever there is a weakness in the abdominal wall muscles around the umbilical opening. It may go away on its own in young children but often requires surgery in adults. An umbilectomy is part of the procedure to repair an umbilical hernia.²

Persistent infections

Recurring bacterial and yeast infections in your belly button are rare but can be very serious, especially if you're immunocompromised. When medication doesn't control the infection, you may need to have an umbilectomy.³

Cosmetic reasons

Belly button removal is less common than umbilicoplasty, a procedure that reshapes the belly button.⁴ However, it's gaining popularity as a body modification because people like the aesthetic and smoother appearance.⁵

Other surgeries

Surgeries to remove endometrial adhesions⁶ and some types of cancer, as well as a type of breast reconstruction surgery, can require a belly button removal.

How Much Does an Umbilectomy (Belly Button Removal) Cost?

The national average cost* of an umbilectomy is $2,779, but the cost can range from $2,134 to $5,335.⁷

Prices may vary based on location — metropolitan areas can cost more than rural areas due to demand — and the cost can be impacted by the following:⁷

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

Calculate the cost of belly button removal surgery near you

Average cost of belly button removal surgery by state/district

Below is a breakdown of the average cost* of an umbilectomy for all 50 states and the District of Columbia:⁷

Does Insurance Cover Belly Button Removal?

Whether health insurance will cover an umbilectomy depends on several factors, including the reason for the procedure and your specific insurance plan. If the umbilectomy is medically necessary — such as in cases of umbilical hernia or persistent infection — insurance may cover the costs. However, if the surgery is for cosmetic reasons, it may not be covered.⁸

To find out if you're covered, check with your insurance company and discuss the procedure with your healthcare provider. Always verify your benefits and discuss any out-of-pocket costs beforehand to avoid unexpected expenses.

Belly button removal is an in-office or outpatient procedure that offers a smooth, navel-free look for those seeking a bold aesthetic change. It may also be a medically necessary treatment for other conditions. If you’re considering this surgery, consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and expectations.

How Does an Umbilectomy Work?

The surgical procedure for an umbilectomy can be different depending on the reason behind it. In many cases, an umbilectomy happens during other procedures like a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) or hernia repair. However, if you are having belly button removal for aesthetic reasons, the procedure is pretty straightforward and similar to umbilicoplasty.⁹

Preparation

Before getting started, a nurse or technician will clean the area using an antiseptic cleanser. Local anesthesia numbs the area around the belly button and allows the surgeon to perform the procedure while you're awake but relaxed.⁹ In some cases, you may get medications for sedation or to reduce anxiety.¹⁰

Procedure

Once the anesthesia takes effect, your surgeon will make a small incision around the base of the belly button. This incision is carefully planned to minimize scarring and is typically made in a way that blends with the natural contours of the skin. The surgeon will gently but meticulously excise (remove) the unwanted tissue, taking care to preserve the surrounding area.⁹

Using sutures or sterile strips to secure the edges of the incision, your surgeon will close the wound and place a sterile dressing.

Recovery

Be sure to follow each of the postoperative care instructions. These will help you keep the area clean and monitor for any signs of infection as the umbilectomy heals.⁹

Most patients can go back to normal activities in a day or two.⁹ However, full recovery may take several weeks. It can take months before you see the final result as scar tissue takes a long time to heal.

Common Concerns

Scarring is a common concern for those considering belly button removal. While the procedure can leave a small scar, skilled surgeons often place it in a way that minimizes visibility. Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience in belly button removal is important. Some patients may require revision surgery if they’re unhappy with the results or if complications arise.⁹

If you’re planning to have children, it's better to wait until after pregnancy to undergo belly button removal. Pregnancy can stretch the abdominal area, potentially altering the results of the surgery.¹¹

Potential Complications

As with any surgical procedure, an umbilectomy carries the chance of potential complications that may arise both during and after the surgery. It's important to be aware of these complications to make an informed decision. Some of the most common complications of in-office surgery include:⁹

Infection. Postsurgical infections can occur at the incision site or internally. Symptoms may include redness, swelling, increased pain or odorous discharge from the area. Be sure to follow proper wound care instructions and report any signs of infection to a healthcare provider promptly.

Bleeding. You'll experience some bleeding during and after the procedure. In some cases, excessive bleeding can occur, necessitating additional medical intervention. Monitoring the surgical site and bandages is necessary to manage any unusual activity.

Allergic reactions. It's possible to experience allergic reactions to anesthetics or other medications administered during the procedure. Please inform your surgical team of any known allergies prior to the procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions About Belly Button Removal

Do you still have questions about belly button removals? Here are answers to some of the most commonly questions about this procedure.

Financing an Umbilectomy 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 umbilectomy 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

Pamela Cagle, R.N., has extensive experience in a range of clinical settings, including ER, surgical and cardiovascular. For the past decade, she has leveraged her nursing experience in writing for health and technology publications such as AARP, VKTR, National Council on Aging and others. She is passionate about blending her medical and storytelling expertise to bring authenticity to health and wellness topics.