Umbilicoplasty surgery in the U.S. usually runs $2,000–$5,000, with averages near $2,600–$4,200 depending on scope and add-ons.
What This Belly Button Procedure Includes
Umbilicoplasty reshapes the navel. Surgeons may tighten or remove skin, revise piercing scars, or convert a protruding “outie” to an “innie.” It can be a stand-alone office procedure under local anesthesia or part of a larger abdominoplasty. Time on the table often runs under two hours for a solo case, while combined cases take longer.
The goal is a natural-looking oval that sits in the right spot on the abdominal wall. A careful plan covers scar placement inside the rim, how much skin to remove, whether to close a piercing tract, and how to keep the stalk attached so the belly button remains tethered and centered.
Umbilicoplasty Cost: Typical Ranges And What’s Included
Prices vary by city, surgeon, and case complexity. Crowd-sourced clinics and financing sites place national figures in the low thousands. Many quotes bundle several line items into one number. To compare apples to apples, look at the parts that drive the total.
| Cost Component | Typical Range (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Surgical Fee | $1,200–$3,500 | Skill, time, and technique; higher with revision or complex reshaping. |
| Anesthesia | $200–$900 | Local with sedation tends to cost less than general anesthesia. |
| Facility Fee | $300–$1,200 | Office OR vs. accredited surgery center; metro areas trend higher. |
| Supplies & Meds | $50–$250 | Dressings, garments, prescriptions. |
| Follow-ups | Usually included | Most practices fold routine visits into the package. |
Why Quotes Differ From One Practice To The Next
Surgeon Training And Case Mix
Board-certified plastic surgeons set fees that reflect training and demand. A surgeon who often performs belly button reshaping or who handles a high volume of abdominoplasty cases may charge more due to reputation and wait lists.
Anesthesia Plan
Many simple navels can be handled with local anesthetic and light sedation. That keeps anesthesia charges modest. If your plan involves general anesthesia due to a combined tummy tuck, expect a larger line item.
Facility Type And Location
Overhead in Manhattan, Los Angeles, or Miami runs higher than in smaller markets. An accredited office suite can be less than a hospital OR. Regional price trends matter, and they show up in the quote.
Scope, Add-Ons, And Revisions
Small scar trims cost less than a full redesign. Piercing tunnel repair, extra fat removal, or scar revision adds time. A redo after a prior surgery usually bills more due to scar tissue and planning needs.
Realistic Price Benchmarks You Can Use
Recent U.S. snapshots place the average payment for a stand-alone navel reshaping around the low-to-mid four figures. You will see public ranges from about $1,500 on the low end up to $7,500 or more for complex or metro-area packages. Some financing sites quote a national average near the mid-$2,000s, while patient review hubs trend closer to the low-$4,000s because many of those cases include extra work or are done in big cities.
If your plan includes a full tummy tuck, the number rises because OR time and anesthesia increase. In those cases, the navel part is one step inside a broader operation that tightens the midline and removes lower belly skin.
Insurance, Medical Necessity, And When Coverage Applies
Purely cosmetic belly button reshaping is a pay-out-of-pocket purchase. Health plans do not pay for aesthetic changes. Coverage enters the picture only when the procedure treats a condition, such as an umbilical hernia repair performed for pain or function. Even then, the cosmetic parts of the visit are usually self-pay. You can review how insurers treat aesthetic work on the official page for Medicare coverage of cosmetic surgery.
To check your situation, ask the surgeon to write two plans when appropriate: one for medically necessary steps tied to diagnosis codes, and one for optional cosmetic changes. That keeps billing clean and avoids surprise denials.
Sample Budgets For Common Scenarios
Every plan is unique, but these ballpark totals help you frame the conversation during consults. They assume healthy non-smokers and routine recovery.
| Scenario | Estimated Total | What Drives The Total |
|---|---|---|
| Simple reshaping under local in an office OR | $1,800–$3,200 | Short case, light sedation or local only, low facility fee. |
| Navel revision with piercing tract repair | $2,500–$4,500 | More time, careful contouring, possible light lipo for shape. |
| Combined with a tummy tuck | $6,000–$12,000+ | General anesthesia and longer OR time; belly button work is one part of a larger plan. |
| Revision after prior surgery | $3,500–$7,000 | Scar tissue, extra planning, possible staged care. |
Regional Price Patterns Across The U.S.
Coastal metros: Higher surgeon fees and facility costs due to demand and overhead. Expect quotes near the top of the typical range, especially in New York, Southern California, and South Florida.
Mid-sized cities: Often land near the middle. Accredited office ORs and surgery centers keep totals in check while still offering full monitoring.
Smaller markets: You may see lower surgeon fees. Balance travel costs, follow-up access, and schedule flexibility before chasing a lower sticker price.
Standalone Case Or Combined With Other Work?
Standalone: Good fit when the belly button shape bothers you but the rest of the abdomen looks fine. Local anesthesia keeps the day short and the bill lean.
Combined: If you plan a full tummy tuck, the navel will be moved or reshaped as part of that plan. In a combo case, your cost reflects the larger operation. The benefit is one recovery and a unified contour.
How To Read A Quote So Nothing Is Missing
Ask for an itemized estimate that lists the surgeon fee, anesthesia, facility, supplies, and follow-ups. Confirm garment and scar-care costs. Ask whether revisions for contour tweaks are included for a limited window, and what triggers extra fees. Clear paperwork reduces guesswork.
- Look for accreditation: AAAASF, AAAHC, or a similar program signals safety systems in place.
- Ask who provides anesthesia: CRNA or anesthesiologist, and whether they bill separately.
- Clarify cancellations: Deadlines, rescheduling fees, and deposit rules.
Ways To Save Without Cutting Corners
Keep It Stand-Alone When You Can
If your only goal is a cleaner navel shape, a short office case under local anesthetic may reduce facility and anesthesia charges. Bundling it with a large body contouring plan can raise the total.
Time Your Care
Some practices run seasonal promotions or package pricing. You can also ask about paying cash in full to trim processing fees. Never let discounts push you into a rushed timeline.
Travel Smart
Prices can be lower outside major hubs. If you travel, add flights, hotel, time off work, and a local support person to your budget. A lower fee loses value if aftercare becomes hard to access.
Safety, Recovery, And Time Off Work
Most healthy adults go home the same day. Soreness peaks in the first 48 hours and fades fast with a basic pain plan. Light walking starts day one. Desk work often resumes within a few days, while gym work waits two to three weeks unless your surgeon says otherwise. Keep the area dry as directed, avoid waist-band pressure, and protect the incision from sun until cleared.
Common Risks
All surgery carries risk. For this procedure, the usual list includes bruising, swelling, infection, wound edge separation, or a scar that needs touch-up. Choosing a qualified surgeon and following instructions trims those odds.
Recovery Timeline At A Glance
- Days 1–3: Tenderness, mild swelling, gauze changes, light walking indoors.
- Days 4–7: Many patients return to desk work; avoid bending that tugs on the waist.
- Weeks 2–3: Swelling fades; short walks outdoors; light cardio if cleared.
- Weeks 4–6: Scar care and sunscreen; resume core work only with surgeon approval.
How To Choose A Qualified Surgeon
Check board certification in plastic surgery and look for an accredited operating room with a CRNA or anesthesiologist on the team. Review before-and-after photos of cases that match your body type, ask about revision rates, and read the consent form line by line. A careful consult with a plain-spoken plan is a good sign. For a quick safety checklist, see ASPS patient guidance on choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon.
Questions To Bring To Your Consultation
- Do you perform this navel reshaping weekly or monthly? May I see sample cases like mine?
- Will you use local anesthesia, IV sedation, or general anesthesia? Who provides it?
- Where will the procedure take place, and is the site accredited?
- What is my total out-the-door price? What happens if I need a small touch-up?
- What scar care do you recommend? When can I return to work and the gym?
- If I also have a hernia, how will the medical and cosmetic portions be billed?
Pre-Op To-Dos That Keep Costs Predictable
Share your medical story: List prior belly surgery, hernias, piercings, and allergies. Fewer surprises in the OR means fewer add-on charges.
Hit any weight goals first: Stable weight for a few months helps the surgeon plan shape and lowers the chance you’ll want a redo as your body changes.
Stop nicotine: Most practices set a quit window. Nicotine slows healing and can lead to wound issues that require extra visits.
Plan rides and help at home: Safe transport and a helper on day one keep you comfortable and reduce urgent calls that add stress and cost.
A Quick Path To A Clear Number
Bring phone photos of your navel from front and side in good light. List any prior belly surgery and piercings. Share your goals in plain language: slimmer oval, smaller opening, or pierce-track closure. Ask for a same-day written quote with each fee labeled. If you plan to finance, request an APR and total cost over time.
Bottom Line: What Most People Pay
For a simple office case, expect totals in the $2,000–$3,500 zone in many cities. For more sculpting or revision work, the $3,000–$5,000 range is common. When paired with a full abdominoplasty, the number climbs because the belly button work rides along with a larger operation. Pick your surgeon for skill and safety first; a clear plan keeps the bill clear.