Treatment Overview
Umbilical Hernia Repair with Cosmetic Umbilicoplasty is a combined procedure that corrects both the medical issue of an umbilical hernia (when abdominal tissue or fat pushes through the navel opening) and the aesthetic appearance of the belly button. An untreated hernia can create a bulging or protruding belly button (outie), discomfort, or even complications. By combining hernia repair with cosmetic umbilicoplasty, Korean surgeons are able to strengthen the abdominal wall while reshaping the navel into a natural, inward-facing belly button.
In Korea, clinics integrate general surgical precision with plastic surgery artistry, ensuring that hernia correction not only restores abdominal health but also delivers an aesthetically refined belly button. Many patients choose Korea for this procedure due to its reputation for minimal scarring, advanced technology, and affordable combined care.
Purpose & Benefits
- Hernia Correction: Repairs weakness in abdominal wall and prevents complications.
- Outie Correction: Fixes bulging navels caused by hernia.
- Cosmetic Enhancement: Reshapes belly button into a natural “innie.”
- Scar Minimization: Incisions hidden within or around the navel.
- Improved Confidence: Restores both abdominal health and appearance.
- Combination-Friendly: Can be paired with tummy tuck or liposuction if needed.
Ideal Candidates
- Adults or children with umbilical hernia (bulging belly button).
- Patients with pain, discomfort, or cosmetic concerns about their navel.
- Individuals seeking functional repair plus aesthetic improvement.
- Adults in good health with realistic expectations.
- Patients without uncontrolled chronic illnesses or clotting disorders.
Possible Risks & Complications
- Temporary swelling, bruising, or soreness.
- Small risk of scar visibility (though minimized with advanced techniques).
- Rare risks: infection, hernia recurrence, hematoma, delayed healing.
- General anesthesia risks (if used).
Techniques Used
- Hernia Repair: Hernial sac reduced and abdominal wall reinforced (with sutures or mesh if needed).
- Hidden Incisions: Placed inside or around the navel fold.
- Cosmetic Umbilicoplasty: Navel reshaped into natural, inward appearance.
- Scar-Minimizing Sutures: Layered closure with dissolvable or fine sutures.
- Combination Options: May include tummy tuck, mini-abdominoplasty, or liposuction for contouring.
Recovery & Aftercare
- 3–5 days: Mild swelling and tenderness; return to light activities.
- 1–2 weeks: Resume desk work and light exercise.
- 2–4 weeks: Normal activities possible; avoid heavy lifting.
- 6–8 weeks: Full recovery with strengthened abdominal wall.
Aftercare Guidelines:
- Wear a compression garment if combined with tummy tuck/lipo.
- Avoid strenuous abdominal exercises for 4–6 weeks.
- Keep incision clean and dry to prevent infection.
- Follow scar-care program (silicone gel/sheets, laser if needed).
- Attend follow-up visits to check repair strength and navel aesthetics.
Results & Longevity
- Flat, natural-looking innie belly button.
- Stronger abdominal wall with reduced risk of recurrence.
- Minimal, hidden scarring.
- Long-lasting results with healthy lifestyle and stable weight.
- Boosted self-confidence and physical comfort.
Treatment Process in Korea
1. Consultation & Assessment
- Surgeon evaluates hernia size, abdominal wall strength, and belly button shape.
- Pre-op imaging may be performed if needed.
- Plan created for hernia repair + cosmetic umbilicoplasty.
2. Surgery Day
- Usually performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia (depending on severity).
- Hernial sac reduced and abdominal wall repaired.
- Belly button reshaped into natural form.
- Fine sutures placed to minimize scars.
3. Post-Operative Monitoring
- Patients usually discharged same day (for small hernias) or after 1 night (for larger cases).
4. Follow-Up & Refinement
- Regular check-ups at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months.
- Scar-care and optional refinements (laser, RF) offered.
Why Korea is a Top Destination
- Surgeons skilled in both hernia repair and cosmetic belly button surgery.
- Advanced scar-minimizing protocols (microneedling, silicone, laser therapy).
- Affordable combined procedure compared to Western countries.
- Multilingual staff and LGBTQ+ and international patient-friendly care.
- Option to combine with tummy tuck, mini tuck, or liposuction for full abdominal rejuvenation.
Cost Range
The cost of Umbilical Hernia Repair with Cosmetic Umbilicoplasty in Korea varies by hernia severity, surgical complexity, and clinic reputation.
Estimated Pricing:
- Simple Hernia Repair + Umbilicoplasty: USD $2,500 – $4,500
- With Mesh Reinforcement (for larger hernias): USD $3,500 – $6,000
- With Mini Tummy Tuck or Liposuction: USD $5,000 – $8,000
- Premium Clinics (3D imaging + scar-care + VIP aftercare): USD $6,500 – $9,000
Additional Costs:
- Consultation & imaging: USD $100 – $300
- Medications & aftercare: USD $150 – $300
- Scar-care add-ons (laser, silicone, RF): USD $200 – $600
Popular Clinics
- Banobagi Plastic Surgery (Seoul): Experts in combining hernia repair with cosmetic navel reshaping.
- ID Hospital (Seoul): Known for functional + aesthetic abdominal surgery.
- JK Plastic Surgery Center (Seoul): JCI-accredited, premium hernia + umbilicoplasty care.
- View Plastic Surgery Clinic (Seoul): Specialists in scar minimization and natural belly button design.
- JW Plastic Surgery (Seoul): Leaders in reconstructive and cosmetic belly button surgery.
