Body Contouring

navel reconstruction Houston TX

A refined navel that looks natural, not operated on.
The navel is a small structure with an outsized effect on the overall appearance of the abdomen. Dr. Rodriguez, a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 30 years of experience in Houston, performs umbilicoplasty to correct outies, repair stretched or distorted navels following pregnancy or weight loss, and refine belly buttons altered by prior abdominal surgery. His approach prioritizes natural proportions and a clean, centered result that integrates seamlessly with the surrounding abdominal contour. At Rodriguez Rejuvenation, patients receive individualized surgical planning and direct care from Dr. Rodriguez at every stage of treatment.
Board Certified   •   Practicing since 2009   •   Houston, TX
Navel Reconstruction
45–90 Min
Performed under local anesthesia, often in-office
1–2 Weeks
Return to desk work within 5 to 7 days
Board Certified
Plastic surgeon with 30+ years of abdominal procedure expertise
How it works

Healing and Results

The navel heals progressively over several weeks, with final shape becoming visible once swelling resolves. Dr. Rodriguez schedules follow-up appointments to monitor healing and ensure the result meets the precision standard his patients expect.
01

Consultation and Planning

You will receive specific instructions to follow in the days before surgery, including medication adjustments and fasting guidelines if sedation is used. Dr. Rodriguez’s team coordinates all pre-operative requirements so nothing is left to chance on procedure day.
02

Pre-Procedure Preparation

You will receive specific instructions to follow in the days before surgery, including medication adjustments and fasting guidelines if sedation is used. Dr. Rodriguez’s team coordinates all pre-operative requirements so nothing is left to chance on procedure day.
03

Surgical Correction

Dr. Rodriguez performs the umbilicoplasty under local anesthesia, repositioning or reshaping the navel tissue and placing internal sutures to establish a clean, natural form. The procedure typically takes under 90 minutes, and most patients remain comfortable and aware throughout.
04

Healing and Results

The navel heals progressively over several weeks, with final shape becoming visible once swelling resolves. Dr. Rodriguez schedules follow-up appointments to monitor healing and ensure the result meets the precision standard his patients expect.
Ideal candidate

Navel Reconstruction may be a good fit if you

Candidacy is confirmed during an in-person consultation with Dr. Rodriguez.
What to expect

Before, during, and after

Before
In the week before your procedure, Dr. Rodriguez’s team will instruct you to stop all blood-thinning medications and supplements, including aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E, and fish oil. Smokers are required to stop at least two weeks prior to surgery, as nicotine significantly impairs tissue healing and increases complication risk. If your procedure involves sedation, you will fast from food and liquids for a minimum of eight hours beforehand.
During
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia in most cases, keeping you comfortable and aware while Dr. Rodriguez works with precision on the navel tissue. He excises excess skin, repositions the navel if needed, and closes with layered sutures designed to minimize visible scarring. The entire procedure takes between 45 and 90 minutes depending on the complexity of the correction required.
After
Immediately following the procedure, the navel will be covered with a small dressing and you will notice some puffiness and mild tenderness in the area. Most patients are discharged the same day with clear aftercare instructions and a follow-up appointment already scheduled. Avoid submerging the navel in water, including baths and pools, until Dr. Rodriguez confirms the incision has fully closed.
Recovery

What the first weeks may look like

●
Days 1 to 3
Swelling and bruising around the navel peak within the first 48 to 72 hours. Keep the area dry, avoid any pressure on the abdomen, and sleep in a slightly reclined position to minimize tension on the incision site.
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Days 4 to 7
Most patients return to sedentary work by day five. Dr. Rodriguez will assess the incision at your first follow-up and remove any external sutures if absorbable sutures were not used. Mild swelling and firmness at the navel are expected and normal at this stage.
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Weeks 2 to 4
Light walking and non-strenuous daily activity are appropriate during this window. The navel begins to take on its intended shape as swelling continues to resolve, though some firmness from internal healing tissue remains.
●
Weeks 5 to 12
By the end of the third month, the navel’s final shape is visible and the scar, which Dr. Rodriguez positions inside the navel rim, fades significantly. Full physical activity including core exercise resumes at six weeks with Dr. Rodriguez’s clearance.
Before & after

Real patients of Dr. Rodriguez

The before and after photographs in this gallery are real patients of Dr. Rodriguez who have provided documented consent for their images to be shared. Results vary based on individual anatomy, skin elasticity, and healing response, and no two outcomes are identical. These images are provided to give you an honest representation of the type of results Dr. Rodriguez achieves, not a guarantee of any specific outcome.
Individual results vary. Photos should only be used with documented patient consent.
Body Contouring
Before
Body Contouring
After
Consultation

Request your Navel Reconstruction consultation

Tell us what you would like to achieve. Our care team will follow up to help you plan the next step.
Your information is kept private and used only to respond to your request.

What patients say about Navel Reconstruction

Frequently Asked Questions about Navel Reconstruction

Clear answers to common questions before your consultation.
How much does navel reconstruction cost in Houston?
The cost of umbilicoplasty at Rodriguez Rejuvenation depends on the complexity of the correction, whether it is performed as a standalone procedure or combined with another treatment, and the type of anesthesia used. A personalized quote is provided after your consultation with Dr. Rodriguez. Financing options are available through the practice to help make treatment accessible.
The shape of the navel becomes clearer within the first two to three weeks as initial swelling subsides. The final result, including scar maturation and full tissue settling, is visible by the three-month mark. Results are long-lasting when body weight remains stable.
Umbilicoplasty is a low-risk outpatient procedure when performed by a qualified surgeon in an appropriate setting. Realistic risks include minor infection, asymmetry, and changes in navel sensation that are typically temporary. Dr. Rodriguez reviews all procedure-specific risks with you during your consultation so you can make a fully informed decision.
Dr. Rodriguez positions incisions within the natural rim of the navel, which conceals the scar effectively. Over time, this scar fades to a thin, pale line that blends with the surrounding skin. Proper wound care and sun protection during healing support the best possible scar outcome.
Yes. Outie navels in adults are most often caused by a small umbilical hernia or a persistent knot of scar tissue from the umbilical cord. Dr. Rodriguez corrects the underlying tissue structure and reshapes the navel to sit naturally inward. In cases involving a true hernia, he will coordinate with a general surgeon if hernia repair is needed alongside the cosmetic correction.
Umbilicoplasty is frequently performed alongside liposuction, a mini tummy tuck, or other body contouring procedures at Rodriguez Rejuvenation. Combining procedures reduces overall recovery time and allows Dr. Rodriguez to address the abdomen as a whole for a more cohesive result. He will advise on the safest and most effective combination based on your anatomy and goals.
If you have questions about navel reconstruction or want to understand whether umbilicoplasty is the right option for your anatomy, the best next step is a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Rodriguez. He takes the time to evaluate your specific situation, answer every question directly, and outline a plan built around your goals. Contact Rodriguez Rejuvenation in Houston to schedule your appointment.

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