Concierge paediatric surgery · London
Umbilical hernia repair in children, by a consultant paediatric surgeon.
Most umbilical hernias close on their own by age 4–5. When they do not, a short day-case repair by a paediatric surgeon fixes the defect and keeps a natural bellybutton shape.
Why families choose us
- 01
A paediatric surgeon, in a children’s theatre
A named consultant paediatric surgeon, a proper day-case theatre and a paediatric anaesthetist — not an adult list bolted onto a children’s case.
- 02
Watchful waiting when it fits
Most umbilical hernias close on their own by age 4–5. We say so before you agree to surgery, and we time the repair properly.
- 03
Independent, and free
We are paid by no clinic, so the recommendation is impartial and costs your family nothing.
Indicative pricing
What a private paediatric umbilical hernia repair costs in the UK.
Indicative ranges across our partner children’s day units. NHS-funded repair is free at the point of use for any UK-resident child.
In short
A day-case repair in our network: £2,000–£3,500, home the same day.
| Procedure | Indicative range | Typical duration | Recovery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Umbilical hernia repair (child) — day-case GA | £2,000–£3,500 | 20–40 min | Same day home |
| Paediatric surgical consultation | £200–£350 | 30 min | Same visit |
| Combined umbilical + inguinal repair (same GA) | £2,800–£4,500 | 45–60 min | Same day home |
| Post-operative review (in person) | Included | 15 min | 4–6 weeks |
| NHS-funded repair (if referred) | Free at point of use | 20–40 min | Waiting list |
| Ultrasound of umbilical defect (if unclear) | £250–£450 | 15 min | Same visit |
Prices vary by clinic, by the paediatric surgeon and anaesthetist on the day, and by whether a second procedure (an inguinal hernia, for example) is done under the same GA. We come back with a firm quote within one working day.
The problem
The right surgeon, the right timing, the right theatre.
A child’s umbilical hernia deserves a paediatric surgeon, not an adult general surgeon squeezing in a small case — and the right advice on whether to wait, not just to operate.
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Not sure it needs surgery?
Around 90% close on their own by age 4–5. We say so before you agree to an operation.
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Worried about the anaesthetic?
A short GA delivered by a consultant paediatric anaesthetist — planned around your child, not around a busy adult list.
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Want a natural-looking bellybutton?
A careful surgeon folds the umbilical skin back into shape. Distortion is rare with good technique.
The journey
From enquiry to recovery — what happens, in order.
One clinician from first message to review — including the recovery window and the return to nursery or school.
Phase 1 · Before your procedure
Concierge, off-stage for you
Phase 2 · On the day
A few hours at the clinic
Phase 3 · After
Concierge, back on
- 01
Before
You tell us what is going on
A short, confidential form. Your child’s age, how long the bulge has been there, whether it is causing distress or is getting bigger.
- 02
Before
We come back with a recommendation
Within one working day: whether to wait, watch or repair — with the right surgeon and an indicative price if surgery is the step.
- 03
Before
We arrange the appointment
Usually within one to two weeks. Fasting instructions, favourite toy allowed, and clear guidance for parents on the morning of surgery.
- 04
On the day
Arrival at the children’s day unit
Arrival, consent, a chat with the surgeon and paediatric anaesthetist. Numbing cream on the back of the hand before theatre.
- 05
On the day
The procedure itself
20 to 40 minutes under a short general anaesthetic. A small curved cut just under the belly button, the defect closed, the umbilicus re-shaped.
- 06
On the day
Home the same day
A short recovery on the ward with a drink and a snack, then home within a few hours with written aftercare for parents.
- 07
After
Recovery and review
Gentle days for a fortnight, back at nursery or school in three to five days, and a review with photos at four to six weeks.
Typical end-to-end: 2–3 weeks from enquiry to procedure. Full healing: 4–6 weeks.
When it helps
When a paediatric umbilical hernia repair is the right step.
The situations we see most, plus the one red flag that means an emergency rather than an appointment.
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Still there at age 4–5
A defect that has not closed on its own by school age is the classic reason for a planned repair.
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Defect larger than 1.5–2 cm
Larger fascial defects are much less likely to close spontaneously and are usually repaired earlier.
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Symptomatic — pain or distress
A child complaining of discomfort, or a bulge that becomes tender when they cry or strain.
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Very large or unsightly bulge
A prominent proboscoid umbilicus that upsets the child or is causing skin issues.
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Cosmetic concern after age 4–5
Once the natural window for closure has passed, parental and child wishes are a legitimate reason to repair.
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Associated syndromes
Beckwith–Wiedemann, Down syndrome or congenital hypothyroidism — the paediatric team guides timing.
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Premature or low-birth-weight babies
More common in this group; most still close on their own, but larger defects are watched more carefully.
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Red flag: incarceration
A bulge that will not go back in, is tender, discoloured or paired with vomiting — same-day A&E, not a clinic booking.
Procedure options
Surgery is not always the first answer.
What each option on the table actually involves — and which fits which child.
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Watchful waiting
For most children under 4–5 with a small defect, the plan is simply to wait — around 90% close on their own.
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Planned herniorrhaphy (age 4–5)
A short day-case operation once it is clear the defect will not close spontaneously — the standard elective repair.
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Earlier repair for large defects
A defect over roughly 2 cm, or one growing rather than shrinking, is often repaired before school age.
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Urgent repair for incarceration
A rare but true emergency — reduction and same-admission repair by the on-call paediatric surgical team.
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Combined repair with an inguinal hernia
If your child also has an inguinal hernia, both can often be repaired under the same anaesthetic.
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Umbilical shape preservation
A careful technique that folds the umbilical skin back into a natural bellybutton shape — not a flat scar.
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Paediatric anaesthetic care
A short GA with LMA, delivered by a consultant paediatric anaesthetist familiar with young children and ex-preterm babies.
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Consultation only
An honest discussion of whether surgery is needed at all, and when — no obligation, no upsell.
Our vetted London network
A small panel of paediatric surgeons, we picked them.
Consultant paediatric surgeons across central, north, west and south London. Not listed publicly — introductions are made privately, once we understand your child’s case.
Selection criteria
How we choose every paediatric surgeon in our network.
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Consultant paediatric surgeons, not adult general surgeons operating on children
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A dedicated children’s day-case theatre and paediatric ward
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Consultant paediatric anaesthetists — with ex-preterm and syndromic experience
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Written parental aftercare and a named point of contact for the first week
Safety and recovery
What to expect afterwards — honestly.
Paediatric umbilical hernia repair is a common, safe day-case operation. The things worth planning are pain relief for the first few days, the two-week activity break, and knowing what is normal.
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Recurrence is very low in children
Under 5% in most series — much lower than in adults. Simple primary closure is enough; mesh is not used in children.
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Wound infection is uncommon
Around 1–2%. A small dressing for 24 hours, then a gentle bath from day 2 keeps things simple.
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Keloid or hypertrophic scarring
More likely with certain skin types — Afro-Caribbean and some Asian children. Careful closure and silicone scar care help.
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Umbilical distortion is rare
A careful surgeon folds the skin back into a natural bellybutton shape. Distortion is uncommon with good technique.
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Seroma or small fluid collection
A soft swelling under the wound that settles on its own over a few weeks — rarely needs drainage.
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General anaesthetic in a young child
Modern paediatric GA is very safe. Ex-preterm babies are watched carefully for apnoea — the anaesthetist plans for this.
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Suture reaction
A small pink lump under the scar as the suture dissolves is not unusual and settles by itself.
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Pain is mild and short-lived
Paracetamol and ibuprofen alternated for 2–4 days is enough for most children. Stronger painkillers are rarely needed.
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Red flags after surgery
Fever, spreading redness, a bulge coming back, or a child who is not eating or drinking — call the clinic or A&E the same day.
Reading your operation note
Your operation note in four parts. Read the last one first.
Whichever paediatric surgeon operates, the note that comes home with you keeps to the same shape.
A quiet reminder
Surgical language is precise and can read coldly — we translate it for you.
If you would like us to talk you through your child’s note before the review, just ask.
- 01 Header
Indication and timing
Why the repair was done — persistent defect at age 4–5, large defect, symptomatic child — and the age and weight on the day.
- 02 Technique
Anaesthetic and surgical technique
A short GA with LMA, an infraumbilical curved incision, the fascial defect closed primarily with interrupted sutures.
- 03 Findings
Defect size and umbilical shape
The measured size of the fascial defect, the state of the sac, and how the umbilical skin was re-shaped.
- 04 Impression
Recovery, activity limits, review timing
Read this first: what is normal for the next fortnight, when your child can return to nursery, PE and trampolines, and when to come back.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Cover for paediatric umbilical hernia repair varies by insurer and by policy — usually funded when medically indicated. We confirm cover before booking.
Frequently asked
Everything parents ask about umbilical hernia repair in children.
Quick answers on timing, cost, mesh, recovery and when to go straight to A&E.
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Will my child’s umbilical hernia close on its own?
For most children, yes. Around 90% of umbilical hernias close spontaneously by age 4 to 5. Larger defects (over about 1.5 cm) are less likely to close, and are more often repaired.
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When should a paediatric umbilical hernia be repaired?
Standard practice is to wait until age 4 to 5 and repair only if the defect is still there. Earlier repair is considered for very large defects, symptomatic children, or the rare case of incarceration.
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Is mesh used in a child’s umbilical hernia repair?
No. In children the fascial defect is closed directly with interrupted sutures — a simple, durable repair. Mesh is reserved for adults.
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How much does a private paediatric umbilical hernia repair cost in the UK?
Roughly £2,000 to £3,500 as a day case under a short GA in London and the South East. A combined umbilical and inguinal repair under the same anaesthetic sits around £2,800 to £4,500. NHS repair is free at the point of use if you are referred.
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How long does the operation take, and will my child stay overnight?
The operation itself takes 20 to 40 minutes. Almost all children go home the same day, after a couple of hours on the paediatric day-case ward.
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How long until my child is back at nursery, school and PE?
Back to nursery or school in three to five days for most children. Straddle toys, trampolines, PE and heavy play wait two to three weeks so the repair settles.
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When should I worry — what are the red flags?
A bulge that will not go back in, is tender or discoloured, or a child with vomiting or an unusually tender tummy is an emergency (possible incarceration) — go straight to A&E. After surgery, fever, spreading redness or heavy bleeding are reasons to call the clinic or A&E the same day.
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