An umbilical hernia is a small opening in the abdominal wall at the belly button where tissue can bulge outward. Many are painless, but some cause discomfort—and rarely, urgent problems if tissue gets trapped.
By Dr. Tim Neavin • Updated
What Is an Umbilical Hernia?
It’s a defect in the abdominal wall near the navel that allows fat or intestine to push forward. You might notice a soft “outie” that gets fuller with coughing or straining.
Symptoms & When It’s Urgent
Many umbilical hernias are painless and just look like a small bulge that changes through the day. Common symptoms include a soft lump at the navel, a sense of pressure with lifting, or mild discomfort after meals.
Go in urgently if a bulge becomes painful, firm, or discolored, won’t reduce when you lie down, or is paired with nausea/vomiting. Those can signal trapped tissue and need same-day evaluation.
Otherwise, repairs can be planned electively—alone or at the same time as a tummy tuck when that makes sense for your goals.
Repair Options: Suture vs. Mesh
Small, first-time hernias are often closed with strong sutures alone. Larger or recurrent hernias may benefit from a small piece of mesh to share the load and lower recurrence. The choice depends on size, location, tissue quality, and your activity level.
Note: Umbilical hernia repair is different from umbilicoplasty. Umbilicoplasty reshapes the belly button for appearance; hernia repair closes a defect in the abdominal wall.
Repair During a Tummy Tuck
If we find a small umbilical hernia during a tummy tuck, it can often be repaired in the same operation through the abdominoplasty exposure. Planning is tailored to preserve umbilical blood supply and achieve the best aesthetic result.
Recovery Timeline (Typical)
- Day 0–2: Soreness managed with meds; short, frequent walks.
- Week 1–2: Light duties; avoid heavy lifting and core strain.
- Week 3–4: Gradual increase in activity; still no heavy lifts.
- Week 6+: Most patients resume full exercise once cleared.
If combined with a tummy tuck, garment use and activity limits follow the abdominoplasty plan. We’ll tailor return-to-work and gym based on your job and healing.
FAQ
Do all umbilical hernias need mesh?
No. Many small, primary hernias are closed with sutures. Mesh is considered for larger or recurrent defects to reduce recurrence risk.
Is umbilical hernia repair the same as an umbilicoplasty?
No. Hernia repair fixes the abdominal wall defect; umbilicoplasty reshapes the belly button for cosmetic reasons. They can be done together when appropriate.
Is the repair covered by insurance?
Repair is typically considered medically necessary when symptomatic or at risk of incarceration. Coverage criteria vary by plan and documentation.