A bulge near your belly button may be more than just a cosmetic concern. Here's how to know when an umbilical hernia needs medical attention—and when surgery may be the right choice.
Have you noticed a small bulge around your belly button? Maybe it becomes more noticeable when you cough, lift something heavy, or stand for long periods. You might feel some discomfort, pressure, or tenderness—or you might not have any symptoms at all.
If this sounds familiar, you may have an umbilical hernia, a common condition that occurs when tissue pushes through a weakened area of the abdominal wall near your belly button.
The good news? Umbilical hernias are often treatable, and not every hernia requires immediate surgery.
At ATX Robotic Surgery, our board-certified general surgeons, Dr. Shey Ditto and Dr. Jonathan Huynh, help patients throughout Austin and Central Texas understand their options, including minimally invasive and robotic hernia repair when appropriate.
What Is an Umbilical Hernia?
An umbilical hernia develops when fat, abdominal tissue, or sometimes a portion of the intestine pushes through an opening or weakened area in the abdominal muscles near the belly button.
Umbilical hernias can occur in both children and adults, but they behave differently depending on age.
In infants and young children, umbilical hernias often close naturally as the abdominal muscles develop. In adults, however, umbilical hernias generally do not go away on their own.
Adults may develop an umbilical hernia because of increased pressure on the abdominal wall, including from:
Pregnancy
Obesity or significant weight changes
Repeated heavy lifting or straining
Chronic coughing
Fluid buildup in the abdomen
Natural weakening of abdominal tissues over time
Some umbilical hernias are small and cause few symptoms. Others gradually enlarge or become uncomfortable.
How Do I Know If I Have an Umbilical Hernia?
The most common sign of an umbilical hernia is a visible or noticeable bulge at or near the belly button.
Other symptoms may include:
A soft lump that becomes more noticeable when standing, coughing, or straining
Pressure or discomfort around the belly button
Pain during exercise, lifting, or other physical activity
Tenderness around the bulge
A bulge that becomes larger over time
Some hernias can be gently pushed back into the abdomen or become less noticeable when lying down. These are called reducible hernias.
However, not every lump near the belly button is a hernia. A physical examination, and occasionally imaging, can help determine the cause.
Do Umbilical Hernias Go Away on Their Own?
In adults, umbilical hernias typically do not heal without surgery.
Unlike some childhood umbilical hernias, an adult's abdominal wall defect generally does not close naturally.
That doesn't mean everyone needs surgery immediately.
For adults with very small, reducible hernias that cause no discomfort, monitoring may be an option. However, hernias can enlarge over time, and some eventually become painful or develop complications.
A consultation with a general surgeon can help determine whether monitoring or surgical repair is the better approach.
When Does an Umbilical Hernia Need Surgery?
Surgery may be recommended when an umbilical hernia:
Causes pain, pressure, or persistent discomfort
Is growing larger
Interferes with exercise, work, or daily activities
Becomes difficult to push back into the abdomen
Has an increased risk of complications based on its size, contents, or other medical factors
Even if your hernia isn't particularly painful, it may be worth discussing repair before it becomes larger or more complicated.
Seeing a surgeon doesn't mean you're committing to surgery. It simply means getting the information you need to make an informed decision.
What Happens If I Don't Fix My Umbilical Hernia?
Some umbilical hernias remain relatively stable for years. Others gradually enlarge or become more uncomfortable.
The primary concerns with an untreated umbilical hernia include:
Hernia enlargement: The opening in the abdominal wall may become larger, potentially making future repair more complex.
Incarceration: Fat or intestine can become trapped in the hernia and may no longer be able to move back into the abdomen.
Strangulation: In more serious cases, the blood supply to trapped tissue or intestine becomes compromised. This is a surgical emergency.
When Is an Umbilical Hernia an Emergency?
Seek immediate emergency medical attention if you experience:
Sudden, severe, or worsening pain around the hernia
A bulge that becomes hard, extremely tender, or suddenly cannot be pushed back in
Redness or discoloration of the skin over the hernia, particularly with pain
Nausea or vomiting associated with a painful hernia
Significant abdominal swelling or inability to pass gas or stool
These symptoms may indicate an incarcerated or strangulated hernia or an intestinal obstruction.
Do not attempt to force a painful, stuck hernia back into place. Prompt emergency evaluation is important.
Can an Umbilical Hernia Be Repaired Robotically?
Yes! Depending on the size and complexity of the hernia, minimally invasive or robotic-assisted surgery may be an option.
At ATX Robotic Surgery, our surgeons evaluate each patient's hernia and overall health to recommend the most appropriate surgical approach.
Umbilical hernia repair may be performed using:
Open hernia repair: The surgeon makes an incision near the belly button to repair the weakened abdominal wall.
Laparoscopic hernia repair: The surgeon uses a camera and specialized instruments through several small incisions.
Robotic-assisted hernia repair: The surgeon controls robotic instruments that provide enhanced visualization and precise movement while repairing the abdominal wall.
For some patients, minimally invasive techniques may offer benefits such as smaller incisions and less postoperative discomfort. However, the best approach depends on the individual patient, and robotic surgery is not necessary or appropriate for every umbilical hernia.
Will I Need Mesh for My Umbilical Hernia Repair?
Not always.
Very small umbilical hernias may sometimes be repaired using sutures alone. For many adult hernias, however, surgical mesh is recommended to reinforce the abdominal wall and reduce the likelihood of recurrence.
Whether mesh is appropriate depends on factors such as the size of the hernia, previous repairs, overall health, and surgical technique.
Dr. Ditto and Dr. Huynh can explain the advantages and potential risks of each approach during your consultation.
How Long Does It Take to Recover From Umbilical Hernia Surgery?
Recovery depends on the size of the hernia, the surgical technique, and your overall health.
Many patients undergoing uncomplicated umbilical hernia repair return home the same day.
You may be able to resume light activities and walking relatively quickly, although strenuous exercise and heavy lifting may need to be restricted for several weeks.
Your surgeon will provide specific instructions about returning to work, exercise, and other activities based on your procedure and recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Umbilical Hernias
Can I exercise if I have an umbilical hernia?
Many people with small, uncomplicated umbilical hernias can continue some physical activities. However, exercises that cause pain or significant abdominal strain may worsen symptoms. Ask your surgeon which activities are appropriate for your situation.
Can losing weight make an umbilical hernia go away?
Weight loss may reduce pressure on the abdominal wall and improve symptoms, but it generally will not close an existing hernia defect. For some patients, weight management before surgery may help reduce the risk of complications or recurrence.
Is an umbilical hernia the same as a belly button hernia?
Yes. An umbilical hernia is commonly called a belly button hernia because it occurs at or near the umbilicus, the medical term for the belly button.
Can an umbilical hernia come back after surgery?
Yes, although surgical repair significantly reduces the risk of ongoing hernia-related problems. Recurrence can occur, particularly in patients with certain risk factors such as obesity, smoking, wound complications, or increased abdominal pressure. Using mesh when appropriate can help reduce recurrence.
Is umbilical hernia surgery covered by insurance?
Many health insurance plans cover medically necessary umbilical hernia repairs. Coverage depends on your individual plan, medical circumstances, and whether the procedure meets the insurer's requirements. Repairs performed solely for cosmetic reasons may not be covered.
Umbilical Hernia Treatment in Austin, Texas
If you've noticed a bulge near your belly button, experience discomfort when lifting or exercising, or have been told you have an umbilical hernia, you don't have to guess whether surgery is necessary.
At ATX Robotic Surgery, our board-certified general surgeons, Dr. Shey Ditto and Dr. Jonathan Huynh, provide personalized evaluations and treatment recommendations for patients with umbilical hernias and other abdominal wall conditions.
With convenient offices in North Austin and South Austin, we help patients understand their options, including minimally invasive and robotic hernia repair when appropriate.
Our goal is simple: to make your surgical experience clear, comfortable, and efficient—while helping you make the best decision for your health.
Have a belly button bulge? Schedule a consultation with ATX Robotic Surgery today to find out whether your umbilical hernia needs treatment.
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