Could my outie navel be a hernia? (Photo)

Question

I’m a 23 year old woman and as a child i had my umbilical hernia fixed but was still left with a pretty noticable outie. It didn’t protrude past my stomach but lately it pops out when I flex my abs a certain way. When I do so, my navel protrudes about 1/1,5 cm. When i cough or sneeze nothing seems to happen to it. Could it still be a hernia?

Omar Tillo, MD, MS, FRCS (Plast) · Answer

Looks and sounds like you have a recurrent umbilical hernia. It also looks like you have excessive skin.Can't confirm without physical examination. 
This can be fixed via umbilicoplasty and umbilical hernia repair.

Amir Nakhdjevani, MBBS, MRCS, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Thank you for your question and pictures of the concerned area.From your photos I can see that this is an umbilical-hernia. Best advice would be to get in touch with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your concerns in more detail. Best to look at professionals who have specialise in hernia repair surgery.With regards to the surgery, mesh is placed in the abdominal wall, at the weak spot where the hernia came through, to strengthen it. When the repair is complete, your skin will be sealed with stitches. These usually dissolve on their own over the course of a few days after the operation.Good luck in your search!

Bradley A. Hubbard, MD · Answer

Hi there and thanks for your question and pictures! It looks and sounds like that is an umbilical hernia.  It is a very easy fix that can be covered by your insurance.  I recommend going to a board certified plastic surgeon or a general surgeon that has a lot of experience in hernia repairs so that you don't have a reoccurrence again. Hope that helps!

Could my outie navel be a hernia? (Photo)

Answers (3)