Can I cure or reverse an Umbilical Hernia w/ a particular exercise set.I'm a student and I don't have enough for surgery. (photo

Question

I've had umbilical hernia since I was born, my parents were told to leave it alone and that it would heal when I grow apparently it didn't go away completely and now I'm 17 and I still have the bulge, it's painless but it's a bit embarrassing especially when I'm in public or in a beach.

Joel Patrick Maier, MD · Answer

It is true that a lot of newborn umbilical hernias will go away by age 3. With you, it remained. This would be covered by health insurance when you have coverage. It is a simple outpatient procedure. Good luck and thanks for sharing.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, there is no cure other than surgical repair. Fortunately, it appears that the defect is wide enough where it won't become a problem in the near future. However, I would caution you in gaining weight as the increased abdominal pressure from internal fat might make the defect larger. Look into a local teaching hospital. They may be able to help you.Best wishes,Gary Horndeski M.D.

Joseph L. Grzeskiewicz, MD, FACS · Answer

While in some cases those congenital umbilical hernias close on their own, in many, like yours, they do not.  At this point the hernia represents a defect, or opening, in the muscle wall of the abdomen, and the contents of the abdomen, like fatty tissue or bowels, can slide through the opening.  In the worst case scenario, those things can get trapped, or incarcerated, and sometimes they get cut off from their blood supply and this can cause catastrophic problems.  So, repairing this hernia is really not just about appearance, but about decreasing the risk of a potential catastrophe.  While many plastic surgeons have the training and experience to do such a procedure, you may need to be evaluated by a general surgeon in all actuality, as many plastic surgeons don't have the training to do this or wouldn't do this type of surgery.  I would not wait too long before having this evaluated because every day that you wait is a day that something could go wrong.  In the meantime keep your weight under control in order to decrease the pressure in your abdomen and keep the organs from pushing out through the hernia.  Good luck.

Can I cure or reverse an Umbilical Hernia w/ a particular exercise set.I'm a student and I don't have enough for surgery. (photo

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