What is the Best Way to Get an Umbilical Hernia Fixed with Least Amount of Scaring?

Most umbilical hernias (i.e. the straightforward, previously unoperated hernias) can be repaired primarily through a small incision along the inside rim of the upper portion of your belly button. The incisions are barely perceptible once fully healed. Check out the hernias repaired at the link below:

I am a board certified plastic surgeon as well as board certified general surgeon so I perform lots of umbilical hernia repairs for patients.  Sometimes by themselves, sometimes in combination with other procedures (breast or tummy).  In my practice, I generally fix this type of hernia through an infra-umbilical (below the belly button) incision.  Usually direct repair with sutures is possible.  Sometimes, if the skin is very stretched, some skin contouring of the belly button may be necessary to improve the aesthetic outcome.  Make sure you check credentials of your surgeon and make sure that they have performed this procedure before.

When I repair umbilical hernias, I typically use a semicircular scar inside the rim of the belly button.  It allows be to repair the hernia with a scar that is difficult to detect.