Risks if Umbilical Hernia Not Fixed?

There is no exercise or anything you can do to help your belly button to go back in, other than to have the hernia fixed.Your hernia may not cause any problems now, but it may become an issue or even an emergency if left alone.The incision used can be very small and made around the lower or upper portion of the belly button.  In most cases there is not a need to place any mesh if the hernia is small enough.  If you wait and the hernia gets bigger over time, then a mesh would likely be required.Hope that helps.

Thank you for your pictures and questions. The only significant risk of this type of hernia is if the intestinal contents can herniate out into the defect and get stuck there, this can cause strangulation and is a surgical emergency. Luckily this is a fairly rare occurrence with a hernia like yours. You can always go see a surgeon in your area to discuss your options for elective repair. Good luck!

Your problem is very common, especially in women who have given birth.  The umbilical hernia results from a small hole in the fascia - the tough fibrous tissue that makes up your abdominal wall - in the area of the belly button.  A small piece of the underlying fat that exists within the abdominal cavity, overlying the intestines, protrudes through this hole.  In most cases, this does not create anything more than the protrusion visible in your photograph; in a few, however, this protruding tissue can become stuck ("incarcerated") within the hole, and its blood supply strangulated and cut off.  This results in a great deal of pain, and requires emergent surgery to correct.  In order to prevent such an occurrence, elective repair of the hernia is generally recommended.  Unfortunately, there are no exercises or non-operative treatments that can rectify this structural problem.