Umbilical Hernia in Adults: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Bulge at your belly button?

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THE SHORT ANSWER

An umbilical hernia in adults is a bulge at or near the belly button where fat or part of the intestine pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall. Unlike in babies, adult umbilical hernias rarely close on their own, and most adults eventually need surgery. A small, painless hernia can sometimes be watched, but a painful, growing or stuck hernia needs repair.

What Is an Umbilical Hernia in Adults?

An umbilical hernia is a bulge where tissue, such as fat or part of the intestine, pushes through a weakened area of the abdominal wall at or near the navel (umbilicus). It is one type of ventral hernia, meaning a hernia in the front of the abdominal wall.

Umbilical hernias are often associated with infants, and in babies many close naturally; Cleveland Clinic notes that more than 90 percent of children with umbilical hernias heal by age 5. Adults are different. An umbilical hernia that develops or persists in adulthood rarely closes on its own and can grow over time, cause discomfort or, if left untreated, lead to serious complications. That is why an adult belly button bulge deserves careful evaluation rather than a wait-and-see approach without a plan.

Why Do Adults Develop an Umbilical Hernia?

Adults develop umbilical hernias when increased pressure inside the abdomen pushes against a weak spot at the belly button. Common contributors include:

Pregnancy: increased pressure on the abdominal wall during pregnancy, especially with multiple pregnancies
Obesity or rapid weight gain: excess abdominal fat strains the abdominal wall
Chronic coughing or heavy lifting: repeated strain can gradually cause weakness
Previous abdominal surgery: scars or tissue weakness can predispose to hernias
Age-related tissue weakening: natural loss of muscle tone makes the abdominal wall more susceptible
Other sources of strain: prolonged constipation, straining to urinate from an enlarged prostate, repeated vomiting, and fluid buildup in the abdomen (ascites), for example from liver cirrhosis, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine and Cleveland Clinic

Cleveland Clinic notes that umbilical hernias are about three times more common in females than in males. If you have liver disease with fluid in the abdomen, tell your surgeon, because it changes how the hernia is evaluated and treated.

What Are the Symptoms of an Umbilical Hernia in Adults?

The main symptom is a soft bulge or swelling at or near the belly button that becomes more noticeable when you stand, cough or strain. Symptoms can be subtle or obvious and may include:

A visible bulge or swelling at or near the belly button, especially when standing, coughing or straining
Discomfort or aching pain in the abdomen
Pressure or heaviness around the navel
Occasional nausea or digestive changes if the intestine is involved
Tenderness or redness in more severe or complicated cases

Many patients notice that the bulge shrinks or disappears when they lie down, which makes the condition easy to overlook. A bulge that persists, causes discomfort or changes in size still needs a medical evaluation. Adults are more likely than children to feel a dull ache or pressure. Read more about pain around the belly button.

When Is an Umbilical Hernia an Emergency?

An umbilical hernia is an emergency when tissue becomes trapped in the hernia and cannot be pushed back in, because the blood supply to that tissue can be cut off. Most adult umbilical hernias are not emergencies, but go to the emergency room or call 911 if you have:

Sudden, intense or worsening abdominal pain
Redness, warmth or tenderness around the hernia, or a bulge that turns dark, purple or firm
Nausea, vomiting, or inability to pass gas or have a bowel movement
A bulge that cannot be gently pushed back in
Fever, a swollen belly or blood in the stool along with hernia pain

These signs may indicate incarceration (trapped tissue) or strangulation (trapped tissue with compromised blood flow). Both are surgical emergencies, and prompt treatment is crucial to prevent serious complications. See also when to worry about hernia pain.

Unsure About a Belly Button Bulge?

Board-certified general surgeon Dr. Murtaza Shakir evaluates adult umbilical hernias in Katy and Sugar Land and will explain whether watching or repair makes sense for you.

Request a consultation → (713) 955-9191

How Do Surgeons Evaluate an Umbilical Hernia?

A physical exam is usually enough to diagnose an umbilical hernia. The surgeon examines you lying down and standing, and may ask you to cough or tense your abdominal muscles. The exam focuses on:

The size and location of the bulge, and whether it can be pushed back in (reducibility)
Tenderness or signs of inflammation
How the bulge changes with standing, coughing or straining

In some cases, an ultrasound or CT scan is used to clarify what the hernia sac contains, measure the opening and check for complications such as trapped tissue or a bowel blockage. Imaging is also helpful when the hernia is hard to feel because of abdominal fat, or when there may be more than one hernia. The size of the opening matters, because it influences whether the repair is done with stitches alone or with mesh.

Does an Umbilical Hernia in Adults Need Surgery?

Most adults with an umbilical hernia eventually need surgery, but not always right away. Treatment depends on the size of the hernia, your symptoms and your overall health.

For small hernias that cause few or no symptoms, a conservative approach may be appropriate for a time:

Watchful waiting: monitoring the hernia for changes while avoiding heavy lifting or straining
Lifestyle changes: maintaining a healthy weight, strengthening abdominal muscles with guidance, and managing a chronic cough or constipation
Supportive belts or trusses: these can provide temporary relief but do not repair the hernia

Non-surgical approaches can be safe for selected patients, but they do not eliminate the hernia or prevent it from growing or causing complications. For ventral hernias, including umbilical hernias, the American College of Surgeons notes that watchful waiting is an option when the hernia is reducible and not uncomfortable, and that in a large study about 1 in 25 people who waited needed emergency surgery within 5 years. Repair is usually recommended when the hernia hurts, is growing, is hard to push back in or limits your daily activities. Read more on whether hernias go away on their own.

How Is an Adult Umbilical Hernia Repaired?

Surgery is the definitive treatment for most adult umbilical hernias. The surgeon returns the tissue to the abdomen and closes or reinforces the opening. The main approaches are:

Open repair: a small incision is made at the belly button, the protruding tissue is returned to the abdominal cavity, and the wall is closed with sutures or reinforced with mesh.
Laparoscopic repair: a minimally invasive technique that uses small incisions and a camera to repair the hernia from inside the abdomen.
Robotic-assisted repair: the surgeon controls robotic instruments for enhanced precision and visualization through small incisions, allowing careful reinforcement of the abdominal wall.

The choice of technique depends on the size of the hernia, your anatomy, previous surgeries and the surgeon’s judgment. Very small defects are often closed with stitches alone; the American College of Surgeons notes that primary repair without mesh is often used for defects under 2 centimeters, while larger openings are usually reinforced with mesh to lower the chance of recurrence. Learn more about umbilical hernia repair and robotic hernia repair.

What Is Recovery Like After Umbilical Hernia Repair?

Most adults return to light activities within days and avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for about 4 to 6 weeks. Recovery varies with the procedure and your overall health. Key points include:

A gradual return to light activities within days
Avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for 4 to 6 weeks, or as your surgeon advises
Watching for signs of infection, swelling or a returning bulge
Following specific dietary recommendations if the bowel was involved

Many patients notice a clear improvement in comfort and day-to-day activity once the hernia is repaired. Recurrence after surgery is possible but uncommon.

How can I lower the chance of the hernia coming back?

Maintain a healthy body weight
Avoid sudden heavy lifting or strain
Do core-strengthening exercises with guidance once your surgeon clears you
Manage a chronic cough or other breathing conditions
Treat constipation promptly to avoid straining

These habits complement the surgical repair and support long-term abdominal wall health. For general timelines, see how long hernia surgery recovery takes.

How Do Adults in Katy, Sugar Land and Houston Get an Umbilical Hernia Evaluated?

The first step is a consultation with a general surgeon who regularly repairs abdominal wall hernias. Adult umbilical hernias are best managed by a general surgeon with experience in open and minimally invasive techniques. When choosing a surgeon, look for:

Board certification in general surgery
Experience with laparoscopic and robotic hernia repair as well as open repair
A personalized treatment plan and clear guidance
Comprehensive post-operative care and follow-up

Before the visit, note when you first noticed the bulge, whether it has grown and what makes it worse. Bring a list of medications, prior abdominal surgeries and any imaging reports.

Dr. Murtaza Shakir is a board-certified general surgeon who sees patients from across the Houston area at offices in Katy and Sugar Land. Learn more about hernia repair, call (713) 955-9191 or request an appointment.

Questions to Ask Your Surgeon About an Umbilical Hernia

How large is the opening, and what does the hernia contain?
Is it safe to watch my hernia, or do you recommend repair now?
Will you repair it with stitches alone or with mesh, and why?
Would you use an open, laparoscopic or robotic approach for my hernia?
If I plan a future pregnancy or weight loss, how does that affect timing?
How long should I avoid heavy lifting and exercise after surgery?
Which symptoms should make me go to the ER while I wait?

Frequently Asked Questions

Will an umbilical hernia in an adult go away on its own?

Rarely. Many umbilical hernias in babies close naturally, but adult umbilical hernias usually stay and often slowly enlarge. A belt or truss can ease discomfort but does not repair the hernia.

Is an umbilical hernia dangerous?

Most are not emergencies, but any umbilical hernia can trap tissue. A bulge that becomes painful, firm or discolored and cannot be pushed back in, especially with nausea or vomiting, needs emergency care.

Can an umbilical hernia be caused by pregnancy?

Yes. Pregnancy increases pressure on the abdominal wall, and umbilical hernias are more common in women who have had multiple pregnancies. Many women first notice the bulge during or after pregnancy.

Is mesh always used for umbilical hernia repair?

No. Very small defects are often closed with stitches alone, while larger openings are usually reinforced with mesh to lower the chance of recurrence. Your surgeon will recommend an approach based on the size of the opening and your health.

How long does it take to recover from umbilical hernia surgery?

Most adults return to light activities within days and avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for about 4 to 6 weeks. Your surgeon may adjust this based on the size of the repair.

Key Takeaway

An adult umbilical hernia is a bulge at the belly button that rarely closes on its own, and most adults eventually need surgery. Small, painless hernias can sometimes be watched, while painful or growing hernias are repaired with stitches or mesh through an open, laparoscopic or robotic approach. A belly button bulge that becomes painful, discolored and stuck, especially with vomiting, needs emergency care.

Sources and Further Reading

This article is general education, not personal medical advice. For severe abdominal pain, fever with abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, or yellowing of the skin or eyes, seek emergency care.

Meet the Surgeon

Dr. Murtaza Shakir is a board-certified General Surgeon and is board certified in Complex General Surgical Oncology. He earned his medical degree at Aga Khan University, completed General Surgery residency at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, and a two-year Surgical Oncology fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. He sees patients at Surgical Associates of Southern Texas in Katy and Sugar Land.

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This page provides general information and is not a substitute for medical advice. For severe abdominal pain or other emergencies, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Last updated October 16, 2026.