- 7/24 Live Call Center
Last Updated on November 26, 2025 by Bilal Hasdemir
Discover does an umbilical hernia go away naturally or when it requires medical or surgical treatment.
Umbilical hernias in adults are a big worry because they can lead to serious problems. Unlike babies, where they often heal by themselves, adults face a different situation. The Medical organization says umbilical hernias in adults are more serious and usually don’t fix themselves.
Understanding the risks and treatment options is key for adults with an umbilical hernia. Many wonder if surgery is always needed. But, the truth is, many cases need surgery to avoid more issues.
Whether to have surgery depends on a few things. These include how big the hernia is and if you’re feeling symptoms. Trusted specialist care at places like Liv Hospital can help figure out the best course of action.
An umbilical hernia is a bulge around the belly button. It happens when the abdominal wall is weak. This allows intestine or fatty tissue to push through an opening near the navel.
An umbilical hernia is a bulge around the belly button. It’s caused by a weak spot in the abdominal wall. This allows organs to bulge out, creating a noticeable bulge.
Medical experts say umbilical hernias are more common in adults with certain risk factors. These include obesity, pregnancy, or conditions that increase abdominal pressure.
The abdominal wall has layers of muscles and tissue. A gap or weakness in these layers can cause a hernia. In adults, this weakness can be due to strain, previous surgeries, or congenital conditions.
Umbilical hernias are common in adults, mainly in certain groups. Risk factors include obesity, pregnancy, chronic coughing, and conditions that increase abdominal pressure. Adults with these risk factors are more likely to get an umbilical hernia.
Key risk factors for umbilical hernias in adults:
The main symptom of an umbilical hernia is a bulge or swelling around the belly button. This bulge may be more noticeable when coughing, straining, or standing upright. Some adults may also feel discomfort or pain, if the hernia becomes incarcerated or strangulated.
Common symptoms include:
It’s important to recognize the signs and symptoms of an umbilical hernia. If you think you have one, see a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Umbilical hernias show up differently in adults and infants. Knowing these differences helps pick the best treatment.
Umbilical hernias are common in babies and often fix themselves. This happens because the umbilical ring closes as the child grows. Usually, these hernias close by age 3 to 5 without treatment.
The baby’s soft and strong belly wall, along with small hernias, helps them close up. This is why many infant hernias heal on their own.
Adult umbilical hernias don’t usually fix themselves. Adults face more stress on their belly, making it harder for the hernia to close.
Adults have a stronger belly than babies. This affects how umbilical hernias behave. Adults’ bellies face more pressure from things like being overweight or lifting heavy.
Key factors contributing to the differences in adult abdominal walls include:
Babies’ bodies heal faster than adults’. Their tissues are more flexible and can grow back quickly. This helps baby hernias close up naturally.
Adults’ bodies heal slower. This is because of aging, smoking, and health issues. So, adults often need surgery to fix their hernias.
In short, baby hernias usually heal by themselves. But adults often need surgery because their hernias are more serious and don’t heal naturally.
It’s important for adults with umbilical hernias to know if they can heal by themselves. Unlike some other health issues, umbilical hernias usually don’t fix themselves.
Studies have found that umbilical hernias in adults rarely get better without help. Research indicates that even small hernias often don’t go away.
Adults with small umbilical hernias, like those 1.5 cm, rarely heal by themselves. Clinical observations show that these hernias can stay the same size for years. They usually need treatment to heal.
The way untreated umbilical hernias act in adults can vary. Some stay small and don’t cause much trouble. But others can get bigger and cause serious problems. It is essential for adults with umbilical hernias to see a doctor to figure out the best treatment.
In summary, even though some umbilical hernias in adults might not cause problems for a while, they usually don’t heal by themselves. It’s important for adults to get regular check-ups and medical advice to manage this condition well.
It’s important to know what affects umbilical hernia healing. This knowledge helps adults choose the right treatment. Several key factors play a role in whether a hernia can heal on its own or needs surgery.
The size of the hernia is a big factor. Small hernias might heal without surgery. Studies show that hernias under 1.5 cm have a better chance of closing up.
Things like being overweight, lifting heavy, or having a chronic cough can make the hernia bigger. This makes it harder for it to heal on its own.
Age and tissue quality also matter a lot. As people get older, their tissues get weaker. This makes it harder for hernias to heal without surgery. Younger people with strong tissues are more likely to see their hernias close up naturally.
Tissue quality can be affected by diet, smoking, and health issues. If tissues are not in good shape, healing without surgery is less likely.
Medical conditions can also affect hernia healing. Conditions that raise pressure inside the belly or weaken tissues can make healing harder.
These conditions can change the chance of healing and might lead to surgery being the best option.
Not treating an umbilical hernia can cause serious health problems. Some adults might not see problems right away. But ignoring an umbilical hernia can lead to big risks.
Ignoring an umbilical hernia can lead to serious issues. Incarceration happens when the bulging tissue gets stuck. Strangulation is worse, cutting off blood to the tissue.
Incarceration and strangulation can cause a lot of pain, nausea, and vomiting. If not treated, these can lead to gangrene, infection, and even death.
An untreated umbilical hernia will get bigger over time. This can make it more painful and cause other problems like discomfort when moving or bowel obstruction.
An untreated umbilical hernia can really affect your life. The pain and discomfort can make it hard to do everyday things and cause emotional stress.
| Complication | Description | Potential Consequences |
| Incarceration | Trapped herniated tissue | Severe pain, nausea, vomiting |
| Strangulation | Cut-off blood supply to herniated tissue | Gangrene, infection, death |
| Progressive Enlargement | Hernia grows over time | Discomfort, bowel obstruction |
It’s important to know the risks of not treating an umbilical hernia. Even if you don’t see problems right away, the risks are real.
Deciding if surgery is needed for an umbilical hernia depends on several things. It’s often recommended when the hernia could harm the patient’s health or greatly affect their life. Knowing these factors helps in making the right treatment choice.
The size of the hernia is a big factor in deciding if surgery is needed. Larger hernias are more likely to need surgery because of the higher risk of problems. Hernias bigger than 1.5 cm usually need surgery because they’re less likely to heal on their own.
Key size-based guidelines include:
Symptoms also play a big role in deciding if surgery is needed. If you’re in pain, uncomfortable, or have other symptoms from your hernia, you might need surgery. How much these symptoms affect your daily life is very important.
Common symptoms that may indicate surgery include:
At times, an umbilical hernia can become an emergency that needs surgery right away. If the hernia gets stuck or cut off, it’s a serious problem that needs quick action. Knowing the signs of these emergencies is key for getting help fast.
Signs that require immediate medical attention:
In conclusion, choosing to have surgery for an umbilical hernia involves looking at several things. These include the size of the hernia, symptoms, and possible complications. By understanding these, both patients and doctors can make the best treatment choice.
There are different ways to fix an umbilical hernia, like open and laparoscopic surgery. The right choice depends on the hernia size, the patient’s health, and the surgeon’s opinion.
Open repair means one big cut near the hernia to fix it directly. It’s good for small hernias. Laparoscopic surgery uses small cuts and a camera to fix the hernia from inside. Laparoscopic surgery is minimally invasive, which can mean less pain and quicker healing.
Choosing between open and laparoscopic surgery depends on the patient’s health and the hernia’s size. Laparoscopic surgery is better for smaller hernias and less pain. But, it’s not for everyone, like those with big hernias or past surgery scars.
Another big decision is whether to use a mesh to strengthen the area. Mesh repairs are common because they lower the chance of the hernia coming back. The mesh can be put in with either open or laparoscopic surgery. Small hernias might not need a mesh.
Umbilical hernia repair has risks, like infection and bleeding. But, for most, the risks are low, and the surgery is safe. Serious complications are rare. Most patients see big improvements after surgery.
Talking to your doctor about your risks and worries is key. Your health, age, and other health issues can affect how safe and successful the surgery will be.
Recovering from umbilical hernia surgery takes time and effort. Knowing what to expect can make a big difference. It can help you feel better and more satisfied with your care.
The time it takes to recover can vary. It depends on the surgery type and your health. Here are some general recovery steps:
Good care after surgery is key to a smooth recovery. You should:
Also, watch out for any unusual signs. Tell your doctor if you notice anything odd.
Most people see big improvements after surgery. Symptoms lessen, and life gets better. But, how often it comes back depends on the surgery and your health.
| Surgical Technique | Recurrence Rate |
| Open Repair with Mesh | 1-5% |
| Laparoscopic Repair | 2-3% |
| Non-Mesh Repair | 5-10% |
Knowing these details helps you choose the best treatment for you.
Knowing if an umbilical hernia will heal on its own or needs surgery is key for adults with this issue. The chance of it healing itself depends on the hernia size, the patient’s age, and any health problems they have.
Choosing the right treatment for an umbilical hernia means looking at these factors and talking to a doctor. Liv Hospital uses proven surgical methods. They focus on keeping patients safe and getting the best results, helping those with umbilical hernias get the care they need.
Patients should think about the pros and cons of each treatment option. This helps them make a choice that fits their situation best. Getting advice from skilled doctors is vital for finding the best way to treat an umbilical hernia.
Adults with umbilical hernias usually don’t heal on their own. The chance of healing depends on the hernia size, age, and health conditions.
Small umbilical hernias in adults might not heal by themselves. Studies show they could stay the same or get bigger, leading to problems.
Surgery for umbilical hernias is usually safe with skilled surgeons. But, like any surgery, there are risks like infection or the hernia coming back.
Not treating umbilical hernias can cause serious issues. These include the hernia getting stuck or strangulated, and it can grow bigger, affecting your life quality.
Surgery is often needed for big, painful, or complicated hernias. The decision depends on the hernia size, symptoms, and emergency situations.
There are open and laparoscopic surgeries, with or without mesh. The choice depends on the hernia size, complexity, and the patient’s health.
Recovery time varies based on the surgery type and individual factors. Generally, people can get back to normal in a few weeks, but should avoid heavy lifting.
Recurrence rates vary based on the surgery and patient factors. Using mesh can lower the chance of the hernia coming back compared to not using it.
Yes, conditions like diabetes, obesity, or chronic cough can affect hernia healing and increase complication risks.
Yes, an untreated umbilical hernia can greatly affect your life. It can cause pain, discomfort, and limit your daily activities.
Ljubičić, N., et al. (2015). Biliary leakage after urgent cholecystectomy. Journal of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Sciences. Retrieved from
