What Determines Your Belly Button's Shape?
Your belly button, or navel, is the scar left behind after your umbilical cord is clamped and falls off shortly after birth. This scar tissue can heal in different ways, resulting in a variety of shapes and depths. For most people, the healing process naturally creates a concave, or 'innie,' shape, where the skin retracts inward toward the abdominal wall. For others, the healing may result in a protruding or 'outie' belly button. This is primarily a matter of chance and natural variation in the scarring process. Contrary to popular myths, the shape is not determined by how the umbilical cord was cut or clamped by the doctor.
The True Causes of an Outie Belly Button
For most individuals, an outie is simply a normal, benign anatomical variation. However, in some cases, it can be caused by an underlying medical condition.
Umbilical Hernia
One of the most common reasons for an outie, particularly in infants and sometimes persisting into adulthood, is an umbilical hernia. This occurs when the abdominal muscles near the belly button don't close completely after birth, leaving a small opening. Part of the intestines, fat, or fluid can then push through this weak spot, causing a bulge. In many infant cases, small hernias close on their own by age 4 or 5. For adults, an acquired umbilical hernia can form due to increased abdominal pressure from factors like obesity, heavy lifting, or multiple pregnancies. Surgical repair is often recommended for adults.
Umbilical Granuloma
Less commonly, an outie can be caused by an umbilical granuloma, which is a small mass of inflamed tissue that forms after the umbilical cord falls off. It may appear as a soft, reddish lump and can sometimes ooze fluid. This condition is typically found in newborns and can be treated easily with topical treatments by a pediatrician.
Diastasis Recti
Diastasis recti is a condition where the rectus abdominis muscles (the “six-pack” muscles) separate. This often happens during pregnancy but can also occur due to significant weight gain. The separation can put pressure on the navel, causing it to protrude and look like an outie. Corrective exercises, like the Tupler Technique, can sometimes help strengthen the connective tissue, though in severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the muscle separation and restore the navel's position.
Why Natural Change Is Unlikely
For an outie that is simply a result of scar tissue and no underlying hernia, natural reversion to an innie is highly improbable. The scar tissue that forms the outie is permanent. The shape of your belly button is a fixed part of your anatomy, just like any other scar on your body. Temporary changes, however, can occur.
Temporary Changes during Pregnancy
During pregnancy, many women with innies will notice their belly button pop out, transforming into a temporary outie. This is due to the stretching of the abdominal muscles and the pressure from the growing uterus pushing on the navel. After giving birth, the belly button will typically return to its original innie shape as the abdominal muscles and skin return to their pre-pregnancy state, although sometimes it may look slightly different due to skin laxity. A permanent change can sometimes occur if a diastasis recti develops.
Weight Gain and Weight Loss
Significant weight fluctuations can also affect the appearance of a belly button. Weight gain can cause the belly button to appear shallower or even turn into an outie due to increased abdominal fat pushing the skin outward. Conversely, significant weight loss can cause excess skin to sag, which can alter the navel's appearance. In some cases, a tummy tuck or other body contouring procedure might be needed to address the excess skin and reshape the belly button.
The Surgical Solution: Umbilicoplasty
The only permanent and certain way to change an outie belly button to an innie is through a minor cosmetic surgical procedure called an umbilicoplasty. This can also be performed as part of a larger procedure, such as a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty.
How Umbilicoplasty Works
During the procedure, a plastic surgeon makes a small incision to either remove excess skin and fatty tissue or to repair a small umbilical hernia. The surgeon then uses internal stitches to anchor the belly button's stalk to the deeper abdominal wall, creating the desired inward indentation. For more information on this procedure, you can consult resources like Healthline's article on umbilicoplasty.
Umbilicoplasty Recovery
Recovery from umbilicoplasty is generally quick and straightforward. It is often an outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia. Patients can typically return to normal, non-strenuous activities within a few days, though heavy lifting and vigorous exercise should be avoided for several weeks to ensure proper healing and to allow the internal sutures to hold.
Comparison of Belly Button Types and Causes
| Factor | Congenital Outie | Umbilical Hernia | Pregnancy-Induced Outie |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cause | Normal variation in umbilical cord healing process | Failure of abdominal muscles to close completely | Increased pressure from a growing uterus |
| Appearance | Protruding scar tissue from birth | Bulge that may increase with straining (coughing, crying) | Outie that appears during pregnancy and resolves postpartum |
| Associated Pain | None | Typically painless unless incarcerated (rare) | None, but can cause skin sensitivity |
| Likelihood of Change | No natural change; requires surgery | May close spontaneously in children; adults require surgery | Almost always reverts to an innie postpartum |
| Treatment | Surgical umbilicoplasty for cosmetic change | Surgical repair, especially for adults and large hernias | No treatment required; resolves on its own |
Conclusion
In summary, while an outie belly button will not spontaneously change into an innie on its own, it can be a temporary occurrence during pregnancy or a sign of an umbilical hernia. For those who desire a permanent cosmetic change, a minor surgical procedure called an umbilicoplasty offers a reliable solution. It is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the exact cause of your outie and to discuss the best course of action for your individual situation.
