That small bulge near your belly button might seem harmless at first, but umbilical hernias can grow, cause increasing pain, and lead to serious complications if left unaddressed. Whether yours was recently diagnosed or has been bothering you for years, getting the right information and the right surgeon makes all the difference.
At NYC Hernia, Dr. Brian Jacob, MD, FACS brings decades of specialized hernia expertise and an internationally recognized reputation to every patient he treats, offering personalized care and outcomes that speak for themselves.
What Is an Umbilical Hernia?
Umbilical Hernia Symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. Some people notice no discomfort at all, while others experience significant pain and disruption to daily life. Common signs include:
- A visible bulge near the navel, especially when standing, coughing, or straining
- Pain or discomfort when bending, lifting, or coughing
- Swelling, puffiness, or tenderness at the hernia site
- A hernia that increases in size over time
- Discoloration, which may signal a complication such as strangulation
How Serious Is an Umbilical Hernia?
The severity of an umbilical hernia depends on its size, symptoms, and whether complications are present. An untreated hernia can remain stable, but it can also lead to incarceration (where tissue becomes trapped and cannot be pushed back), strangulation (where blood supply is cut off), bowel obstruction, or worsening pain. Surgical repair is generally recommended for larger hernias or those causing increasing symptoms.
Who Is at Risk for an Umbilical Hernia?
Several factors can increase your likelihood of developing an umbilical hernia, including:
- Obesity, which places excess pressure on abdominal muscles
- Pregnancy, particularly with large or multiple pregnancies
- Chronic coughing, which repeatedly strains the abdominal wall
- Heavy lifting or strenuous physical activity
Umbilical Hernia Treatment Options
One of the most important things to know about umbilical hernia repair is that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. More than 10 recognized surgical techniques exist, and the best approach depends on your hernia size, overall health, and other individual factors. Common options include:
- Open primary repair (suture closure without mesh)
- Open mesh repair, with mesh placed in different positions depending on the technique
- Laparoscopic or robotic mesh repair, both considered minimally invasive surgery (MIS)
Before agreeing to any procedure, make sure you understand exactly what technique your surgeon recommends and why. Some approaches may be more than necessary for smaller hernias. Dr. Jacob will walk you through the options that make the most sense for your specific case, including whether imaging is needed and whether a diastasis repair is truly warranted alongside your hernia repair.
An umbilical hernia belt is a temporary, non-surgical support device that can reduce protrusion and relieve discomfort during daily activities. It is not a permanent solution but may provide relief while you plan next steps.
Preparing for Umbilical Hernia Surgery
Before surgery, Dr. Jacob’s team will review your medical history and discuss any factors that may affect your outcome, including BMI and smoking status. The night before surgery, shower and clean your belly button thoroughly. You may eat a normal dinner, but do not eat or drink anything after midnight. Take your usual medications unless instructed otherwise, and do not take blood thinners without first checking with Dr. Jacob.
What to Expect on Surgery Day
Plan to arrive at the facility one to two hours before your scheduled surgery. The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia, though local anesthesia may be used in some cases. Afterward, you will be monitored in the recovery room and helped to sit, stand, and walk before being discharged. Most patients go home within two to four hours after surgery ends.
Recovery After Umbilical Hernia Surgery
Recovery from umbilical hernia repair is generally straightforward. Here is what most patients can expect:
- Mild to moderate incisional discomfort lasting two to fourteen days, typically resolved by weeks three to four
- Pain medication prescribed as needed; most patients use about five tablets over the first two days
- Walking and light activity permitted the same night as surgery
- Showering allowed the first day after surgery; no bathing or swimming for five days
- Return to work without restrictions typically within three to seven days
- Gym workouts, running, and lifting over 25 pounds can generally resume after three to four weeks, or when fully pain-free
- No driving for the first two to four days, and never while taking pain medication
Allow yourself up to three weeks to feel completely back to normal. At the three- to six-month follow-up, fewer than 0.1% of patients report any remaining symptoms.
Why Choose NYC Hernia for Umbilical Hernia Surgery in New York, NY?
Choosing the right surgeon for hernia repair is one of the most consequential decisions you can make. Dr. Brian Jacob is a Professor of Surgery at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and has been recognized as one of the best hernia surgeons in New York City by The New York Times Magazine for 14 consecutive years. He is also listed as a Top Doctor in New York Magazine from 2012 through 2026 by Castle Connolly Medical Ltd.
As the founder and CEO of the International Hernia Collaboration, Dr. Jacob oversees the surgical education of more than 15,000 hernia surgeons around the world. His commitment to raising the standard of hernia care is unmatched, and that same dedication carries into every patient consultation. He is extensively published, a past and current board member of leading surgical societies, and a co-editor of The SAGES Manual on Hernia Repair.
Schedule Your Umbilical Hernia Consultation in New York, NY
A bulge near your belly button is worth taking seriously, and getting the right evaluation early gives you the most options. Whether your hernia is small and newly discovered or has been growing for some time, Dr. Brian Jacob and the team at NYC Hernia are here to give you a thorough, honest assessment and a clear path forward.
Contact NYC Hernia at 212-879-6677 or schedule your consultation online (opens in new tab).
