What is the Navel?

The navel, often known as the belly button, or medically referred to as the umbilicus, is the natural indented area in the centre of the abdomen. It is the point at which the umbilical cord was attached to you before you were born.

After the umbilical cord is cut at birth, the opening heals and seals shut. When the remaining section of the cord falls off, the navel is left.

Although the navel has no functional purpose after birth, it is still an important and distinctive feature of the body. The shape and size of the navel vary between individuals, and an atypical navel can dramatically affect confidence.

Those who don’t feel comfortable with the appearance of their navel may:

Feel uncomfortable in certain clothing, especially tight-fitting clothing such as exercise clothing or swimwear
Have heightened anxiety about showing their body in an intimate relationship
Compare their appearance with others, which may develop into body dysmorphia
Experience teasing or bullying, especially during adolescence, increasing self-consciousness

It is important to remember that navel shape is a unique feature and that there is no such thing as a perfect belly button. However, if the shape of your navel is affecting your confidence and quality of life, speaking to a Consultant Plastic Surgeon can help you to find the most effective treatment.

What Affects the Shape of the Navel?

It is not possible to predetermine the natural shape or size of the navel when the umbilical cord is cut, and the way the umbilical cord is clamped and cut does not affect the shape of the navel. The way the navel develops has been described as an ‘anatomical wild card’.

However, several factors can affect belly button shaping over time:

Pregnancy

The navel shape during pregnancy can change in several ways, usually during the second and third trimester:

During pregnancy, the navel may:

Stretch
Flatten
Invert from an inward position to an outward, or protruding position

These changes result from the baby's growth, skin stretching, abdominal muscle separation, and the uterus pushing against the abdominal wall.

In some cases, this may cause itching or discomfort, or irritation from clothing rubbing against the navel.

Although many women find that their navel returns to its original shape after they have given birth, some women may be left with changes in their navel shape, which they may find emotionally or physically uncomfortable.

Significant Weight Fluctuations

Either dramatic weight loss or repeated weight fluctuations (repeatedly losing and gaining weight) can affect the shape of the belly button.

In cases of significant weight loss, the skin may not fully retract as fat is lost, leaving it stretched or sagging.

With repeated weight loss and gain, the skin constantly stretches and retracts, weakening it over time and causing it to stretch and loosen.

In both cases, the abdomen is often disproportionately affected in comparison with other areas of the body. Stretched or loose skin can alter the shape and appearance of the navel and may also cause hygiene challenges, potentially leading to skin irritation.

Scarring

Scar tissue developing in or around the navel can affect its shape and appearance.

Navel scarring is most often caused by a piercing, however it may also arise due to surgery, or injury.

Scarring can cause the skin to become firm or textured, pushing the navel into a different shape. Other scarring concerns, such as keloids, when the scar tissue grows outside of the original trauma site, can also force the navel to change shape.

Hernia

An umbilical hernia is a medical condition caused by weakening of the abdominal muscles around the navel, allowing tissue, fat, or bowel to protrude.

Although it is common in children and usually resolves on its own, it can also occur in adults and may require surgical treatment.

An umbilical hernia causes a soft bulge to develop next to the navel, which often disappears when lying down. This can result in a protruding navel.

There are several causes of umbilical hernias:

Underdeveloped abdominal muscles in babies
Increased abdominal pressure during pregnancy
Obesity
Heavy lifting

If you suspect you have an umbilical hernia, it is essential to seek medical attention to avoid the condition from worsening.

Medical Conditions

There are also medical conditions that either affect the navel directly, or affect the wider abdomen, indirectly impacting the shape and appearance of the navel.

Ascites

Ascites is a build-up of fluid in the abdomen, which can cause dramatic swelling. It is most often caused by severe liver cirrhosis and is relatively rare.

When this abdominal swelling occurs, the skin stretches, resulting in the navel flattening or becoming protruded. In addition to limiting mobility, ascites can cause the skin around the navel to become irritated due to friction from clothing.

Infections

As the navel tends to be a warm environment where moisture is easily trapped, bacteria and fungi can easily grow. This can lead to skin infections developing which when severe or left untreated, can cause the shape of the belly button to change.

Poor hygiene, piercings and tight clothing are all risk factors for navel infections to develop.

Infections can result in lumps or cysts growing in or around the navel, causing a change in shape.

While a change in shape may be temporary, in some cases, the changes may persist even after the infection has been treated.

Umbilical Granuloma

An umbilical granuloma is a small growth of tissue that forms within the navel.

Although they most often affect newborn babies, they can develop at any age. Umbilical granulomas can result from piercings and may become infected if not treated.

The small lump is usually removed by a doctor or surgeon, but scar tissue may remain, causing a change in navel shape.

It is important to remember that navel shape varies hugely from person to person, and changes over time are natural.

What Are the Different Shapes of Navel?

Although navel shape is an individual characteristic, there are several navel types and features that are important to understand if you are considering a belly button shaping procedure.

Medical professionals may use a set of criteria called the SHAPE classification to describe the appearance of the navel in detail:

Shape – What is the overall shape of the navel?
Hood – Does the navel have an overhanging flap of skin, known as the hood, and how much of the navel does it cover?
Adiposity – How does surrounding fat affect the appearance of the navel?
Protrusion & Position – Does the navel stick out and is it centred or positioned slightly to one side?
External Piercing – Has the navel been pierced, either currently or previously, affecting the appearance?

Infographic showing different navel shapes

Common belly button types, include:

Protruding (Outie) Navel

It is believed that around 90% of the population have navels which go inwards (also known as an inny belly button). The remaining 10% have navels that protrude to varying degrees, also known as an outie belly button.

This protrusion occurs when the area where the umbilical cord was attached heals into a raised scar rather than inwardly.

There isn’t anything harmful about having a protruding navel; however, in extreme cases, the excess tissue may cause rubbing and skin irritation.

Deep Hollow Navel

Also known as a deep belly button, a deep hollow navel has little definition and simply looks like a funnel.

The initial impression of a deep belly button may be that it appears as a dark impression on the skin.

A deep, hollow navel can trap sweat, dirt, and bacteria, making individuals more susceptible to hygiene concerns and infection.

Vertical Navel

A vertical navel appears as a slight up-and-down, narrow, indented split on the abdomen, looking similar to an upper-case I, and taller than it is wide. It is one of the most common navel shapes.

In some cases, the indentation may be smooth, but it can also have folds or knots of skin inside (also known as swirling). A vertical navel typically has minimal hooding.

Some individuals find that changes in abdominal skin due to weight loss or pregnancy emphasise the appearance of a vertical belly button.

Horizontal Navel

Sometimes known as a T shaped navel, a horizontal navel has a horizontal hood overhanging the indentation, creating a T shape, and making it wider than it is tall.

Along with vertical navels, the horizontal navel shape is one of the most common.

Unlike other types of inny belly button, the hood on a horizontal navel covers most of the area, sometimes giving the appearance of a fold of skin on the abdomen at first glance.

Round or Oval Navel

A round belly button is indented and doesn’t protrude. However, it has no hooding and is symmetrical, with a rounded appearance. A rounded navel may either be symmetrical from all angles with a more circular shape, or it may be slightly elongated for an oval navel shape.

Perfectly symmetrical round navels are relatively rare, although oval navels are relatively common. Similar to a vertical navel, they may have a smooth interior or may include folds of skin.

Lightbulb Navel

A lightbulb shaped navel has an oval shape, with a wider top section tapering into a narrow base.

They typically have minimal hooding and can have a smooth or textured interior. The shape may not be symmetrical.

What is the Most Attractive Navel Shape?

The shape of the navel is an individual and often unique characteristic, and what constitutes the most attractive navel shape is subjective.

The factors that may influence what someone finds more or less attractive about a navel may include:

Shape
Symmetry
Proportions compared with the rest of the abdomen
Depth
Features such as hooding or swirling

Most likely due to them being the most common navel shapes, many patients feel that either the vertical or horizontal is the best navel shape to achieve their desired results.

The belly button shape which suits one person may not suit another for several reasons. If you are considering a procedure to change the shape of your navel, your surgeon will discuss the options that best meet your needs during your consultation.

Can I Change the Shape of My Navel?

Due to the personal and changing nature of the shape of the navel, it is a common concern that many people wish to address.

Fortunately, several treatment options are available that can alter and enhance the shape and appearance of the navel.

Navel Surgery

Umbilicoplasty

Umbilicoplasty is a surgical procedure which addresses a range of concerns affecting the navel.

The Umbilicoplasty procedure is often performed to address common navel concerns, including:

Excess navel protrusion – Outie navel surgery to invert an outie belly button into an inny belly button to reduce skin rubbing and irritation
Distorted navel shape and size – Refining the shape and size of the navel following pregnancy or weight loss
Scar revision – Correct scarring concerns caused by injury or piercing

Following Umbilicoplasty, patients find that they have a balanced and harmonious navel in a shape that is suited to their body’s proportions.

Umbilicoplasty is a relatively simple procedure which takes up to 90 minutes to complete under either local or general anaesthetic. Recovery is usually straightforward and typically takes 2-4 weeks.

Abdominoplasty

For patients who have wider concerns about their abdomen, alongside their navel, an Abdominoplasty (also known as a Tummy Tuck) is often an effective procedure.

Abdominoplasty is suitable for patients who are concerned about removing excess loose skin following weight loss or pregnancy, which may also be affecting the shape and appearance of the navel.

Once your surgeon has removed the loose skin, they will reshape and reposition the navel. The result is a toned and smooth abdomen with a flattering and proportionate navel.

Abdominoplasty is performed under general anaesthetic and usually takes 2-3 hours to complete. Recovery is highly personal, and depending on the extent of the surgery may take 6-8 weeks.

Hernia Repair

Hernia Repair surgery is an effective option for patients seeking to address an umbilical hernia.

During a Hernia Repair procedure to treat an umbilical hernia, an incision is made around the navel in the affected area. The tissue which is being pushed through the weakened muscle is resolved and repositioned, and surgical mesh is used to reinforce the area, before the incisions are closed.

Some patients may opt to combine Hernia Repair with an Umbilicoplasty to address any other navel concerns during the same procedure.

Hernia Repair surgery usually takes 1-2 hours to complete and is performed under general anaesthetic. The recovery time is usually up to 6 weeks, depending on the extent of the procedure.

Words From Our Founder

Mr. Bryan Mayou

Although the navel is a small and often inconsequential area of the body, many people experience a loss of confidence due to changes in its shape and appearance. The range of surgeries available to address navel concerns allows surgeons to approach each patient’s requirements in a fully bespoke manner, achieving the highest quality outcomes.

Mr. Bryan Mayou

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do we have a navel?

The navel, colloquially known as the belly button, is effectively a scar, left behind by the umbilical cord, which is removed shortly after birth.

After birth, the navel has no practical function, but the umbilical cord is vital during pregnancy, transferring nutrients and oxygen from the mother to the baby.

When the umbilical cord is cut, a small stump is left behind. This dries out over a couple of weeks before dropping off, leaving the navel behind.

What is the technical name for the navel?

While the navel is commonly known as the belly button, medically it is called the umbilicus.

If you are considering belly button surgery, your surgeon may use medical terms such as umbilicus surgery to describe the procedure or in your medical notes. It is important to understand that these terms are interchangeable.

What is the belly button connected to?

Due to its purpose during pregnancy, belly button anatomy is slightly more complex than its nonfunctional nature out of the womb may suggest.

The navel is connected to the internal organs by two ligaments:

The falciform ligament connects the navel to the liver
The median umbilical ligament connects the navel to the bladder

These two connections are the remnants of a more comprehensive network that was functioning during pregnancy to allow the transfer of nutrients and oxygen.

After birth, these ligaments serve no function, but they remain behind the navel. During belly button surgery, your surgeon may operate on these ligaments to reshape and reposition the navel.

Are there medical concerns related to belly button shape?

For most people, their belly button shape is simply a unique characteristic. Although the belly button is not a functional part of the body, there are some medical concerns which may be connected to the shape of the navel; however, the navel shape in itself is not a medical concern:

Friction and skin irritation – Protruding or outie belly button shapes may cause rubbing against clothing, leading to skin irritation
Hygiene challenges – Deeper belly buttons are more likely to trap moisture and bacteria, and some people may experience hygiene difficulties, especially if there is additional excess skin present
Skin infections – Especially for those who experience hygiene challenges relating to their navel, skin infections can develop as moisture and bacteria become trapped within the belly button.

While the belly button can be affected by medical concerns such as umbilical hernia or umbilical granuloma, these are not directly linked to the shape of the navel.

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