Can Umbilical Hernias Heal on Their Own? Myths vs. Facts

Umbilical hernias are common, yet they’re often misunderstood. Many people wonder: “Will my umbilical hernia go away by itself?” If you’ve been diagnosed with an umbilical hernia — or suspect you have one — it’s important to separate facts from myths, so you can make the best decisions for your health.

In this blog, we’ll break down what an umbilical hernia really is, when it might heal on its own, when surgery becomes necessary, and why ignoring it can be risky.

 What is an Umbilical Hernia?

An umbilical hernia occurs when part of your intestine, fatty tissue, or fluid pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles near the belly button (navel). This creates a visible bulge, especially when you cough, cry, or strain.

Umbilical hernias are common in infants and young children, but they can also occur in adults due to factors like obesity, multiple pregnancies, heavy lifting, or previous abdominal surgery.

 Why Do People Think Umbilical Hernias Heal Naturally?

This belief comes mainly from what happens in babies. In infants, umbilical hernias are very common — about 10–20% of babies are born with one. For most babies, these small hernias close on their own by age 3 to 5, as their abdominal wall muscles strengthen.

However, this is not the case for everyone — especially not for adults.

Fact Check: Do Umbilical Hernias Heal On Their Own in Adults?

👉 MYTH: Umbilical hernias always heal naturally, even in adults.

👉 FACT: Unfortunately, once an umbilical hernia has developed in an adult, it almost never closes on its own. This is because the weakened area in the abdominal wall doesn’t have the capacity to heal and seal itself once the hernia has formed.

What Happens If You Ignore an Umbilical Hernia?

Some people live with small hernias for years without major issues. But ignoring it can be risky:

• The hernia can gradually become larger over time.

• There’s a risk it can become incarcerated, meaning the herniated tissue gets stuck and can’t be pushed back in.

• An incarcerated hernia can lead to strangulation, where the blood supply to the trapped tissue is cut off. This is a medical emergency and requires urgent surgery.

So, while it may seem harmless at first, an untreated hernia can suddenly become painful — and even life-threatening — if complications develop.

When is Surgery Needed for an Umbilical Hernia?

In adults, surgery is the only definitive treatment for an umbilical hernia. Your doctor may recommend surgery if:

✔️ The hernia is large or getting bigger ✔️ You experience pain or discomfort ✔️ You can’t push the hernia back in easily ✔️ The hernia becomes stuck (incarcerated) ✔️ There are signs of strangulation (severe pain, redness, vomiting)

Surgical repair is generally safe and effective. It involves pushing the herniated tissue back inside and strengthening the abdominal wall, often with the help of a mesh implant.

How is Umbilical Hernia Surgery Performed?

Your surgeon may recommend:

• Open Hernia Repair: A small incision is made near the belly button. The protruding tissue is pushed back, and the muscle wall is stitched up and sometimes reinforced with a mesh.

• Laparoscopic (Minimally Invasive) Repair: Small keyhole incisions and a camera are used. Recovery is often quicker, with less post-op pain.

Both methods have excellent success rates when performed by an experienced surgeon.

Are There Non-Surgical Treatments?

Some people ask about:

🔹 Trusses or Hernia Belts: These may provide temporary support but do not heal the hernia.

🔹 Exercises or Diet: While a healthy lifestyle can prevent worsening, no exercise can close the hernia once it has formed.

🔹 Home Remedies: There is no proven home remedy to heal an adult umbilical hernia.

In other words, these options might relieve some discomfort for a while, but they don’t fix the underlying problem.

 Do Umbilical Hernias in Children Always Need Surgery?

For babies and young children, it’s a different story:

✅ Small hernias (less than 1.5 cm) often close naturally by age 3 to 5. ✅ If the hernia persists after age 5, is larger than 2 cm, or causes discomfort, surgery may be needed. ✅ Your pediatrician will monitor it regularly.

So, in children, it’s perfectly normal to “wait and watch” under a doctor’s guidance.

Myths vs. Facts at a Glance

Myth	Fact
All umbilical hernias heal naturally	Only infant hernias may close on their own; adult hernias do not.
You can push the hernia in forever	Over time, hernias may become trapped and need emergency surgery.
A hernia belt will fix it	Belts may support temporarily but do not heal the hernia.
Surgery is dangerous	Umbilical hernia surgery is common, safe, and highly successful.

Final Takeaway

👉 In adults, umbilical hernias don’t heal on their own. 👉 Surgery is the only proven treatment to fix the weakness in your abdominal wall and prevent serious complications.

👉 If you have an umbilical hernia, don’t ignore it — talk to a qualified surgeon about your options.

👉 For infants, most hernias heal naturally by age 3 to 5, but regular check-ups are important.

Have Questions? Consult a Specialist

If you’re living with an umbilical hernia, don’t wait until it becomes an emergency. Book a consultation with an experienced surgeon to discuss the safest and most effective treatment plan for you.

Stay informed. Stay healthy.