An “outie” belly button, or umbilical protrusion, is a common anatomical variation that many people are interested in changing, often for aesthetic reasons. This protrusion occurs when the navel, which is essentially a scar, develops with a slight outward bulge instead of an inward depression. While the shape is usually a normal, cosmetic difference, a protruding navel can also be caused by underlying medical conditions.
What Causes an Outie Belly Button?
The formation of the navel follows the falling off of the umbilical cord stump shortly after birth. The final shape of the belly button, whether an “innie” or an “outie,” is determined by the way the skin heals and the amount of scar tissue that remains. This is simply a natural variation in anatomy, not related to how the umbilical cord was cut or cared for.
When the protrusion is caused by a medical issue, there are two primary conditions: an umbilical hernia or an umbilical granuloma. An umbilical hernia occurs when the muscles around the umbilical ring do not fully close after birth, allowing a small portion of the intestine or fatty tissue to push through the opening. This results in a soft bulge around the navel that often becomes more noticeable when the infant cries or strains.
An umbilical granuloma, in contrast, is an overgrowth of moist, red tissue that forms at the base of the navel after the umbilical cord stump falls off. This benign mass of inflamed tissue can ooze a small amount of clear or yellow fluid. The cause of the protrusion significantly impacts the potential for natural resolution and the appropriate course of action.
The Reality of Spontaneous Resolution
For a protruding navel caused by an umbilical hernia in infants, the most common “natural” resolution is simply waiting for the body to heal itself. This process relies on the abdominal wall muscles closing the small opening, or fascial defect, on their own as the child grows. This is known as “watchful waiting” and is the standard practice for asymptomatic hernias in young children.
Over 90% of these hernias will close spontaneously without intervention by the time a child reaches about four to five years of age. Smaller hernias (less than one centimeter) have an even higher rate of spontaneous closure, though larger hernias can also resolve naturally. The probability of closure remains substantial even if the hernia is still present at three or four years old.
For umbilical granulomas, the natural course involves the tissue drying out and shriveling away, often within a week or two. If the granuloma persists, a doctor may recommend simple at-home treatments, such as applying table salt to the tissue for a short period to help it dry out. The vast majority of both umbilical hernias and granulomas in childhood resolve without the need for surgical intervention.
Addressing Common Home Remedies and Myths
Many widely circulated home remedies claim to fix an “outie” belly button, but these methods are generally ineffective and can be harmful. Practices such as taping, binding, or placing a coin or belt over the navel are not supported by medical evidence. These external compression methods do not aid the natural closure of the abdominal wall muscles, which is the underlying requirement for a hernia to resolve.
The primary risk of applying unsterile objects like coins or using adhesive tape is the potential for skin irritation, rashes, and serious infection. Germs can accumulate under the tape or coin, and the constant pressure can damage the delicate skin around the navel. Medical professionals strongly advise against using these non-medical interventions for both hernias and granulomas.
For adults whose protruding navel is simply a normal variation in scar tissue or a non-symptomatic hernia, external pressure cannot change the shape. The appearance of an “outie” is a result of the healed structure of the umbilical ring or excess skin. The only way to address a cosmetic “outie” in an adult is through an elective surgical procedure like umbilicoplasty.
When Professional Medical Intervention is Necessary
While many umbilical protrusions resolve naturally, certain signs indicate that immediate professional medical attention is required. For an umbilical hernia, a serious complication called incarceration occurs when the protruding tissue becomes trapped and cannot be pushed back into the abdomen. Signs of this complication include severe pain, tenderness, swelling, or discoloration of the hernia site.
Additional warning signs for a trapped hernia include vomiting, severe constipation, and an inability to push the bulge back in when the child is calm. If the blood supply to the trapped tissue is cut off, emergency surgery is necessary to prevent tissue death. Adults with umbilical hernias are more likely to experience complications and usually require surgical repair.
For an umbilical granuloma that does not resolve with home care, a doctor can perform a simple, non-surgical office procedure. The most common treatment involves the application of a chemical agent like silver nitrate, which painlessly burns off the excess tissue. In rare cases of a persistent or infected granuloma, or for hernias that do not close by age five, surgical correction is performed to prevent future complications.