Minimally Invasive Belly Button Hernia Surgery
An umbilical hernia develops when tissue — typically a portion of the intestine or fatty tissue — pushes through a weakness in the abdominal wall near the belly button. Adult umbilical hernias do not self-heal and require surgical repair. Dr. Richard Nguyen at Lifetime Surgical performs minimally invasive umbilical hernia repair with outpatient procedures and rapid recovery times.
In adults, the abdominal muscles around the navel can weaken due to several factors:
Umbilical hernias affect men and women roughly equally, though women who have had multiple pregnancies are at higher risk.
Adult umbilical hernias typically present with:
Dr. Nguyen tailors the repair approach based on hernia size, prior surgical history, and your overall health.
Umbilical hernia repair is an outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia. The operation typically takes 30–60 minutes. You will go home the same day and will need a responsible adult to drive you. Fast for 8 hours before surgery and follow Dr. Nguyen's pre-operative instructions regarding medications.
When an umbilical hernia is symptomatic, most insurance plans cover surgical repair as a medically necessary procedure. Lifetime Surgical accepts approximately 20 insurance plans. Call 408-850-0176 to verify your benefits before your consultation. For cosmetic repairs of asymptomatic hernias, self-pay pricing is available — we will provide a transparent estimate at your visit.
Small, truly asymptomatic umbilical hernias in adults can sometimes be monitored. However, unlike in children, adult umbilical hernias will not close on their own and carry a real risk of incarceration. Most physicians recommend repair before symptoms worsen or complications develop.
Dr. Nguyen places incisions strategically — often within or just below the navel — to minimize visible scarring. Robotic and laparoscopic approaches use multiple very small incisions rather than one large cut, further improving cosmetic outcomes.
In some cases, umbilical hernia repair can be combined with an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck). This is a discussion best had with both your general surgeon and plastic surgeon. Contact our office to explore whether a combined procedure is appropriate for your situation.
Untreated hernias tend to enlarge over time. The greatest risk is incarceration (trapped bowel) or strangulation (cut-off blood supply), both of which require emergency surgery. Emergency repair carries significantly higher complication rates than elective repair — which is why early treatment is recommended.
If you’ve noticed a bulge near your belly button or are experiencing abdominal discomfort, schedule a consultation with Dr. Richard Nguyen at Lifetime Surgical. We see patients at our San Jose and Los Gatos offices.
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