Known also as the navel and belly button the visually prominent umbilicus is centred in the abdomen, in the young and slim adult at the level of the disc between 3rd and 4th lumbar vertebrae. It is the remainder of the gap in the abdominal wall that connected mother and fetus via the blood vessel containing umbilical cord. The gap in the abdominal wall may persist in infancy leading to an umbilical hernia which may require surgical repair but more often will subside spontaneously.

For most persons, the umbilicus is a depressed cavity which requires ordinary hygienic care, when this is absent, superficial infections may develop, or a type of horn may form. Some persons have an extruded umbilicus, which is not a hernia, but looks “different,” and may be the cause of concern. Umbilical hernia is a problem also in adult life, commonly associated with abdominal obesity; it may come with pregnancy and subside after delivery, or it may be a permanent feature with a tight ring of a mouth resulting in an obstructed hernia requiring surgical correction.

For those who do not like the appearance of their umbilicus, relief is obtained by  umbiliocoplasty, known colloquially as “belly button surgery.” This is not for repair of a defect such as a hernia, but is strictly to create a more pleasing, or less displeasing, appearance. As such, the prospective patient and surgeon will agree ahead of the operation on what appearance is going to best please the patient. It is recognized that commonly worn clothing, not only swim wear, exposes the umbilicus, and decoration with jewels is no longer the prerogative of the exotic east.