Umbilical Hernia in Singapore: Symptoms, Surgery Options, and Recovery

If you’ve noticed a soft bulge around your belly button, you may be dealing with an umbilical hernia.

In adults, an umbilical hernia usually develops gradually rather than being present from birth. Unlike in infants, it rarely closes on its own.

Adult umbilical hernias are also more likely to cause discomfort and require treatment. Here’s all you need to know, from symptoms to surgical options, to make a decision.

Person experiencing pain due to an umbilical hernia

What is an Umbilical Hernia?

An umbilical hernia is a condition where tissue, such as part of your intestine or fat, pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles at your belly button.

In adults, this weakness usually develops gradually. As your abdominal wall loses strength over time, everyday pressure from activities, lifting, or even coughing can make it easier for tissue to push through the opening.

Common Symptoms and How to Identify One

The most recognisable sign is a belly button bulge. You may notice it more clearly when you cough, laugh, strain, exercise, or lift something heavy. When lying down, the bulge may flatten or reduce.
Other signs can include:

  • A feeling of pressure or heaviness around the navel
  • Mild discomfort that worsens with activity
  • Tenderness around your belly button

Some umbilical hernias remain painless, but symptoms can change over time, which is why monitoring them is important.

When is an Umbilical Hernia an Emergency?

An umbilical hernia may be an emergency if trapped tissue loses its blood supply. Look out for:

  • Sudden or severe abdominal pain
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Redness, swelling, or warmth around the belly button
  • A bulge that becomes hard, painful, or cannot be pushed back in

If you’re unsure whether your symptoms are serious, it’s important not to delay care and seek medical attention promptly.

For a detailed list of red flags, read our guide on Umbilical Hernia Emergency Warning Signs here.

Causes and Risk Factors of Umbilical Hernia for Adults in Singapore

Several factors can increase your chances of developing an umbilical hernia, such as:

Pregnancy: Repeated stretching of the abdomen during and after pregnancy can weaken the muscles around your belly button.

Obesity or sudden weight gain: Extra weight increases pressure on the abdominal wall, making weak areas more likely to give way.

Heavy lifting: Regular gym training or manual work strains the abdominal muscles.

Chronic cough or constipation: Frequent straining can raise pressure in the abdomen over time.

These factors don’t always cause symptoms straight away, but they can gradually enlarge a pre-existing weakness, making a hernia more noticeable over time.

The Link Between Umbilical Hernias and Diastasis Recti

Umbilical hernias often appear with diastasis recti, a separation of the abdominal muscles along the midline, which is common after pregnancy or major weight changes. 

Treating both at the same time can strengthen your abdominal wall and improve the overall shape and appearance of your abdomen.

Umbilical Hernia Surgery in Singapore: Your Options

Surgery is the only definitive way to repair an umbilical hernia in adults. The approach depends on the size of your hernia, the symptoms you’re experiencing, and your personal goals for recovery and appearance.

Open Hernia Repair

This traditional method involves a small incision near your navel. The surgeon carefully returns the protruding tissue and reinforces the abdominal wall, restoring strength and preventing the hernia from recurring.

Laparoscopic (Keyhole) Surgery

In laparoscopic surgery, the surgeon uses a camera and specialised instruments inserted through small ports to repair the hernia from the inside. This method generally results in less postoperative discomfort, smaller scars, and a quicker return to daily activities compared to open surgery.

The Argent Approach

At Argent Plastic Surgery in Singapore, we can often combine umbilical hernia repair with a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) when appropriate. This means we can fix the hernia, strengthen weakened abdominal muscles, and refine the shape of your abdomen and belly button all in one procedure.

Cost of Umbilical Hernia Repair in Singapore

The cost of umbilical hernia repair in Singapore generally ranges from SGD 3,000 to 15,000, depending on factors such as the size of the hernia, the surgical method, and whether additional procedures like a tummy tuck are included.

Financial Considerations

Some of the costs may be covered by MediSave or Integrated Shield Plans if the surgery is medically necessary. Coverage can vary if the repair is combined with aesthetic procedures, so you should confirm with your surgeon and insurance provider beforehand.

Recovery Timeline and Post-Care

While recovery can vary depending on the procedure and your personal health, here’s a general guide to what you can expect:

  • Days 1–3: Focus on rest and gentle movement. It’s normal to feel mild soreness around your abdomen, so take it easy and listen to your body.

  • Week 1: Many people can return to desk-based work. You can start reintroducing light meals while keeping an eye on how your body responds.

  • Month 1: With your surgeon’s clearance, you can gradually get back to the gym or more strenuous activities.

Choosing the Right Surgeon in Singapore

A general surgeon focuses primarily on fixing the hernia and restoring the function of your abdominal wall. Their goal is to ensure the repair is safe and effective, but they may pay less attention to how your abdomen or belly button looks afterwards.

A plastic surgeon, on the other hand, takes both function and aesthetics into account. This means they not only repair the hernia and strengthen your abdominal muscles but also work to preserve or even improve the shape of your belly button and overall abdominal contour.

If you’re considering combining umbilical hernia repair with a tummy tuck or addressing diastasis recti, consider Argent Plastic Surgery in Singapore. We will factor in both functional and aesthetic outcomes before providing you with a treatment plan. 

Contact us today to discuss your options. 

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