Navigating the world of body image can be complex, and for some, a seemingly small feature like the appearance of their belly button can become a source of self-consciousness. Outie belly buttons, also known as protruding belly buttons, are a normal variation, but some individuals may prefer the look of an innie. This article delves into the realities of changing an outie belly button, exploring whether natural methods are truly effective, and outlining potential alternative approaches.
Understanding Outie Belly Buttons: Why They Exist
The first step in understanding how to potentially change an outie belly button is understanding how it forms in the first place. The common myth is that a doctor’s knot-tying skills at birth determine the type of belly button you have. However, the truth is far more nuanced and related to the healing process after the umbilical cord is cut.
After birth, the umbilical cord, which connected the baby to the mother during pregnancy, is clamped and cut. What remains is a small stump, which typically dries out and falls off within one to three weeks.
The appearance of the belly button – whether it becomes an innie or an outie – is largely determined by how the skin heals in that area. An outie is typically the result of scar tissue pushing outwards or a small umbilical hernia, where a small portion of the intestine pushes through the abdominal wall near the belly button.
It’s important to understand that having an outie belly button is usually perfectly normal and doesn’t pose any health risks. However, a sudden change in the appearance of your belly button, especially if accompanied by pain or swelling, warrants a visit to a doctor.
The Reality of Natural Methods: Can You Really Change an Outie Belly Button?
The internet is rife with claims about natural methods to convert an outie to an innie. These often involve exercises, creams, or even taping techniques. But how effective are these methods, and is there any scientific evidence to support them?
Unfortunately, the honest answer is that the effectiveness of natural methods for permanently changing an outie belly button is extremely limited, and often ineffective.
While some techniques might temporarily alter the appearance of the belly button, they are unlikely to produce a lasting, significant change. The underlying structure – the scar tissue or the presence of a small umbilical hernia – remains.
Exploring the Claims: Exercises, Creams, and Taping
Let’s examine some of the commonly suggested natural methods:
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Exercises: Abdominal exercises, such as planks or crunches, are sometimes suggested as a way to strengthen the abdominal muscles and potentially “push” the outie inwards. While exercise is undoubtedly beneficial for overall health and core strength, it’s unlikely to significantly alter the scar tissue or hernia that causes the outie.
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Creams and Oils: Certain creams or oils are marketed as being able to reduce scar tissue and promote skin elasticity. While some products may have a temporary moisturizing effect, there’s no scientific evidence to suggest they can permanently change the structure of an established outie belly button.
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Taping: Some individuals attempt to use surgical tape or bandages to flatten the outie. This might provide a temporary cosmetic improvement, but it’s not a long-term solution and could potentially irritate the skin. Prolonged taping might even lead to skin breakdown.
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Dietary Changes: Claims that specific diets can influence the shape of your belly button are unfounded. While a healthy diet is vital for overall well-being, it won’t alter scar tissue or repair an umbilical hernia.
It’s crucial to approach these claims with a healthy dose of skepticism. While anecdotal evidence may exist, the lack of scientific backing suggests that these methods are unlikely to deliver the desired results.
When an Outie Might Indicate a Medical Concern
While most outie belly buttons are simply a cosmetic variation, there are instances where they can be associated with underlying medical conditions. It’s crucial to be aware of these situations and seek medical attention if necessary.
Umbilical Hernia: As mentioned earlier, an outie belly button can sometimes be caused by a small umbilical hernia. This occurs when a portion of the intestine pushes through the abdominal wall near the belly button. In infants, these hernias often close on their own by the age of one or two. However, in adults, they are less likely to resolve spontaneously.
Signs of an umbilical hernia include a bulge near the belly button that may become more prominent when coughing, straining, or standing. While most umbilical hernias are painless, they can sometimes cause discomfort or pain.
If you suspect you have an umbilical hernia, it’s essential to consult a doctor. They can diagnose the condition and recommend appropriate treatment, which may involve surgery in some cases.
Other Potential Concerns: In rare instances, changes in the appearance of the belly button can be associated with other medical conditions. If you notice any of the following symptoms, it’s crucial to seek medical attention:
- Sudden change in the size or shape of your belly button
- Pain or tenderness around the belly button
- Redness, swelling, or discharge from the belly button
- A hard lump or mass near the belly button
These symptoms could indicate an infection, inflammation, or, in very rare cases, a more serious underlying condition.
Considering Surgical Options: Umbilicoplasty
If you are significantly distressed by the appearance of your outie belly button and natural methods have proven ineffective, you might consider surgical options. The most common surgical procedure to change the appearance of the belly button is called umbilicoplasty.
Umbilicoplasty is a cosmetic surgery procedure designed to reshape the belly button. It can be used to convert an outie to an innie, reduce the size of the belly button, or correct other cosmetic concerns.
The procedure typically involves making a small incision around the belly button and reshaping the surrounding tissue. The surgeon may remove excess skin or scar tissue to create the desired shape.
Umbilicoplasty can be performed under local anesthesia with sedation or under general anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the procedure and the patient’s preference. The recovery time is usually relatively short, with most patients able to return to their normal activities within a week or two.
What to Expect From Umbilicoplasty
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Consultation: The first step is to consult with a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon. During the consultation, the surgeon will assess your belly button, discuss your goals, and determine if umbilicoplasty is the right option for you.
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Procedure: The procedure typically takes about one to two hours to complete. The surgeon will make small incisions around the belly button and reshape the underlying tissue.
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Recovery: After the procedure, you will likely experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort. Pain medication can help manage the discomfort. You will need to keep the incision clean and dry and avoid strenuous activities for a few weeks.
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Risks: Like any surgical procedure, umbilicoplasty carries some risks, including infection, bleeding, scarring, and changes in sensation. It’s crucial to discuss these risks with your surgeon before undergoing the procedure.
It’s important to have realistic expectations about the outcome of umbilicoplasty. While the procedure can significantly improve the appearance of the belly button, it’s essential to understand that it may not be possible to achieve a perfectly “ideal” belly button.
Choosing a Qualified Surgeon
If you’re considering umbilicoplasty, it’s crucial to choose a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon. Look for a surgeon who is board-certified and has extensive experience performing umbilicoplasty procedures.
Do your research, read reviews, and ask for before-and-after photos of the surgeon’s previous patients. It’s also important to feel comfortable with the surgeon and have a clear understanding of the procedure, the risks, and the expected outcome.
Acceptance and Self-Love: Embracing Your Unique Belly Button
While exploring potential options to change the appearance of your belly button is understandable, it’s also essential to consider the importance of self-acceptance and self-love.
Outie belly buttons are a normal and harmless variation of human anatomy. They don’t detract from your beauty or your worth. In fact, they are part of what makes you unique.
Instead of focusing on perceived flaws, try to embrace your unique features and appreciate your body for all that it does. Focus on your strengths, your talents, and your inner beauty.
Self-acceptance is a journey, and it takes time and effort. But it’s a journey that’s well worth taking. By learning to love and accept yourself for who you are, you can improve your self-esteem, boost your confidence, and live a happier, more fulfilling life.
Tips for Cultivating Self-Acceptance
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Challenge Negative Thoughts: When you find yourself thinking negative thoughts about your belly button or your body, challenge those thoughts. Ask yourself if they are realistic and helpful.
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Focus on Your Strengths: Make a list of your strengths and accomplishments. Remind yourself of all the things you’re good at and all the things you’ve achieved.
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Practice Gratitude: Take time each day to appreciate the things you’re grateful for, including your body and all that it allows you to do.
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Surround Yourself with Positive People: Spend time with people who love and support you for who you are. Avoid people who are critical or judgmental.
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Treat Yourself with Kindness: Be kind to yourself, just as you would be kind to a friend. Practice self-compassion and avoid self-criticism.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to pursue any methods to change the appearance of your belly button is a personal one. However, it’s important to make that decision based on accurate information, realistic expectations, and a healthy dose of self-love.
Is it truly possible to naturally change an outie belly button to an innie?
Changing an outie to an innie belly button naturally is highly improbable, especially in adults. An outie or innie is typically determined by how the umbilical cord was cut and healed after birth, leading to a scar that either protrudes outward (outie) or retracts inward (innie). While some slight cosmetic improvements may be achieved through lifestyle changes like weight management or core strengthening exercises, these are unlikely to fundamentally alter the underlying scar tissue structure that defines the belly button’s appearance.
Surgical procedures, such as an umbilicoplasty, are generally the only reliable method for permanently changing an outie into an innie. These procedures involve reshaping the existing scar tissue and surrounding skin to create the desired inward appearance. Attempting drastic, unproven natural methods could potentially lead to skin irritation, infection, or further cosmetic issues, so consulting with a qualified medical professional is essential before pursuing any alteration to your belly button’s appearance.
What causes an outie belly button in the first place?
The development of an outie belly button is primarily determined during the healing process after the umbilical cord is cut at birth. The scar tissue that forms as the umbilical stump falls off can sometimes protrude outwards, creating an outie. This occurs because of the way the skin heals and retracts around the internal abdominal wall. It is not usually indicative of any underlying medical issue.
In some instances, what appears to be an outie may actually be a small umbilical hernia. This occurs when a small portion of the intestine or abdominal tissue protrudes through the abdominal wall near the belly button. These hernias are often painless and resolve on their own, particularly in infants. However, if the “outie” is new, causes pain, or seems to be growing, it is crucial to consult with a pediatrician or physician to rule out and potentially address any underlying medical concerns.
Can losing weight make my outie belly button look different?
Weight loss can indirectly influence the appearance of an outie belly button, though it won’t inherently change it from an outie to an innie. As you lose weight, you may experience a reduction in the amount of fat around your abdomen, which can make the surrounding skin tighter. This can slightly alter the way the outie sits against your body, potentially making it appear less prominent or more sunken.
However, the underlying structure of the scar tissue, which defines whether it’s an outie or innie, will remain unchanged. Furthermore, significant weight fluctuations can sometimes stretch the skin around the belly button, potentially accentuating the outie’s appearance or creating loose skin folds. Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise can contribute to overall abdominal tone and potentially improve the aesthetic appearance, but it’s essential to have realistic expectations about what can be achieved without medical intervention.
Are there any exercises that can help “push” an outie belly button in?
There are no exercises that can definitively “push” an outie belly button in and permanently change its shape. An outie’s prominence is determined by the scar tissue formation after birth, which exercises cannot directly affect. While core strengthening exercises can improve abdominal muscle tone and reduce surrounding fat, potentially altering the appearance of the area, they cannot fundamentally reshape the scar tissue.
Exercises like planks, crunches, and other abdominal workouts can strengthen the core muscles, which can create a flatter abdominal profile. This may indirectly make the outie appear less pronounced by tightening the skin around it. However, focusing solely on exercises to change the belly button’s shape is likely to be ineffective. Instead, concentrate on a balanced fitness routine and healthy diet for overall well-being and improved body tone.
Are there any creams or lotions that can change an outie into an innie?
No creams or lotions can alter the fundamental structure of an outie belly button and transform it into an innie. The shape of the belly button is determined by the scar tissue that forms after the umbilical cord is cut at birth, and topical products cannot remodel this deep tissue structure. Claims suggesting otherwise are misleading and likely marketing ploys.
While certain creams and lotions might temporarily improve the skin’s appearance around the belly button by reducing redness, inflammation, or dryness, they cannot penetrate deep enough to affect the underlying scar tissue. Using unproven topical treatments could potentially lead to skin irritation, allergic reactions, or other adverse effects. It’s crucial to rely on scientifically supported information and consult with a dermatologist before trying any new skincare products, especially for such specific cosmetic goals.
When is surgery the best option for changing an outie to an innie?
Surgery, specifically umbilicoplasty, is the most reliable option for individuals who are determined to change an outie belly button to an innie and are not satisfied with less invasive approaches. This procedure involves reshaping the existing scar tissue and surrounding skin to create a more recessed, inward-facing belly button. The decision to undergo surgery should be carefully considered, as it involves risks and requires a recovery period.
Umbilicoplasty is typically recommended for individuals who are in good overall health, have realistic expectations about the outcome, and are bothered by the appearance of their outie belly button. It’s essential to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon experienced in umbilicoplasty to discuss the procedure, potential risks and benefits, and realistic expectations. The surgeon can assess your individual anatomy and provide personalized recommendations to achieve the desired aesthetic result.
What are the potential risks and complications of umbilicoplasty?
Umbilicoplasty, like any surgical procedure, carries potential risks and complications. These can include infection, bleeding, scarring, and adverse reactions to anesthesia. Additionally, there’s a possibility of asymmetry or unsatisfactory aesthetic outcomes that may require further revision surgery. It’s crucial to have a thorough consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon to understand these risks fully.
Other potential complications include skin necrosis (tissue death) around the belly button, delayed wound healing, and altered sensation in the area. While rare, these complications can occur and may require additional treatment. Adhering to the surgeon’s post-operative instructions, such as maintaining proper wound care and avoiding strenuous activity, can help minimize the risk of complications and promote optimal healing. It’s important to have realistic expectations and understand that the final outcome may vary depending on individual factors and healing processes.