If there is an ‘innie’, then there should be an ‘outtie’. Does it sound funny? Not in the least.
An ‘innie’ is slang for a beautifully constructed-by-nature belly button on a flat abdomen most wonderfully displayed in a bikini. An ‘outtie’ is the opposite. It is the antonym for those who like wearing hanging shirts over hip hugging jeans. Nothing could be more aesthetically unappealing and, needless to say, disturbing to the observing eye, than a protruding belly button. But how do you correct this protrusion? What is out there that can help you get over this defect?
That protrusion in or around the area of the belly button or umbilicus is medically termed umbilical hernia. The medical procedure to correct this defect is called umbilical hernia surgery. Anyone can have hernia. Common among infants and children, during pregnancy and the obese, it can either be outgrown or not at all. Those at risk of the possibility of having to undergo an umbilical hernia surgery are generally the adults. Yes, children who don’t outgrow the defect or if the protrusion or hernia gets worse, too are also candidates.
The hernia is simply caused by a weak or open muscle where the underlying tissue or organ can escape from. Ranging from as small as an ‘outtie,’ it can be a huge mass than can cause the sufferer nausea, vomiting, disturbance in bowel movements, severe pain and others. When a hernia gets stuck outside, it is known as an incarcerated hernia. If complications develop like lack of blood supply occurs on the protruding mass or hernia sac, then this is known as a strangulated hernia. No matter the type, it is easy to correct. Modern techniques are such that in a matter of hours, you can walk out of the facility, rest for a few days at home, attain normal but non-strenuous activities and be back in a bikini in a few weeks.
Umbilical hernia surgery can be performed using general anaesthetics, which is considered the classic procedure, or by the use of low level anaesthetics more commonly known as local anaesthetics like lidocaine. The modern procedure of using local anaesthetics and the most minimal of incisions is preferable as it is aesthetically pleasing, there is faster healing due to the minimum of cuts, there are less bleeding to likely complicate the recovery, and it is almost pain free. ‘Almost’ is the key word here as recovering from an umbilical hernia surgery is not pain free.
One should always expect soreness and discomfort during the recovery period. However, in a matter of days and with the help of oral pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen, one can go about normal daily activities sans strenuous ones. With proper follow-ups to the attending surgeon for further assessment of the area corrected, in just a matter of two weeks, barring complications, you are back to normal and can now get into your bikini and hit the beach. You are now sporting an ‘innie’ and loving it.