The scar from our birth can have very different shapes. There are rounded, outward-facing and horizontal navels, among others. Find out what your type is.
Last update: December 1, 2024
the navel is a fibrous scar composed of the fusion of ligaments and muscle parts, which remains in our abdomen like the rest of the umbilical cord. It usually has the shape of a funnel or a hole, tho it can also happen that the tissues are exposed to the outside.
The shapes that the navel develops are very varied. They depend on how much the cord
If you notice that your belly button is very different from others, Keep in mind that there is no one-size-fits-all or “normal” way.. In any case, there are more or less common variants, which are the ones we explain below so you can discover your type.
1. Inward Belly Button or “Deep Hollow”
this is the most common type of belly button. it is recognized as a depression in the abdominal wall.
It also usually has a slight crease at the top, which casts a shadow. For this reason it is often compared to an open mouth.
The internal navel appears when the tissues of the umbilical stump retract, at the time of cutting the cord. Although it is called a “deep hole”, in some people it is just a small hole.
Within this group we can mention the round navel types. They stand out for their very defined circular shape, without folds or hoods, and are the easiest to clean.
In people who have a lot of abdominal fat, the shape is more like a funnel.
2. navel out or protruding
This is a less common type of belly button. It appears when part of the newborn’s umbilical stump does not retract, but protrudes. The size of the nodule can vary from a light nodule to a more pronounced one..
In some cases, it consists of tendency of the area to hernias. the wall around the navel has some weak spots and the Tissues inside the abdomen may push outward. however,in most cases,this poses no risk and does not require treatment.
It is indeed also common in pregnant womenduring his last trimester.In some mothers, it might get hurt a bitdue to stretching of the abdomen. However, the tissue protrudes temporarily and usually returns to its normal shape after delivery.
External belly buttons are more difficult to clean properly.
3. Horizontal navel
It is a navel with a slit that runs transversely across the abdomen. Most of its crease is horizontal and that is why it takes on a thin appearance.
The horizontal navel may be deep when the person has a lot of abdominal fat. Even though greater lengthening is also noted in those who have a lot of muscle mass.
4. T-shaped navel
It is a rare type of belly button and is characterized by having more than one fold. In the upper area its fold is horizontal, while the lower one is more vertical.This results in the appearance of a letter ”T.”
The development of a belly button like this could be due to a normal healing process and the body’s anatomy. However, it can also be the result of surgery or noticeable changes in body weight stretching of the abdominal skin.
5. Vertical navel
It also has the name split navel, since it looks like a thin slit separating the abdomen from top to bottom. It is similar to a letter “I”, it does not have much of a cap or crease at the top.
The shape is attributed to genetic factors and scarring of the skin around the umbilical stump.Also due to sudden changes in weight and stretching of the skin in the abdominal area.
6. Navel bulb
It is a type of belly button that has very little or no crease at the topwhich is rounded. The shape is usually oval and narrows as it descends towards the pelvis. Therefore, it is similar to a light bulb or an upside down bottle.
7. Spiral navel
It occurs when the folds of the skin heal, creating a whorl. It looks like a belly button that has twisted inward..
the causes of this form are genetic and the procedure followed for the healing of the umbilical stump in the child. Even though it is indeed one of the least common types, it is very distinctive.
The vortex can form progressively over the years, during growth.
¿The type of navel predict your health or personality?
Even though there is a myth that the shape of the belly button can be indicative of someone’s health or personality, There is no scientific evidence to support these claims.. It is true that it is a distinctive anatomical sign and a remnant of the connection between mother and child in the womb, but beyond that it has no function.
Therefore it cannot be considered a sign of temperament or predisposition to an illness.Unluckily these ideas circulate on the internet and are spread as true, but they are not.
however, if you feel pain in your belly button, you shoudl go to the doctor.The discomfort (not the shape) can occur due to digestive problems or due to hernias.
Can I change the shape of my belly button?
some people with a protruding or horizontal belly button choose to change their appearance with a surgical procedure known as umbilicoplasty. It is indeed a cosmetic surgery procedure that focuses on changing the size, shape or position.
In general, you are looking for a horizontal design or a shallow hole-shaped design. It will depend on the patient’s wishes and the surgeon’s advice.
It is also a recommended procedure for people who have lost a significant amount of weight and notice changes in the shape of their belly button due to the loose, hanging skin that remains. In these cases,umbilicoplasty It is indeed part of an abdominoplastyin which excess skin tissue is removed.
your belly button it is unique
There is no ideal or normal type of belly button. All the ways it can develop are typical of diversity
Your belly button is a birthmark that will have a particular appearance, depending on your genetics, the healing process of your skin when you were a child, possible weight changes, and the anatomy of your abdominal area.
Whether or not you like its appearance will depend on what you consider aesthetically. Remember that if its shape makes you uncomfortable, you can consult a doctor about alternatives for a modification.