10 Different Types of Belly Buttons
Innie Innies occur when the umbilical cord scar pulls or folds inward to create an indentation in the abdomen. They can vary in depth and width, and are the most common type of belly button you can have. Innie belly buttons come in a wide variety of shapes, including horizontal, vertical, round, oval, t-shaped, and light bulb. Approximately 88% to 90% of the population have an innie belly button. Characteristics: A depression in the abdomen. Causes: Natural healing variations and/or genetics. Variation: They can vary in depth and width and appear either deep or shallow. OK to pierce? Yes
Horizontal Horizontal belly buttons are innies, which appear as a horizontal line across the belly. Instead of a round or oval-shaped belly button, this type has a wider opening, which causes it to appear slit-like. It can form due to the way body fat, especially around the abdomen, is distributed in the body. Characteristics: Horizontal line across belly with wider opening. Causes: Natural healing variations and/or genetics, body fat distribution, and abdominal muscle structure. OK to pierce? May have a higher risk of complications.
Vertical A vertical belly button is an innie that is formed when a narrow slit runs vertically up and down the abdomen. It appears as a vertical line, which is also called a “slit” or “I” shaped belly button. In addition to genetic factors and how the scar tissue healed when the umbilical cord was severed, vertical belly buttons can be caused by weight change and the way the abdominal skin stretches. Characteristics: Narrow slit runs vertically on the abdomen. Causes: Natural healing variations and/or genetics, weight changes, or skin stretching. OK to pierce? Yes
Round These belly buttons maintain a completely round or circular shape. They usually appear well-defined and may be deeper than other belly button types, but they can also be round and shallow. Round belly buttons appear concave and protrude inward; they’re considered an innie, but are the closest to being an outie among belly button types. They also typically don’t have a hooding or covering. Characteristics: Round or circular shape; concave, with no covering. Causes: Natural healing variations and/or genetics. OK to pierce? Yes
Oval Oval belly buttons are elongated and have an oval shape. They’re also called an “elliptical navel” and occur when the belly button itself pulls inward, so it appears smaller than the surrounding tissue. Characteristics: Elongated; pulls inward so the belly button is smaller than the surrounding area. Causes: Natural healing variations and/or genetics. OK to pierce? Yes
T-shaped In a t-shaped belly button, the navel contains more than one fold or crease, resulting in a shape that resembles the letter “T.” The upper navel forms a horizontal crease, while the lower navel forms a vertical fold. Still an innie, this type differs from the horizontal belly button shape, which lacks a vertical fold. Characteristics: Has more than one fold or crease; features a “T” shape. Causes: Natural healing variations and/or genetics, previous abdominal surgery, weight changes, or skin stretching. OK to pierce? Yes
Light bulb shape Light-bulb-shaped belly buttons are innies that have very little hooding on top, along with a slightly oval shape that tapers downward. The overall shape resembles a light bulb or an upside-down bottle. Characteristics: Little hooding on top; slightly oval shape tapering downward. Causes: Natural healing variations and/or genetics. OK to pierce? Not if there isn’t enough hooding on top.
Swirled or Spiral These innie belly buttons appear as if the navel has twisted or spiraled inward. Spiral belly buttons often have folds of skin that form around the main opening of the navel. Characteristics: Navel twists inward; folds of skin around opening. Causes: Natural healing variations and/or genetics. OK to pierce? Yes
Deep Hollow Deep hollow belly buttons are innies that appear to have a shadow underneath the top fold. It’s said to look like an open mouth shape. Some people with a deep hollow belly button type also have an extra deep, funnel-like shape due to excess skin folds or abdominal fat. Characteristics: Shadow beneath the top fold; resembles a slightly open mouth. Causes: Natural healing variations and/or genetics. OK to pierce? Yes
Outie Having an outie belly button occurs when some of the umbilical scar tissue protrudes outward, instead of being pulled inward as it is with innie belly buttons. Outies can vary from protruding slightly to appearing to have a pronounced bump. About 10% of the population has an outie belly button. Characteristics: Protrudes outward; concave instead of convex. Variation: Slight protrusion to pronounced bump. Causes: Natural healing variations and/or genetics or umbilical hernia. OK to pierce? If there is enough of a lip protruding on top of the navel. Piercings may result in risks and complications if the scar tissue itself is pierced.
Factors That Determine Belly Button Shape
The healing process after the umbilical cord is cut is a main factor. Whether the stump left by cutting the umbilical cord after birth heals inward or outward determines whether you’ll have an innie or an outie belly button. It’s important to remember that the exact way the umbilical cord is cut doesn’t affect the type of belly button you have, nor does the way your parents cared for the scar as it healed. The type of belly button shape you have occurs due to natural variations in how the umbilical scar heals. After the umbilical cord is cut, the small remaining stump dries, shrinks, and falls off within 1-3 weeks, typically. As the area heals, the leftover scar tissue forms your belly button.
Certain medical conditions increase your chances of having an outie. They include umbilical hernias and umbilical granuloma. Umbilical hernias occur when a weakness in the abdominal wall causes a bulge at the belly button. Elements like fat or part of the intestine can pass through and cause this lump. Umbilical granuloma is a small, red, moist lump of tissue that can develop in newborn babies after the umbilical cord is cut. Other medical conditions that can cause an outie to form include ascites, where fluid develops in the peritoneal cavity, usually because of a kidney or liver disorder. Hepatosplenomegaly is another outie-causing medical condition, where the liver and spleen become enlarged. It’s important to note that the belly button will usually return to an innie once the medical situation resolves.
Pregnancy can stretch the belly button and change the shape. During pregnancy, the uterus can put additional pressure on the belly button, which can make it stretch. Sometimes, this makes an innie belly button turn into an outie. Oftentimes, the belly button will return to being an innie after giving birth. There is also a chance it will remain an outie if the skin elasticity or muscle tone doesn’t change back. Pregnancy can also cause the belly button to appear shorter, wider, or more horizontal overall.
Fluctuations in weight can alter the belly button’s appearance. When weight gain occurs, especially around the stomach, the skin and fat tissues surrounding the belly button can appear more shallow, wider, or deeper. The actual structure of the belly button doesn’t change, but the appearance can. Losing excess weight may cause the belly button to appear more prominent or show additional sagging skin around the navel.
How do belly button types affect getting piercings?
Piercing your belly button depends on the skin above your navel. It’s not as much about having certain types of belly buttons that can’t be pierced; your belly button needs to have enough of a protruding lip of skin over your navel to be successfully pinched, pierced, and able to hold the jewelry. Most types of belly buttons can be pierced if this lip is present. If the area on top of the navel is flat or the skin isn’t soft enough, the belly button may not be right for piercing. A standard navel piercing uses a curved barbell with a decorative top and a ball on the bottom that sits inside or on top of the navel. A floating navel piercing uses a decorative top and a flat disc or small ball on the bottom, which sits against the navel to avoid discomfort if the navel folds. Consult a professional body piercer so they can assess your anatomy and determine whether your belly button is suitable for a piercing.
Outies could present more risk than innies when it comes to piercings. According to professional piercer Natalie Rose Pokes, piercing an outie belly button “is a risky piercing because it's vascular. Navels are so anatomy-dependent. You don't want to hit anything in there that could potentially cause harm to a main artery.” Outies are at risk of not healing properly and excessive bleeding, so consult with your piercer if you have an outie and are thinking of getting a navel piercing.
What if I don’t like my belly button type?
Umbilicoplasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes a belly button. For example, someone with an outie can get the procedure when they would prefer to have an innie. Other reasons to get umbilicoplasty include getting rid of excess skin, scars, or deformities around your belly button; some belly button scars arise from a previous surgery. Umbilicoplasty can be part of a tummy tuck procedure, but it can also be performed on its own.
Umbilical hernia repair is used for a hernia-related bulge or protrusion. When a hernia occurs, abdominal tissue may push through a weak spot in the abdominal wall near the belly button. This can create a bump, bulge, or protrusion that is noticeable on and around the belly button. It can also cause an innie to become an outie. Umbilical surgery repair corrects the issue and is usually able to transform the outie back into an innie belly button.
Neoumbilicoplasty reconstructs a new belly button from existing tissue. It’s often paired with umbilicoplasty or umbilical hernia repair surgery when the original belly button is damaged or needs to be removed. Removing the existing belly button might have occurred after a diagnosis of skin cancer or for umbilical endometriosis, when tissue from the uterus grows into the belly button.
Types of Belly Buttons FAQs
What causes a belly button to smell? A buildup of bacteria, dead skin cells, dirt, or oils can cause a belly button to smell. When existing bacteria or fungi in your belly button break down trapped debris, it can result in an unpleasant odor. It’s important to keep your navel clean by washing it regularly. Candida is a yeast infection that causes belly button odor. Certain cysts and recent hernia surgery can also contribute to belly button odor.
How do you properly clean your belly button? Gently wash your belly button area regularly with soap and water, especially if you’ve been sweating or bathing. Dry the area thoroughly by patting it with a clean, dry towel. You can also use a cotton swab dipped in soap and water to gently wipe the inside of your belly button. When removing debris from your belly button, look out for any redness, swelling, pain, or discharge in or around your belly button. See a doctor immediately if you notice any of these issues.
Do belly buttons affect temperament? There is no scientific evidence to show that belly buttons affect personality. They’re not connected to brain function in any neurological way. A related condition called omphalophobia is a fear of belly buttons, which is a phobia and not to be confused with belly buttons affecting your temperament or personality.
What does using castor oil on your belly button do? Applying castor oil on your belly button is known as “navel pulling.” Some credit it for being able to help digestion, reduce bloating, and improve weight loss. There is no scientific evidence to back up these claims, however. Castor oil is an anti-inflammatory that is traditionally used to ease constipation and help wounds heal better.
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