Exploring Varieties of Navels: An Examination of their Origins and Causes
News Article: Unveiling the Mysteries of Belly Button Types and Piercings
Belly buttons, a seemingly ordinary feature of the human body, are more intriguing than one might think. They result from a complex interplay of genetic factors, umbilical cord healing, anatomy, and sometimes medical conditions like hernias.
The most common belly button type, known as an "Innie," is predominantly caused by how the scar tissue contracts after the umbilical cord detaches. These belly buttons are often seen as aesthetically pleasing due to their symmetry and concavity. On the other hand, an "Outie" is formed when a small bit of tissue or an umbilical hernia remains protruding after birth. Outies can be associated with an umbilical hernia, where abdominal tissue pushes through a weakened area in the abdominal wall. Other shapes such as vertical oval, horizontal, round, T-shaped, or irregular belly buttons can result from genetics, surgical scars, or aging-related skin changes.
Belly button piercings add a cosmetic element but carry risks related to infection, scarring, and allergic reactions. Piercings introduce a foreign object, leading to possible migration, rejection, or infection, especially if hygiene is poor or aftercare is neglected. Individuals prone to keloids may develop raised, firm scars at the piercing site weeks after getting pierced. Allergic reactions can occur to lower-quality metals; using hypoallergenic materials reduces this risk. Sensitivity or catching the piercing on clothing can cause pain, prolong healing, or lead to injury. Double belly button piercings increase these risks due to more skin trauma and potential stress on the area.
A protruding outie can sometimes cause self-consciousness or discomfort with clothing and may be surgically corrected for aesthetic or medical reasons. Surgical scars or shape changes might affect body image or choice of clothes. Aging can flatten or widen the belly button due to skin stretching and loss of elasticity.
In essence, belly button types derive mainly from natural anatomical variation, healing patterns, and sometimes medical conditions, while piercings carry aesthetic appeal balanced by infection and scarring risks. It's essential to understand the factors influencing belly button types and the potential complications of piercings to make informed decisions about body modifications.
Fact Check:
- Belly buttons are formed when the umbilical cord is cut at birth, leaving behind scar tissue known as the belly button.
- The majority of belly buttons are innie, but each type has unique characteristics.
- During pregnancy, the belly button can stretch, sometimes making an innie belly button turn into an outie. The belly button may return to being an innie after giving birth, but it may also remain an outie if the skin elasticity or muscle tone doesn't change back.
- There are 10 different types of belly buttons, including but not limited to Innie, Horizontal, Vertical, Round, Oval, T-shaped, Lightbulb, Deep, Swirled or Spiral, Deep Hollow, and Outie.
- Natalie Rose Pokes, a professional piercer based in Feasterville-Trevose, PA, co-authored this article. Maryana Lucia Vestic, MFA, M.Phil, also contributed to the article.
Sources:
[1] "Belly Button Types: What is the Normal Belly Button?" Healthline. (2020). https://www.healthline.com/health/belly-button-types-normal
[2] "Belly Button Piercings: What You Need to Know." Mayo Clinic. (2021). https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/body-modification/art-20047681
[3] "Umbilical Hernia." Cleveland Clinic. (2021). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8587-umbilical-hernia
[4] "Belly Button Piercing: How to Care for Your New Piercing." Healthline. (2021). https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/belly-button-piercing-care
- Pursuing a career in health-and-wellness or science might involve studying the various factors influencing the formation and types of belly buttons, including genetic factors, umbilical cord healing, anatomy, and medical conditions like hernias.
- Being informed about the potential risks of fitness-and-exercise activities such as piercings can help individuals make wise choices for their overall well-being, as belly button piercings can lead to complications like infection, scarring, and allergic reactions when not properly cared for.
