How Long Does It Take to Recover From a Hernia?
The timeline for recovery from a hernia can vary depending on the type of hernia, the type of surgery, the possibility of preexisting conditions and your age. It’s common to feel mild pain and fatigue after the procedure, but most patients feel better within a week. Learn more about no-mesh hernia recovery and whether the procedure might be a good option for you.
What Is a Hernia?
A hernia is a physical condition that occurs when an organ squeezes through a weak area in its surrounding muscle or tissue barrier. Hernias most often form in the abdomen, involving the stomach or intestine.
Inguinal, Umbilical and Ventral hernias are common varieties. Other types of hernias include:
- Inguinal: These generally benign hernias can occur where your thigh and groin come together.
- Femoral: Often mistaken for an inguinal hernia, a femoral hernia is formed in the femoral canal — around the crease of the groin into the upper thigh.
- Incisional: An incisional hernia can form following surgery if organs push against the weakened scar tissue.
Signs, Symptoms and Causes of a Hernia
If a hernia is visible, it appears as a bulge in an area that is normally flat. Hernias are most common around the abdomen or the top of the inner thigh. Some can be deep, so an external examination isn’t always reliable in detecting signs of a hernia.
You may also experience pressure, dull aching or pinching when the hernia appears — often while exerting yourself through actions like laughing, coughing or lifting something heavy.
The primary cause of a hernia is a weakness in your tissue barrier that allows an organ to push through. The weakness can be present at birth or develop during your lifetime. Some factors can increase your risk of a hernia, including chronic coughs, a history of abdominal surgery or repeat pregnancies.
No-Mesh Hernia Repair and Surgery at U First Health
In the past, hernias were repaired using a hernia mesh procedure to support the damaged tissue. This mesh could be absorbable or non-absorbable, either temporarily or permanently reinforcing the herniated area. However, hernia mesh presents recovery complications that offset the benefits for many patients.
At U First Health, we use a no-mesh hernia repair approach with the Desarda technique. Instead of using mesh, we utilize the patient’s muscle tissue to cover the hernia site and naturally adhere to the area. This approach reduces the risk of foreign object rejection in the body, making the no-mesh approach safer and more effective for hernia treatment.
Hernia Recovery Time
You should be able to go home the same day of hernia repair surgery. Be sure to have a trusted individual who can drive you home from the appointment and stay nearby to monitor your progress for the first 24 hours.
While you are caring for yourself at home, keep the following tips in mind:
- Rest when you can: Limit your activity and take time to rest — getting adequate sleep will help aid your recovery.
- Walk every day: Take it easy as you try to walk, slowly increasing the amount each day. Walking will help encourage blood flow and healing.
- Avoid strenuous activity: Resting includes avoiding exercise or lifting until your doctor approves it.
- Clean the incision: Wash the surgical site with warm, soapy water and pat it dry. Avoid hydrogen peroxide or alcohol.
- Support your incision: If you need to cough, sneeze or otherwise exert yourself, apply pressure to support the incision and decrease any pain that may occur.
Let U First Health Help
U First Healt is here to aid you through hernia repair and recovery. Our no-mesh technique offers low recurrence rates and minimal tension for a quicker recovery journey.
We revolutionize hernia repairs and offer flat-rate prices for the care you need. Contact us to learn more or to schedule your consultation today.