I Have an Incisional Hernia: What Can I Expect After Surgery?

If you’ve been told you have an incisional hernia, you’re not alone. They account for 15-20% of all abdominal hernias. This type of hernia usually develops at the site of a previous surgical incision, where the abdominal wall didn’t fully regain its strength. 

The good news is that incisional hernia repair is a common procedure that we perform here at Lakeland Surgical Clinic, PLLC, in Jackson, Mississippi. 

Read on to understand what to expect after surgery. We want to help you feel prepared and confident during recovery.

About incisional hernias

An incisional hernia occurs when tissue or part of the intestine pushes through a weakened area in the abdominal wall at the site of a previous surgical incision. If you have this type of hernia, you may notice:

• A bulge near or along a scar
• Discomfort or pressure, especially when standing or lifting
• Pain that worsens with coughing or straining

Surgical repair strengthens the abdominal wall and reduces the risk of complications, such as bowel obstruction or increasing pain.

What to expect the day of your surgery

We perform incisional hernia repair with minimally invasive techniques whenever possible. These include laparoscopic or robotic-assisted surgery. The best option depends on the size and location of your hernia, your medical history, and our recommendation.

You’re usually placed under general anesthesia. After surgery, you’ll spend time in a recovery area while the anesthesia wears off. Many people go home the same day, although larger or more complex repairs may require a short hospital stay.

During the first week after surgery

It’s normal to experience soreness, swelling, or a feeling of tightness around the incision. We commonly use a surgical mesh to reinforce the repair. In these cases, you may notice some firmness in the area as healing begins.

Our team usually prescribes medication or recommends over-the-counter medications to control pain during your recovery. Discomfort generally improves over the first several days.

When it comes to activity, we emphasize the importance of early movement. Walking within 24 hours helps reduce the risk of blood clots and supports circulation. 

However, you’ll need to avoid heavy lifting (usually over 10–15 pounds), strenuous exercise, and any activities that strain your abdominal muscles. 

Returning to normal activities

Most people can return to light daily activities within 1-2 weeks. If you have a desk job, you may be able to resume work quickly. Jobs that require lifting or physical labor may require additional recovery time.

During this period, you’ll notice that swelling continues to improve.

It’s important not to rush back into high-impact or heavy lifting too soon because it can increase the risk of recurrence.

Complication concerns

While complications are uncommon, contact Lakeland Surgical Clinic if you experience:

• Fever over 101°F
• Increasing redness, warmth, or drainage from the incision
• Severe or worsening abdominal pain
• Nausea, vomiting, or inability to pass gas or stool

Getting in touch with us as soon as possible when you notice concerning symptoms helps ensure we can address your issues promptly.

Long-term recovery outlook

The goal of incisional hernia surgery is to repair your injury, relieve discomfort, and restore abdominal strength. Most people experience significant improvement in symptoms and are able to return to normal activity after completing surgical healing.

You can reduce the risk of recurrence by:

• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Avoiding smoking
• Managing chronic coughing
• Following lifting precautions during recovery

If you have questions about incisional hernia repair or what recovery may look like for you, our surgical team is here to guide you through every step of the process. Call Lakeland Surgical Clinic, PLLC, today or use the online tool to reach out and schedule a visit.