Undergoing hernia surgery can be a stressful experience. After all, it’s no small procedure and involves an operation that leaves behind a scar or incision in your body tissue. But what happens after the surgery is just as important to understand. Recovery isn’t always immediate and having knowledge about potential post-operative complications as well as steps for proper healing is essential for maximizing your chance at full recuperation.
As patients progress on their journey to recovery following hernia repair surgery with Dr. Atul Shah, they often have questions that arise along the way.
Here are a few of the most commonly asked inquiries!
What should I expect after my surgery?
Generally, patients can expect some level of pain and discomfort in the area where their hernia was repaired. Discomfort is expected to be most pronounced over the first several days while the internal stitches are healing, though there may also be some swelling and bruising or redness on the skin near the incision. Additionally, you may experience a feeling of tightness around your abdomen if the repair involves mesh being used to reinforce any weak spots within your abdominal wall tissue.
How long will it take to heal completely?
The timeline for complete recovery depends largely on how extensive or complicated your hernia repair surgery was as well as other medical factors unique to your case. On average, patients can expect to be fully healed within four to six weeks. During this time, you may have some difficulty with certain movements and activities such as lifting or straining your abdominal muscles.
What kinds of restrictions should I follow?
It’s important that patients follow the post-operative instructions provided by their doctor after hernia repair surgery. Typically, these will include abstaining from strenuous physical activity for a period of two weeks following the procedure, avoiding heavy lifting or straining for at least a month, and refraining from sexual activity until cleared by Dr. Atul. Additionally, it is common practice to wear supportive garments over the incision site during recovery in order to reduce swelling and support proper healing of the tissue.
When can I return to work?
Depending on the type of hernia repair surgery you’ve had, it’s possible that you may be able to return to work just one or two weeks after your procedure. However, this timeline is largely dependent upon the severity of your hernia and other factors unique to your case such as what kind of job duties you have. In some cases, patients are advised by Dr. Atul not to go back to work right away but take a longer period of rest before returning so as not to put any additional strain on their incision site.
Undergoing hernia surgery can be a daunting experience, but understanding what comes afterward can help make the journey to full healing a successful one. If you have any questions or concerns about the recovery process after your hernia repair surgery with Dr. Atul Shah, please do not hesitate to reach out and ask! We are here to make certain that your experience is as safe and smooth as possible.
