Is an Umbilical Hernia Repair Painful?

An umbilical hernia repair isn’t typically described as painful, but you can expect some soreness after surgery. Most patients say it feels like muscle tightness or a pulled muscle around the belly button, especially when bending or coughing. The procedure itself is done under anesthesia so that you won’t feel anything during surgery. Any discomfort afterward is usually manageable with pain medication, and most people feel a lot better within a few days.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

You’ll usually need around two to three appointments for an umbilical hernia repair. First, you’ll meet with Dr. Valina at Grace Surgical Arts to go over your symptoms and treatment plan. The second appointment is for your surgery, and you’ll have a follow-up to ensure you’re healing well.

How Long Until I See Results?

You’ll notice results from your umbilical hernia repair pretty quickly after surgery. The visible bulge will be gone right away, though you’ll have some swelling for a few weeks. Most patients feel noticeably better within a few days and are back to their normal routine in about two to four weeks, depending on the size of the hernia and the healing process. Full recovery takes a little longer, but the biggest improvements happen early on.

Can I Combine an Umbilical Hernia Repair With Other Procedures?

Yes! It’s pretty common to combine it with things like a tummy tuck or liposuction , especially if you want both a functional fix and a cosmetic boost simultaneously. Having everything done in one surgery can save you time and make recovery more efficient. During your consultation, Dr. Valina will discuss your options to determine whether combining procedures is a good fit for your goals.

What Are the Risks Associated With an Umbilical Hernia Repair?

You might experience swelling, bleeding, or infection at the incision site. There’s also a small chance the hernia will return, especially if you have risk factors like heavy lifting. If mesh is used, there’s a minor risk of irritation or discomfort. Dr. Valina will discuss all the potential risks with you and take every precaution to minimize them, ensuring you’re well-informed and comfortable with the procedure.

Miami, FL

Umbilical Hernia Repair +/- Mesh

Introduction

Introduction to Umbilical Hernia Repair

An umbilical hernia can impact your daily life and leave you feeling self-conscious, but the good news is that relief is possible. At Grace Surgical Arts in Miami, FL, Dr. Joan Grace Valina offers effective umbilical hernia repair tailored to your unique needs. With years of experience and a compassionate approach, Dr. Valina ensures you’re fully informed and comfortable every step of the way so you can feel confident in your results. Whether you’re dealing with a small bulge or a larger hernia, Dr. Valina’s skillful, personalized care delivers optimal results.

A young woman with long brown hair is positioned in a slightly side-angled view, her gaze directed downward in a contemplative manner. She wears a black athletic top and leggings that highlight her toned physique, with visible abdominal definition. Dramatic lighting casts strong shadows and high contrast, emphasizing her form against a dark, out-of-focus background with a hint of light from the upper right. - Umbilical Hernia Repair in Coral Gables, FL

What is an Umbilical Hernia Repair?

An umbilical hernia repair fixes a bulge near the belly button, where part of the intestine or tissue pushes through the abdominal wall. This often happens when the muscles around the belly button don’t fully close after birth or due to pressure from pregnancy, lifting heavy weights, or excess weight. The surgery involves gently moving the tissue back into place and closing the opening, usually with stitches or a mesh patch.

With (+) Mesh: When an umbilical hernia repair is done with mesh, a special mesh material reinforces the weakened area. After repositioning the bulging tissue back into the abdomen, the mesh is placed over the defect and secured, creating a strong foundation to prevent the hernia from recurring. Using mesh adds extra durability to the repair, especially for larger or recurred hernias.
Without (-) Mesh: In an umbilical hernia repair without mesh, the surgeon focuses on closing the abdominal wall by stitching the muscles back together. The bulging tissue is gently repositioned, and the muscle edges are sutured to seal the opening.

What Are the Benefits of an Umbilical Hernia Repair?

The repair resolves the uncomfortable bulge and prevents it from growing any larger or causing any further complications. Repairing the hernia can alleviate pain, pressure, and discomfort, especially when engaging in physical activities or lifting. It also reduces the risk of the hernia becoming strangulated, where the blood supply to the tissue is cut off, which can lead to serious health issues. An umbilical hernia repair also restores the strength and integrity of the abdominal wall, improving overall abdominal function. Whether done with or without mesh, the procedure helps prevent recurrence, allowing patients to return to normal activities with greater confidence and less risk of complications.

Who Are the Best Candidates For an Umbilical Hernia Repair?

The best candidates for an umbilical hernia repair are those experiencing discomfort or noticeable bulging near the belly button, which can become more pronounced during activities like coughing, sneezing, or lifting. People with small to medium-sized hernias who are generally in good health and not overweight often benefit from the repair. Additionally, individuals who want to avoid the risk of the hernia worsening or causing complications like strangulation are ideal candidates. Pregnant women or individuals with certain medical conditions may need to wait or have special considerations before undergoing surgery. As always, discussing individual health factors with Dr. Valina in Miami is important to determine the best approach.

What’s the First Step?

Umbilical Hernia Repair Journey with Grace Surgical Arts

The first step is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Valina at Grace Surgical Arts. During this appointment, Dr. Valina will assess your umbilical hernia, discuss your concerns, and determine the best approach for your repair.

This is your chance to get all the details you need and feel confident about moving forward—call (786) 885-3305 to book your consultation today.

What to Expect on the Day of Umbilical Hernia Repair Surgery

After a final discussion with Dr. Valina, you’ll be prepped for surgery on the day of your umbilical hernia repair. If mesh is used, it’s placed over the weakened abdominal wall area to provide extra support, reinforcing the repair and lowering the chance of the hernia returning. The mesh helps strengthen the tissue, ensuring long-term durability. In cases where mesh isn’t required, the tissue will be stitched together directly, and the hernia will be closed off without additional reinforcement. Dr. Valina will choose the best method based on the size and nature of your hernia. After the repair, you’ll be monitored as you wake up from anesthesia before heading home the same day.

Umbilical Hernia Repair Recovery

Your Guide to Post-Umbilical Hernia Repair Care

After your umbilical hernia repair, you’ll likely feel some soreness or tightness around the incision, but this should improve within a few days. Most people can get back to light activities after about a week, though avoiding heavy lifting or intense exercise for 4 to 6 weeks is important to give your body time to heal properly.

If mesh was used, recovery might take a little longer, but the added support can help the healing process. Swelling around the incision is normal and will gradually go down. Dr. Valina will give you clear instructions on how to care for the area and manage any discomfort. You’ll also have follow-up appointments to check how everything is healing and make sure you’re on track.

How Much Does an Umbilical Hernia Repair Cost in Miami, FL?

The cost of repairing an umbilical hernia in the Coral Gables and Miami areas typically ranges from $3,000 to $7,000. Factors such as the size of the hernia, the use of mesh, and surgical complexity can all influence pricing. At Grace Surgical Arts in Miami, Dr. Valina offers personalized consultations to provide an exact estimate.

Why Choose Dr. Valina?

At Grace Surgical Arts, we focus on your individual needs and goals, offering a personalized approach to aesthetic enhancement. Under the guidance of Dr. Joan Grace Valina, our Miami-based, female-owned practice combines advanced cosmetic surgery with medical spa treatments to bring out the best version of yourself.

With triple board certification in general, cosmetic, and facial cosmetic surgery, Dr. Valina brings a rare blend of skill and creativity to every procedure. Her global training under top surgeons in the U.S., Europe, and Asia allows her to offer tailored, safe, and beautiful results that meet your unique needs.

Dr. Valina takes the time to understand what matters most to you. She then works closely with each patient to develop a treatment plan that fits their anatomy, healing process, and aesthetic desires. This ensures natural, empowering results that are true to their vision.

Umbilical Hernia Repair FAQs

An umbilical hernia repair isn’t typically described as painful, but you can expect some soreness after surgery. Most patients say it feels like muscle tightness or a pulled muscle around the belly button, especially when bending or coughing. The procedure itself is done under anesthesia so that you won’t feel anything during surgery. Any discomfort afterward is usually manageable with pain medication, and most people feel a lot better within a few days.
You’ll notice results from your umbilical hernia repair pretty quickly after surgery. The visible bulge will be gone right away, though you’ll have some swelling for a few weeks. Most patients feel noticeably better within a few days and are back to their normal routine in about two to four weeks, depending on the size of the hernia and the healing process. Full recovery takes a little longer, but the biggest improvements happen early on.
Yes! It’s pretty common to combine it with things like a tummy tuck or liposuction, especially if you want both a functional fix and a cosmetic boost simultaneously. Having everything done in one surgery can save you time and make recovery more efficient. During your consultation, Dr. Valina will discuss your options to determine whether combining procedures is a good fit for your goals.
You might experience swelling, bleeding, or infection at the incision site. There’s also a small chance the hernia will return, especially if you have risk factors like heavy lifting. If mesh is used, there’s a minor risk of irritation or discomfort. Dr. Valina will discuss all the potential risks with you and take every precaution to minimize them, ensuring you’re well-informed and comfortable with the procedure.

Grace Surgical Arts

Schedule Your Consultation

Dr. Joan Grace Valina at Grace Surgical Arts specializes in umbilical hernia repair. With her expertise, you’ll receive the care and attention you deserve every step of the way. Call us at (786) 885-3305 to schedule your consultation and get started on your path to recovery. We’re here to help you feel better and get back to doing what you love.

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