Incisional Hernias: Symptoms, Causes and When to See a Surgeon
December 31, 2025
By: Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare
Categories: General Surgery, Healthy Living
Tags: Hernia Repair, Hernia, all types
Recovering from abdominal surgery often comes with questions about what’s normal and what isn’t. For some patients, changes near a surgical scar may signal an incisional hernia.
Because incisional hernias don’t always cause immediate pain, they can be easy to overlook. However, getting the right information and knowing when to seek care can make a meaningful difference in treatment options and long-term outcomes. At Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH), patients benefit from specialized hernia care designed to support safe recovery and lasting results.
What is an Incisional Hernia?
An incisional hernia is a type of hernia that develops at the site of a previous surgical incision. It occurs when tissue, often part of the intestine or fatty tissue, pushes through a weakened area of the abdominal wall that did not fully heal after surgery.
Incisional hernias can appear weeks, months or even years after an abdominal operation, and they may grow larger over time if left untreated.
What Causes an Incisional Hernia?
If you’ve recently had abdominal surgery, your abdominal wall needs time to heal. In some cases, that healing process can be interrupted or incomplete, increasing the risk of an incisional hernia.
Common risk factors include:
- Prior abdominal surgery (especially open surgery)
- Heavy lifting too soon after surgery
- Obesity or excess abdominal pressure
- Chronic coughing or constipation
- Smoking
- Diabetes or poor wound healing
Even patients who follow post-operative instructions carefully can still develop an incisional hernia.
Symptoms of an Incisional Hernia
One of the most common signs of an incisional hernia is a visible bulge or lump near a surgical scar. Some other symptoms include:
- Discomfort or pain, especially when standing, coughing, lifting or straining
- A feeling of pressure or heaviness in the abdomen
- Tenderness around the incision site
- Nausea or digestive discomfort (in more serious cases)
Some incisional hernias are initially painless but may worsen over time.
When is an Incisional Hernia Serious?
An incisional hernia should always be evaluated by a healthcare provider. While some hernias remain stable, others can lead to complications such as:
- Incarceration, when tissue becomes trapped
- Strangulation, when blood supply is cut off — a medical emergency
Seek immediate medical care if you experience severe pain, redness or warmth over the bulge; nausea; vomiting; or if your bulge cannot be pushed back in.
Can an Incisional Hernia Heal on Its Own?
No, incisional hernias do not heal without treatment. Support garments or lifestyle changes may help manage symptoms, but surgery is the only way to repair the abdominal wall and prevent progression.
How Are Incisional Hernias Treated?
Treatment depends on the size of the hernia, symptoms and your overall health.
Surgical options may include:
- Minimally invasive, robotic hernia repair
- Mesh reinforcement to strengthen the abdominal wall and reduce recurrence
Many hernia repairs are performed as outpatient procedures, allowing patients to return home the same day.[ML1]
Recovery After Incisional Hernia Surgery
Recovery time varies by patient and procedure, but most patients can:
- Resume light activity within a few days
- Return to work within one to two weeks (depending on job demands)
- Avoid heavy lifting for several weeks
Your surgeon will provide personalized recovery guidance to support safe healing.
When Should You See a Surgeon?
You should schedule an evaluation if you notice a new bulge near a surgical scar, have pain or pressure at a previous incision site, experience symptoms that worsen with activity, or have any concerns after abdominal surgery.
Early evaluation can help prevent complications and may allow for less invasive treatment options.
Advanced Hernia Repair Program at TMH
TMH has been recognized as a Center of Excellence in Hernia and Robotic Surgery by the Surgical Review Corporation (SRC). This designation reflects rigorous standards for quality care, patient safety and surgical outcomes.
Every year, our expert surgeons perform nearly 1,000 hernia repair surgeries using advanced, minimally invasive and robotic-assisted techniques to help patients recover faster with less pain.
Request a Surgical Consult
Do you have a hernia? Complete our form to have a member of our surgery team contact you to schedule a surgical consultation.
