Umbilical Hernia Recovery
The complicated or larger umbilical hernia needs surgery treatment. Know about its symptoms, treatment, restrictions, guidelines and when to meet doctor in this guide
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Last updated on 12th May, 2025
The umbilical hernia refers to a condition where a portion of the intestine protrudes from the abdomen. This complication appears near the naval, and it is common among babies but may also be a problem for adults in some cases. The causes include weak abdominal muscles, obesity, pregnancy, and excessive lifting of heavy objects. The symptoms and signs of this condition are a bulge that is visible near the navel area, as well as pain and discomfort. The bulge can become apparent when someone coughs or strains. It is generally diagnosed through a physical examination. In some instances, imaging tests such as ultrasound or CT scans are utilised to determine the severity of the problem. So, learning the treatment methods, recovery, and other details will help individuals take better care of this situation.
Treatment Options
Umbilical hernia treatment depends on its severity. Children generally do not need any specific treatment, as it goes away by itself in 5 years.
Generally, the small types of hernia don't need surgery. The doctors can push the hernia back to its place. These types of hernias are known as reducible umbilical hernias. But make sure to have the procedure done by an expert. Otherwise, there is a chance of significant injury.
Nevertheless, the patient needs the following non-surgical methods to cure a non-complicated umbilical hernia. These are:
Lifestyle: The body weight should be healthy, and heavy lifting should be avoided to lower abdominal pressure.
Diet: Stay away from foods that cause bloating, as it adds extra pressure on the hernia. Apart from that, consider eating fibre-rich foods to avoid constipation.
Hernia belt: The hernia belts provide gentle compression and keep the hernia in place. Doctors recommend using a hernia belt for performing regular activities.
Apart from children, adults need surgery to remove umbilical hernia as it may eventually worsen the situation. With age, the abdominal muscles get weaker, and the hernia size increases. Sometimes, the condition is also referred to as asphyxiation.
In some cases, the doctors refer surgery if they see:
The hernia is more significant than 2 centimetres
It doesn't go away even after 5 years of age
It gives pain
The Recovery Process
The recovery process of umbilical hernia includes understanding the post-surgery expectations and recovery timeline. So, in terms of post-surgery expectations, here is what patients can expect –
Soreness and Tenderness: The abdominal area will feel sore for a few days.
Restricted Movements: After the surgery, patients are advised to avoid heavy lifting, strenuous activities, and sudden movements to prevent strain on the surgical site.
Dietary Adjustments: A soft and liquid diet is initially recommended to prevent constipation and help digestion.
Wound Care: It is vital to keep the incision clean and dry to avoid infections. Stitches or surgical glue used to close the wound will heal over time.
In terms of the timeline, patients can expect the following –
First 48 Hours: In the first 48 hours, the patients will experience discomfort and drowsiness due to anaesthesia. Doctors advise walking short distances to prevent blood clots.
First Week: In the first week, the swelling and bruising begin to subside, and patients can gradually return to light activities. But, they should avoid heavy lifting.
2 to 4 Weeks: Most individuals can resume normal daily activities, although high-impact exercises and strenuous tasks should still be avoided.
Patients are likely to recover from the operation after a month, but doctors suggest refraining from heavy or physically demanding jobs. Typically, the doctors advise a follow-up check-up during this time to review the condition.
Post-operative Care
In terms of post-operative care, the patient's family members need to ensure that the incision remains clean. But, they must not touch the surgery site within the first 24 to 48 hours. After that, they can gently clean the area with mild soap and water if permitted by the doctor. Additionally, people around the patient and healthcare providers need to check the surgery site for infection. They need to check if they notice any Redness, swelling, pus, or smell of foul odour. If they do, they need to see a doctor immediately.
In terms of pain management, doctors usually suggest painkillers, and after the first few days, patients can apply ice packs. Also, they need to eat fibre-rich foods and stay hydrated to prevent constipation. This reduces the strain on the abdominal muscles and minimises pain.
Physical Activity and Lifestyle Adjustments
Following the surgery, there are certain activity restrictions that individuals should follow, which include –
Avoiding any kind of strenuous activities
Avoiding heavy lifting for at least 4 to 5 weeks
Dodging any type of work that pressurises the abdominal area.
However, patients can do light exercises to promote healthy blood circulation.
Moreover, after the surgery, patients need to cope with some long-term lifestyle adjustments such as –
Maintain the body weight
Stay on a healthy diet
Do exercises that support abdominal muscles
Schedule regular follow-ups with the doctor
Possible Complications
Individuals may face some complications after the umbilical hernia surgery. These complications include bleeding, wound, seroma, or shock. But look for the following signs of infections:
Persistent temperature
Pus secretion from the wound
Red streaks from the wound
In case of several complications, and if the hernia reappears, it is commonly referred to as a recurrent hernia. The symptoms of recurrent hernia include:
Swelling due to a blood clot at the previous hernia site
Vomiting
Constipation
Infection
Pain
Nutritional Considerations
After umbilical hernia surgery, individuals should follow a well-balanced diet so the body can heal properly. They must include protein, fruits & vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and probiotic foods such as yoghurt. Also, they must avoid any kind of high-calorie or high-fat foods, carbonated beverages, alcohol, and too much caffeine.
Hydration is essential before or after umbilical hernia surgery. It helps to avoid vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. During this period, the body is prone to infection, and water keeps these infections away. Furthermore, it keeps the anaesthesia toxins away.
When to Seek Medical Advice?
After the hernia surgery, bruising, swelling, and pain are common symptoms, but individuals need to look for infection, as it is an early sign of something serious. Symptoms like fever, body ache, redness or swelling at the area of surgery indicate a prompt doctor consultation.
Support and Resources
Generally, any kind of surgery needs a lot of emotional support. Patients can resort to online forums to find similar people suffering or recovering from umbilical hernia. Talking to them and sharing feelings can help them cope better with this surgical process. They can also read various reading materials (online and offline) to learn more about this process and get better.
Conclusion
An umbilical hernia is manageable with the right treatment, lifestyle adjustments, and post-operative care. While mild cases resolve on their own, surgical intervention ensures long-term relief for severe cases. With proper wound care, dietary choices, and physical precautions, people can get better quickly and resume their daily lives. So, stay informed and make the right choices to deal with umbilical hernia and come out victorious for a pain-free life.
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