If you or a loved one is preparing for hernia repair surgery, it's natural to feel a mix of relief and nervousness about what comes next. Thankfully, a hernia repair is considered a safe procedure and patients can typically return home the same day of surgery (an outpatient surgery),¹ though some patients may need to stay in the hospital for a few days. There are several guidelines your doctor may give you to help you have a smooth recovery. This article will review general expectations and recommendations for the hernia repair recovery period.  Be sure to check with your doctor to discuss your own risks and limitations after surgery.
 

Recovery from hernia repair surgery varies from person to person but often takes several weeks or longer.¹ Strenuous activity should be avoided for 4–6 weeks. In most cases patients can eventually return to a normal active lifestyle, but some lifestyle changes may be required after your operation, such as diet and exercise. While your individual recovery period may look different, this typical recovery timeline may give you an idea of what to expect:²

Week 1: 

• Regular wound care
• Pain management with over-the counter pain medication 
• Minimal physical activity 

Weeks 2-3:

• Slowly resume light daily activities 
• Continue to avoid any strenuous activities
• Return to your doctor’s office for a check-in two weeks post surgery

Weeks 4-6:

• With your doctor's clearance, begin to return to normal activities and exercise 
• Around the five-to-six-week mark, minimal to no discomfort or pain
   

To help reduce complications, always follow your doctor or hospital's post-surgery instructions. Below are some things hernia repair patients typically do during the first few days post-surgery:¹

• Plan ahead for a ride home—patients can’t drive right after hernia repair, so ask a friend or family member to pick you up.
• Get plenty of rest and avoid lifting anything heavy for at least two weeks.
• If you need to cough, sneeze, or move, apply mild pressure to the site beforehand.
• Ask your doctor when you can shower after you get home (you may need to wait at least 48 hours after your surgery).
• Schedule a follow-up visit with your doctor within two weeks of your surgery date to help ensure your hernia is healing properly and to identify any possible complications of surgery, like an infection.
• Be sure to check with your doctor to discuss your own specific questions or concerns.
   

As with any surgery, you will experience some pain and discomfort post-procedure. This pain is often well-managed with over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen and acetaminophen. Some doctors may prescribe other medicines as needed and will direct you how and when to take these.³

If you had laparoscopic surgery, your surgeon will inflate your abdomen with gas. After surgery you may experience pain in your shoulder due to trapped/residual CO₂ gas. This is normal and typically resolves in a day or so.⁴ Be sure to ask your doctor if you have any concerns.
 

After a hernia operation, swelling around the surgical site is normal. The swelling occurs as part of your body's natural healing response and may be accompanied by bruising or firmness near the incision. Swelling typically peaks within the first few days and gradually improves over the following weeks. If swelling is severe, worsening after the first few days, or accompanied by fever, redness, or discharge, contact your doctor as this may indicate an infection or other complication.^5,6
 

It is important to take care of your incision when you go home and to follow the wound care instructions from your doctor or healthcare team. These instructions may include:⁶

• Rotate ice packs or bags of frozen peas to help with swelling, up to 15 minutes per hour, for the first 3 days.
• Keep your incisions dry and avoid excessive perspiration. Do not apply lotions, ointments, or creams.
• Avoid strenuous activity, lifting anything over 20 pounds, or sexual intercourse at least until your post-op visit.
• Use over the counter medications to help soothe postoperative pain.

Be sure to follow the specific instructions from your doctor and check in with your healthcare team if you have any concerns.
 

Depending on the type of hernia and surgery received, most people require anywhere from several days to several weeks off of work after a hernia repair. This timeline depends on the type of work you do and the severity of your hernia. Your doctor will provide a recommended timeline for your own individual condition and lifestyle. It’s important to remember that hernia repair recovery requires patience.²
 

Your doctor will likely recommend that you ask someone to drive you home from surgery. It is typical for patients to be restricted from driving for up to two weeks after surgery to help avoid the physical strain of getting in and out of the car and driving. In addition, some pain medications warn patients not to drive while taking them.
 

Your doctor will advise you when it is okay for you to play sports and exercise again. Many patients return to their usual activity level a few weeks after surgery, but every person and situation is different. Your healthcare team may recommend that you begin light activity (i.e., walking) in the days after surgery,⁷ but avoid lifting more than ten pounds and strenuous exercise for at least two weeks. You will likely need your doctor’s approval prior to playing any sports.
 

There are plenty of lifestyle changes you can make to help reduce future risks of a hernia. Be sure to ask your doctor about your potential risks, as well as what they recommend you do at home to help reduce the likelihood of them occurring.

• Diet: There are no specific restrictions, but maintaining a healthy weight is essential. Diets low in fat and high in fiber are recommended to help prevent constipation and the recurrence of your hernia.⁸
• Physical activity: Taking short walks can help you maintain a healthy weight. Avoid vigorous exercise, such as weightlifting or biking until your doctor approves it.⁷
• Avoid smoking: Smoking can negatively affect your body’s ability to heal and increase your risk of infection. Many doctors recommend that you stop smoking for at least 4 weeks prior to your surgery and at least 4 weeks after.⁹
• Manual handling: Proper manual handling techniques when lifting or moving a heavy object can help prevent future hernias. Avoid twisting or stooping, and keep your head up when lifting something.¹⁰
   

Recovering from hernia repair surgery takes time and patience, but most patients can return to their normal routines with the right care and guidance. Follow your doctor's instructions closely, don't rush the process, and reach out to your healthcare team whenever you have questions or concerns. The steps you take during recovery are an important part of your hernia repair journey.

Have more questions? Continue reading about recovery with our Road to Recovery guide here.

The guidance provided in this article follows general rules that should be discussed with your doctor. This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not substitute for medical advice. If in doubt, always consult your doctor.