Restore abdominal wall strength and relieve discomfort caused by an incisional hernia with specialized care at Virginia Hernia. You may notice a bulge near a prior surgical incision, pain with lifting, pressure, or burning sensations. Dr. Michael Svestka, our board-certified hernia surgeon, provides comprehensive, evidence-based repair tailored to your anatomy.
The Anatomy of Incisional Hernias, Explained
Your abdominal wall is made of multiple layers of muscle, fascia, and connective tissue that work together to support your internal organs and maintain core stability. When you undergo abdominal surgery, an incision is created through these layers. While the tissues are repaired during closure, the area may never regain the same tensile strength as the surrounding wall.
An incisional hernia develops when connective tissue at the site of a previous surgical incision weakens or separates over time. This creates a defect, or opening, that allows fat, intestine, or abdominal contents to push outward beneath the skin. Increased pressure from coughing, exercise, weight gain, or straining can enlarge the defect. Some incisional hernias remain small, while others become complex abdominal wall problems that require advanced reconstructive techniques to restore strength and function.
Signs & Symptoms of Incisional Hernias
Incisional hernias often become more noticeable over time. Common signs and symptoms of incisional hernias may include:
- A visible bulge near a prior surgical incision
- Pressure or heaviness in the abdomen
- Pain that worsens with lifting, coughing, or straining
- Burning, pulling, or aching sensations at the incision site
- Abdominal wall weakness during activity
- Enlargement of the bulge over time
- Discomfort when standing for long periods
- Nausea, vomiting, or bowel changes in severe cases
- Redness or tenderness around the hernia site
- Difficulty with exercise, movement, or daily activities
The Complete Incisional Hernia Surgery Process
Your treatment begins with a detailed consultation and abdominal wall evaluation with Dr. Svestka. He will review your prior surgical history, symptoms, imaging, and overall abdominal wall function to determine the size, location, and complexity of the hernia defect. In many cases, CT imaging is used to evaluate the muscles, scar tissue, and surrounding anatomy in detail. Dr. Svestka carefully re-enters the prior incision and releases scar tissue that may be tethering the abdominal wall or surrounding intestines.
The hernia contents are returned to their normal position inside the abdomen, and the weakened fascial layers are reconstructed. Depending on the complexity, advanced abdominal wall reconstruction techniques, such as transversus abdominis release (TAR), may be performed to achieve tension-free closure. Mesh reinforcement is often placed in a carefully selected tissue plane to support healing and reduce the risk of recurrence.
The Recovery Process After Incisional Hernia Surgery
Recovery after incisional hernia surgery focuses on protecting the abdominal wall while gradually restoring strength and mobility. You may return home the same day or stay briefly in the hospital for monitoring, pain control, and early walking. At Virginia Hernia, recovery plans are individualized based on your anatomy, activity level, and surgical reconstruction.
You will receive detailed guidance on lifting restrictions, incision care, nutrition, and safe return to activity. Dr. Svestka personally manages your follow-up care to monitor healing, address concerns early, and help reduce the risk of recurrence. When appropriate, postoperative physical therapy and abdominal wall rehabilitation may be incorporated to improve long-term strength, movement, and quality of life.
Schedule a Consultation for Incisional
Hernia Repair in Fairfax, VA
Dr. Michael Svestka is a board-certified surgeon with advanced training in abdominal wall reconstruction from the Cleveland Clinic Comprehensive Hernia Center. He has spent years refining evidence-based techniques for complex and revisional hernia surgery, including the advanced Transversus Abdominis Release (TAR) technique for challenging incisional hernias.
At Virginia Hernia, your care is highly individualized and centered around long-term abdominal wall function. Dr. Svestka personally guides your treatment from consultation through recovery, providing detailed explanations and thoughtful surgical planning. His focused expertise allows for comprehensive care that extends far beyond the operation itself. Schedule your consultation for incisional hernia repair in Fairfax, VA, today.
