Umbilical Hernia Surgery: Everything You Need to Know
Umbilical hernias are among the most common types of hernias, affecting both adults and children. If you’re dealing with a bulge around your belly button that causes discomfort or cosmetic concerns, understanding your surgical options is essential. At our Maryland hernia surgery center, we specialize in umbilical hernia surgery with over 30 years of experience and thousands of successful repairs.
What Is an Umbilical Hernia?
An umbilical hernia occurs when part of the intestine or fatty tissue pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles near the belly button. This creates a visible bulge that may become more prominent when coughing, straining, or standing up. Unlike some hernias that may resolve on their own, adult umbilical hernias typically require surgical repair as they rarely heal naturally and can lead to complications if left untreated.
Signs You Need Umbilical Hernia Surgery
While some umbilical hernias cause minimal symptoms, others can significantly impact your quality of life. You should consider surgery if you experience:
- A visible bulge near the belly button that increases in size
- Pain or discomfort, especially when lifting or straining
- Nausea or vomiting (which may indicate complications)
- The hernia becomes hard, tender, or cannot be pushed back in
- Cosmetic concerns affecting your confidence
According to the American College of Surgeons, umbilical hernias that cause symptoms or continue to grow should be repaired promptly to prevent serious complications like incarceration or strangulation.
Umbilical Hernia Surgery Options
Open Repair The traditional approach involves a single incision near the belly button to access and repair the hernia. Our experienced surgeons use mesh reinforcement to strengthen the abdominal wall and prevent recurrence. This method is highly effective and appropriate for most umbilical hernias.
Laparoscopic Repair For larger or more complex umbilical hernias, laparoscopic hernia repair may be recommended. This minimally invasive technique uses small incisions and specialized instruments, often resulting in less pain and faster recovery times.
Our surgeons will evaluate your specific case to determine the best approach for optimal results.
The Surgery Process at Our Center
Same-Day Convenience One of the unique advantages of choosing our center is our same-day consultation and surgery service. Patients can arrive by 11 AM on Monday or Wednesday for their consultation and have surgery performed the same afternoon, making it convenient for those traveling from out of state.
What to Expect
- Pre-operative consultation and examination
- Surgery typically takes 30-60 minutes
- Outpatient procedure – go home the same day
- Local or general anesthesia options available
- Mesh placement for strong, long-lasting repair
Recovery and Results
Most patients experience a smooth recovery from umbilical hernia surgery. Here’s what you can expect:
First Week
- Mild to moderate pain managed with prescribed medications
- Return to light activities within 2-3 days
- Avoid lifting anything heavier than 10 pounds
Weeks 2-4
- Gradual return to normal activities
- Most patients can resume work within a week
- Walking and light exercise encouraged
Long-term Results
- Full recovery typically within 4-6 weeks
- Excellent success rates with low recurrence
- Improved comfort and appearance
Research from the National Institute of Health shows that mesh repair of umbilical hernias has recurrence rates of less than 3% when performed by experienced surgeons.
Cost and Insurance Considerations
One of the biggest concerns patients have about umbilical hernia surgery is cost. Hospital bills can range from $15,000 to $40,000, making surgery financially overwhelming for many patients.
Our center offers transparent, affordable pricing with a flat rate of $2,600 for umbilical hernia surgery. This all-inclusive fee covers:
- Surgical fees
- Anesthesia costs
- Operating room charges
- No hidden fees or surprise bills
We also accept most major insurance plans and Medicare, and offer financing options for those who need them.
Why Choose Our Experienced Team
Proven Expertise Our lead surgeon, Dr. Alan Kravitz, has performed thousands of hernia repairs over 30+ years and has been recognized as a “Top Doctor” by Washingtonian Magazine since 1993. This extensive experience translates to:
- Superior surgical outcomes
- Lower complication rates
- Faster recovery times
- Personalized care
State-of-the-Art Facility Our AAAHC-certified surgery center provides hospital-quality care in a comfortable outpatient setting, with American-trained, board-certified surgeons and anesthesiologists.
Don’t Delay Treatment
Umbilical hernias don’t improve on their own and may worsen over time. Timely treatment is important because:
- Smaller hernias are easier to repair
- Risk of complications increases with time
- Early treatment allows for minimally invasive options
- Better cosmetic results with prompt repair
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you have an umbilical hernia, don’t let cost or inconvenience prevent you from getting the care you need. Our experienced team provides expert umbilical hernia surgery at an affordable price with the convenience of same-day service.
Call us today at (800) 925-2580 or contact our center to schedule your consultation. We welcome patients from across the United States and are committed to providing excellent care at a price you can afford.
