Is belly button pain normal 3 months post hernia repair? Does it look normal? (Photo)

Question

Had an umbilical hernia repaired 3 months ago. Ps said he didn't completely "repair/close" it because risk of it dying. Not sure if I understood correctly. Now I notice a flap of skin or something coming out along side bb. Ps said its scar tissue and normal.but my bb hurts. When I laugh, bend, push on it. I get a like a sharp pain inside. Is this normal? Does my bb look ok? Some days its really swollen and puffy others its looks smaller even "deflated." What do I do? Will i need to repair it?

Stuart A. Linder, MD, FACS · Answer

Hopefully the pain and swelling will resolve over time. If it persists, consider asking your plastic surgeon to refer you to a general surgeon for second opinion.

Jeffrey A. Sweat, MD · Answer

First, pain is completely normal, especially with things like coughing or laughing that stress your abdominal wall, after belly button hernia repair.  You should give yourself several months to heal and you may even have twinges of pain upwards of a year out from surgery.  Along those lines, since you are still having intermittent swelling, you really need to give yourself more time to heal from the surgery before judging the results/shape of your belly button.  It is possible that you could require a revision, but I would suggest allowing at least 6-12 months before even making that judgement call.  Best of luck with your recovery!

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and your pictures. Your surgeon might be the best person to advise you since we were not there at the operation to know what happened. While you still have some healing to do, I would say that the pictures do not look "normal" for 3 months post-op. In addition, I think that a sharp pain at 3 months post-op should be evaluated and worked up. Keep bringing up your concerns to your surgeon and if you feel like he or she is not taking them seriously, maybe you should consider getting a second opinion. Be aware that most surgeons are going to make you wait at least 6-12 months for a revision if there is no emergent reason to re-operate.Hope this helps!

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photographs. It is difficult to make recommendations without knowing what your belly button looked like prior to surgery, but as far as healing, I would definitely speak with your PS as only they know what took place in surgery.  Depending on the size of your umbilical hernia, it would not be uncommon to still have some soreness in particular instances, like with laughing or when you push on it, but things should steadily be improving.  It would also be common to still have periods of swelling, which can make your belly button look swollen and puffy.  This may take several more months to calm down. Hope this helps

Jose M. Soler-Baillo, MD, MS · Answer

Thanks for your question. It does not look normal. There are some cosmetic improvements that can be done. Please check with your plastic surgeon to see what your options are.All the best,Dr. ResultsMiami, FL

Is belly button pain normal 3 months post hernia repair? Does it look normal? (Photo)

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Answer: Is belly button pain normal 3 months post hernia repair? Does it look normal?

Answer: Is belly button pain normal 3 months post hernia repair? Does it look normal?

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Is belly button pain normal 3 months post hernia repair? Does it look normal? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Is belly button pain normal 3 months post hernia repair? Does it look normal?

Answer: Is belly button pain normal 3 months post hernia repair? Does it look normal?

Answer: Belly Button

Answer: Belly Button

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