Will I feel the hernia mesh? Understanding post-operative sensations

September 30, 2025 •

4 min read

With more than one million hernia repairs performed annually in the United States, many patients are concerned and often ask, 'Will I feel the hernia mesh?'. While most people do not feel the mesh itself, various post-operative sensations, ranging from mild discomfort to more noticeable feelings, can occur as the body heals and incorporates the synthetic material.

Quick Summary

This guide explains the typical sensations after hernia repair with mesh, distinguishing between normal recovery symptoms and signs of potential complications. It explores how surgical technique, mesh type, and individual healing processes influence what a patient might feel. The article also provides information on managing post-operative pain and recognizing when to seek medical advice.

Key Points

Normal Recovery Sensations: Mild soreness and a pulling sensation are common during the initial weeks and are usually due to tissue healing, not the mesh itself.
Mesh Placement Influences Feeling: The surgical technique, particularly where the mesh is placed (deep or superficial), is a major determinant of whether you might feel it.
Noticing Scar Tissue, Not Mesh: Patients are more likely to feel the new scar tissue and inflammation that forms around the mesh during the first year, which typically softens over time.
Know the Signs of Complications: Persistent or worsening pain, increasing swelling, or a new bulge could signal a more serious issue like infection, migration, or hernia recurrence.
Mesh Type Matters: The type and weight of the mesh used can affect post-operative comfort, with lighter, more flexible materials often leading to less pain.
Consult a Specialist: If concerned about unusual or persistent symptoms, a consultation with a hernia specialist is recommended for proper diagnosis and guidance.

Normal Sensations vs. Noticing the Mesh

Following a hernia repair with mesh, it is common to experience a range of sensations as your body recovers from the trauma of surgery. The initial pain and swelling in the days and weeks after the procedure are a normal part of the healing process. During this time, patients may feel a general tenderness or a pulling sensation near the incision. However, these are typically related to tissue healing, not the mesh itself, and should gradually subside over a few months.

Many factors determine whether or not a patient will notice a foreign body sensation from the mesh. The primary variable is the location of the mesh. In many modern laparoscopic and preperitoneal repairs, the mesh is placed deep within the abdominal wall, under multiple layers of muscle. Because it is so far from the surface, patients are very unlikely to feel it. In contrast, older or traditional open surgery techniques placed the mesh closer to the surface, where it could be more easily felt, sometimes causing chronic discomfort due to proximity to nerves.

Factors Influencing Whether You Feel the Mesh

Surgical Technique: A laparoscopic repair, which places the mesh internally and uses smaller incisions, often leads to a lower rate of patients reporting feeling the mesh compared to traditional open surgery where the mesh is placed more superficially.
Mesh Type: Different mesh materials and designs can affect sensation. Lightweight, flexible mesh is often associated with less pain and discomfort compared to older, heavier varieties. Some newer meshes, like self-gripping types, use small dissolving fasteners that can cause temporary muscle discomfort but resolve over time.
Scar Tissue Formation: The body's natural response to any surgical implant is to form scar tissue around it to incorporate it. This new, firmer tissue can feel stiff or like a ridge under the skin for up to a year, which some patients mistake for feeling the mesh itself.
Individual Sensitivity: Every patient's body is different. Some individuals may be more sensitive to foreign materials or have a higher pain perception, causing them to be more aware of the implant.

Potential Complications and When to Seek Help

While uncommon, certain symptoms may indicate a more serious mesh-related complication rather than typical post-operative sensations. It's crucial to understand these signs and consult a doctor if they arise.

Comparison of Normal Sensations and Potential Complications


Symptom	Normal Recovery (Typical)	Potential Complication (Atypical)
Pain	Mild to moderate pain or soreness that improves steadily over weeks. Can feel like a pulling sensation.	Chronic pain lasting more than three months; sharp, burning, or aching pain that persists or worsens with specific movements.
Swelling	Initial swelling and bruising that decreases over the first few weeks.	Persistent, increasing swelling or a localized bulge that recurs after surgery.
Bulge	A temporary ridge or stiffness from scar tissue that flattens out over months.	A new or growing protrusion at the hernia site, possibly indicating recurrence or mesh failure.
Infection Signs	No signs of infection.	Warmth, redness, fever, or pus near the incision; can occur soon after or years later.
Digestive Issues	Normal bowel function returns as healing progresses.	Chronic constipation, nausea, or vomiting that could indicate a bowel obstruction or mesh erosion.

Long-Term Considerations and Outlook

For the vast majority of patients, hernia mesh provides a durable, long-term repair with minimal complications. The chances of recurrence are significantly reduced compared to non-mesh repairs. However, it is a permanent implant, and for a small number of people, issues can develop over time. Chronic pain, often caused by nerve entrapment or inflammation rather than the mesh material itself, can sometimes occur. Other rare complications, such as mesh erosion or migration, may present with persistent symptoms that require further medical investigation.

Patient selection and the surgeon's expertise are critical to minimizing risks. Surgeons carefully assess the optimal mesh type, size, and fixation method to achieve the most comfortable outcome for the patient. For example, using methods that reduce tension on surrounding tissues during placement is key to preventing long-term discomfort.

It is important to have an open discussion with your surgeon about the specifics of your procedure, including the type of mesh being used and what to expect during recovery. By being proactive and monitoring your symptoms, you can ensure that any potential issues are addressed promptly. Trust in the fact that for most individuals, the mesh integrates smoothly into the body, and any initial awareness of its presence fades with time as healing progresses.

What to Do If You're Concerned

If you experience persistent or worsening pain, new or unusual bulges, or any signs of infection long after your initial recovery, contact your surgeon or a hernia specialist. Diagnostic tools like ultrasound or CT scans can help pinpoint the cause of the problem. In some cases, treatment may involve medication for chronic pain, while in very rare instances, mesh removal or revision surgery may be necessary. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues to monitor the safety and performance of surgical mesh and provides information to help patients make informed decisions.

For reliable information on hernia mesh devices, patients can visit the FDA's page on Surgical Mesh Used for Hernia Repair, which outlines considerations and offers questions to ask your healthcare provider. This resource helps ensure you are fully informed about the potential risks and benefits.(https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/implants-and-prosthetics/surgical-mesh-used-hernia-repair)

Frequently Asked Questions

A small, temporary ridge or stiffness from healing scar tissue is common and normal after mesh surgery. However, a new or growing bulge could indicate a hernia recurrence or mesh failure and should be evaluated by a doctor.

Chronic mesh pain can manifest as sharp, burning, dull, or aching sensations that persist for more than three months after surgery. It can be caused by nerve entrapment, inflammation, or mesh shrinkage and is often triggered by specific movements.

With modern laparoscopic surgery, the mesh is typically placed deep inside the abdominal wall, making it unlikely to be felt from the outside. In older open procedures where the mesh was more superficial, some patients could feel it.

The most common causes are the development of scar tissue around the implant, the use of older, heavier mesh types, or the placement of the mesh closer to the surface in traditional open surgeries.

If you have persistent or concerning sensations, keep a record of your symptoms and consult your surgeon or a hernia specialist. They can determine if the feeling is a normal part of recovery or a sign of a complication requiring further investigation.

Mesh migration, a rare but serious complication, can cause symptoms like severe cramping, unusual pain, or digestive issues due to bowel obstruction. This requires immediate medical attention.

While rare, some individuals may develop a systemic immune or allergic reaction to the synthetic mesh material. This can present as a rash, chronic fatigue, joint pain, or other systemic symptoms.