An umbilical hernia is a bulge at or near the belly button where tissue pushes through a weakness in the abdominal wall. While umbilical hernias in infants often close on their own, in adults they do not — they tend to enlarge over time, and surgery is the only definitive repair. Surgery Group LA's board-certified surgeons repair umbilical and epigastric hernias at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles using open, laparoscopic, and robotic techniques. Call (310) 861-7493 to schedule a consultation.
Repair depends on the size of the defect. Small umbilical hernias can often be closed with sutures alone through a small incision hidden at the navel. Larger defects are reinforced with mesh to lower the chance of recurrence, placed through an open incision or — for larger and recurrent hernias — laparoscopically or robotically. Epigastric hernias, which occur between the belly button and the breastbone, are repaired using the same principles. Most repairs are outpatient procedures performed under anesthesia at Cedars-Sinai.
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Umbilical and epigastric hernia repair at Surgery Group LA is performed by Dr. Joshua Ellenhorn and Dr. Jason Cohen — board-certified surgeons who operate at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
Most patients go home the same day and return to light activity within a few days. Soreness around the navel is normal for a week or two, and heavy lifting is limited for several weeks while the repair heals. Your surgeon will tailor the timeline to the size of the repair and whether mesh was used.
No. Unlike in infants, an adult umbilical hernia will not close by itself. Small, painless hernias can sometimes be monitored, but they tend to enlarge with time, and surgery is the only way to repair the defect.
It depends on the size of the defect. Very small hernias can often be repaired with sutures alone, while larger defects are reinforced with mesh, which significantly lowers the chance of the hernia coming back. Your surgeon will recommend the repair that best balances durability and recovery for your hernia.
Many enlarge gradually and become more uncomfortable. The main risk is incarceration — tissue becoming trapped in the defect — which can progress to strangulation, a surgical emergency. Sudden severe pain, a firm tender bulge, nausea, or skin color changes over the hernia warrant immediate care.
Consultations take place at our office at 8635 W 3rd St, Suite 880W, Los Angeles, CA 90048, and surgery is performed at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and its affiliated surgical facilities. Call (310) 861-7493 to schedule.
Beverly Hills patients trust Surgery Group LA for expert, compassionate surgical care just minutes from home. Call (310) 861-7493 or request an appointment online, and our team will match you with the right board-certified specialist and verify your insurance before your visit.
