Hernia Surgery

Consultations offered at our two convenient locations in Los Angeles and Lancaster, CA or by virtual appointment.

Hernia Surgery Dr. Sean Satey

Hernia surgery is a procedure that repairs a hernia, which occurs when an internal tissue (commonly fat) or an organ pushes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle. This can happen in various areas of the body, but most often occurs on the abdomen. (1) This can cause discomfort in daily life and may also raise aesthetic concerns due to a visible bulge. Fortunately, most insurance plans cover this corrective procedure, helping patients restore both comfort and confidence with peace of mind!

Dr. Sean Satey is highly experienced in treating hernias using both open hernia repair and laparoscopic hernia repair. He is an internationally recognized, board-certified general and fellowship-trained cosmetic surgeon dedicated to helping each of his patients achieve their wellness and aesthetic goals. With over ten years of experience and thousands of procedures performed, he has built a strong reputation for providing exceptional results to those across Los Angeles and beyond!

We invite you to schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Satey. If you have any questions or would prefer scheduling your consultation over the phone, both our Los Angeles and Lancaster offices may be reached at (424) 500-3320.

About Hernias and Hernia Surgery

Hernias can have several different causes, including weakened muscles due to:

  • Age-related muscle degeneration
  • Previous surgery or trauma
  • Chronic coughing or sneezing
  • Obesity

They can also be caused by increased pressure from heavy lifting, straining during bowel movements or urination, and chronic constipation.

Factors such as smoking, certain medical conditions, and genetics can also play a role in the development of hernias.

Why Treat a Hernia?

Early treatment of a hernia can help prevent the condition from worsening or becoming more painful over time. In some cases, leaving a hernia untreated can lead to more serious health risks, such as tissue damage and infection. (2) Dr. Satey can perform several different surgical techniques to address various types of hernia, such as inguinal hernias, umbilical hernias, and ventral hernias.

Types of Hernias Dr. Satey can Address

  • Groin Hernia (Inguinal Hernia): Groin hernias occur in the lower abdomen near the groin. These types of hernias often cause discomfort during physical activities. Worldwide, over 20 million people experience a groin hernia annually. (3)
  • Belly Button Hernia (Umbilical Hernia): Belly button hernias, also known as umbilical hernias, occur near the navel. These types of hernias are common in both children and adults. In adults, umbilical hernias typically require surgical intervention to avoid complications, whereas in children, they may resolve on their own.
  • Abdominal Wall Hernia (Ventral Hernia): Ventral hernias occur in the abdominal wall and can lead to significant discomfort. Ventral hernias may be caused by previous procedures or congenital anomalies.

During your consultation, Dr. Satey will evaluate your hernia to determine what type it is, as well as the best surgical technique to help you restore both your comfort and confidence.

Candidates

Potential candidates for hernia surgery should be:

  • Experiencing hernia symptoms such as pain, bulging, or discomfort that interfere with daily activities or quality of life
  • Nonsmokers or willing to quit until they have fully healed from their surgery
  • In good general health without any underlying medical conditions that may impair their ability to receive treatment or recover

Dr. Satey will meet with each potential patient to review their medical history and symptoms to determine whether or not they are eligible for hernia surgery.

Personal Consultation

When considering a procedure such as hernia surgery, you must consult with a recognized expert who understands which techniques are best suited to your circumstances, such as Dr. Satey.

If you are ready to schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Satey, we invite you to submit our online contact form. If you have any questions or would prefer scheduling your consultation over the phone, both our Los Angeles and Lancaster offices may be reached at (424) 500-3320.

Preparation

You will receive a specialized set of preparation instructions from Dr. Satey to help you prepare for your hernia surgery. These instructions may look different for each patient. Following these instructions will help you heal quickly and achieve optimal results.

Preparation instructions often include:

  • Cease the use of blood-thinning medications and supplements under medical supervision
  • Avoid alcohol for several days before and after the procedure date.
  • Stop smoking and nicotine use several weeks in advance and throughout the recovery period
  • Arrange transportation home from your appointment
  • Arrange time off if necessary

Procedure

There are two different surgical techniques Dr. Satey uses when performing hernia surgery: Open hernia repair and laparoscopic hernia repair. Both inguinal and umbilical hernias can be repaired using either open or laparoscopic techniques, depending on the size, location, and the patient’s overall health. The duration of your procedure may range from 1 to 4 hours, depending on the extent of the procedure and the techniques used.

Open Hernia Repair

For open hernia repair, Dr. Satey will begin the procedure by creating an incision over the hernia’s location. He will separate the tissue to expose the hernia, and push the contents back into the appropriate place—using sutures for support.

Depending on your individual circumstances, he may also reinforce the sutures with surgical mesh. The mesh acts as an internal patch and further reduces the chance of recurrence. Over time, the body will grow tissue around the mesh, reinforcing the corrections.

Dr. Satey may perform this procedure using general anesthesia when correcting larger hernias or local anesthesia when correcting smaller hernias. (4)

Laparoscopic Hernia Repair

To perform laparoscopic hernia repair, Dr. Satey will place several small incisions around the affected area. He will use a camera and laparoscopic instruments to locate the hernia. Laparoscopic instruments allow Dr. Satey to make corrections using smaller incisions in comparison to more traditional surgical approaches. Once the hernia has been located, Dr. Satey will reduce the hernia using the instruments before reinforcing the correction with mesh. Laparoscopic hernia surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia, and it often offers a quicker recovery due to the minimally invasive nature of the procedure. (5)

Recovery

When recovering, it is normal to experience swelling or discomfort around the treatment area. These effects are temporary and diminish on their own. You will likely need to take time away from work during this time, but most patients often return to their careers within one to two weeks. You will need to continue avoiding physical or strenuous activities for another several weeks, or until cleared to return by Dr. Satey.

Results

Hernia Surgery Dr. Sean Satey

Once healed, you will be able to experience an improvement in your daily comfort and appearance. The procedure will eliminate the visible hernia bulge and alleviate any pain or discomfort it may have caused. Additionally, any risks of any hernia-related health complications and recurrence are significantly reduced. When paired with healthy lifestyle habits and the proper post-operative care, the results of hernia surgery are long-lasting.

Dr. Satey’s Scar Management Protocol

After you have fully recovered from your procedure, Dr. Satey will target any visible scars to help camouflage them as much as possible through his Scar Refinement Program. He can apply silicone scar management creams and sheets over your incisions to help minimize the appearance of your scars, making them flatter, thinner, and lighter in color. He can also administer an energy-based scar treatment to help minimize the visibility of any scarring. This level of care and attention to detail is just one of the things that sets Dr. Satey’s practice apart!

Cost of Hernia Surgery in Los Angeles and Lancaster

We accept insurance! Most insurance plans will cover hernia procedures entirely; if you are unsure about what your specific plan may cover, our patient coordinators will be happy to assist you.

To learn more about the costs associated with your customized hernia surgery, please submit our online contact form or call (424) 500-3320 to reach either our Los Angeles or Lancaster offices. We proudly serve Los Angeles and the greater Southern California area, including areas such as:

  • Beverly Hills
  • Westwood
  • Santa Monica
  • Wilshire Blvd
  • Miracle Mile
  • Mid-Wilshire
  • Hancock Park
  • Fairfax District
  • West Hollywood
  • Hollywood
  • La Brea
  • Koreatown
  • Century City
  • Culver City
  • Melrose Avenue
  • La Cienega Blvd
  • Sunset Blvd
  • Pico Blvd
  • Olympic Blvd
  • Silverlake
  • Los Feliz
  • Long Beach

FAQ

Will I be able to return home on the same day of my hernia surgery?

Both open and laparoscopic hernia repairs are frequently performed on an outpatient basis, allowing you to return home on the same day as your procedure.

Will my hernia return after hernia surgery?

Hernia recurrence is uncommon, especially with Dr. Satey’s meticulous and proven surgical techniques. By following all post-operative instructions and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, most patients enjoy long-lasting results with a very low risk of recurrence.

Is hernia surgery covered by insurance?

Yes! In most cases, insurance plans will cover hernia surgery completely. We can help guide you through this process.

References

  1. Conze J, Klinge U, Schumpelick V. Hernias. Zuckschwerdt; 2001. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK6888/
  2. Information NC for B, Pike USNL of M 8600 R, MD B, Usa 20894. Hernias: Overview. Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK395554/
  3. The HerniaSurge Group. International guidelines for groin hernia management. Hernia. 2018;22(1):1-165. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s10029-017-1668-x
  4. Hassler KR, Saxena P, Baltazar-Ford KS. Open Inguinal Hernia Repair. PubMed. Published 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459309/
  5. Hope WW, Pfeifer C. Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430826/