Improve Post Hernia Surgery Results
Hernia supports
We recommend Hernia Supports
Hernia discomfort or pain comes from a hernia that is protruding. The hernia, while reduced, cannot cause uncomfortable symptoms. Whilst this is an over-simplification of the issue, it’s a good place to start.
If a hernia support is worn pre surgery with a symptomatic and reducible hernia, then symptoms pre-surgery can be almost relieved if they are worn whilst the hernia is reduced.
Quicker Recovery with Hernia Supports
Hernia supports help by limiting post operative pain. They will enable you to move around earlier, more comfortably and requiring less pain relief. You will therefore have a better long-term outcome from your hernia repair.
Managing acute pain in the early recovery period has been shown to reduce chronic pain post hernia repair. Click here to view our post-surgery recovery advise.
We discuss the Right Hernia Support for You
We have found a great variation in quality of hernia pants available. We provide details on where you can buy the best hernia pants based on previous patients recommendations. You can buy hernia supports online.
This guidance will be included in your consultation and Surgery Confirmation Letter
Over 93% of our patients found that wearing the hernia supports helped them feel more confident returning to activity, and 99% would recommend hernia pants to other patients undergoing a hernia repair.*
* Patients surveyed in our 2023/2024 Clinical Outcomes Survey for Hernia Clinic Hampshire
Types of Hernia Supports
Hernia Pants
To control and support groin hernias, such as inguinal or femoral hernias. Hernia pants are not trusses.
These are very firmly fitting underpants that look exactly like Lycra boxer shorts. They are supplied with a pad fitted in front of the hernia to keep it reduced before repair.
Abdominal Wall Hernia Support
To help control abdominal wall hernias, such as umbilical/ventral and most incisional hernias.
These help keep the hernia reduced before repair.
When to Use Hernia Supports
Pre-Surgery
Hernia supports can be used pre-surgery to help reduce any pain caused by the hernia.
First Few Days Post-Surgery
We use hernia supports as a pressure dressing worn day and night for the first 48-72 hours.
This reduces the size of bruise and swelling that you get. This is important in providing comfort and predicting the risk of persistent post operative discomfort.
Post-Surgery
We advise you wear a hernia support for comfort and support.
In the first 2 weeks there is no strength in the repair. At 4 weeks there is 50% strength and at 6-8 weeks 80% strength. After this strength does not increase by much and the healing slowly progresses to re-modelling rather than laying down new tissue.
Increase Activity and Decrease Chronic Pain
It is also important to be doing as much as is comfortable and safe in the immediate post operation period which is 6-8 weeks post surgery. The hernia supports reinforce the abdominal wall’s job of holding everything inside the abdomen. This can increase confidence in being mobile and getting on with life. Reducing the use of pain killers.
Acute post operative pain is a major factor in the development of chronic (longstanding) post operative discomfort. The idea is that by limiting post operative pain early you will have a better long-term outcome from your hernia repair.
Stop using the hernia pants/support once you feel just as comfortable or more comfortable without it. This is a variable length of time based on their fit, your activity levels and general anxiety/worry habits.
When Do Hernia Supports Not Work?
Hernia supports will not work if the hernia cannot be reduced, or if they are put in place while the hernia is not reduced.