The incisions are closed with dissolvable sutures – these do not need to be removed. You have glue over your incisions with dissolvable stitches under the skin. You should leave this glue in place as long as it is well stuck in the area. If it peels up at the edges (usually 10-14 days after surgery), you may pull it off. Otherwise it will fall off on its own.
Your incisions may feel hard about 7-10 days after surgery. This is due to scar tissue, and is a normal part of healing.
Bruising in the groin and genitals is normal after surgery. MALE patients may find that your scrotum or penis will become discolored, and you will have swelling in the region of your hernia and incision. FEMALE patients may find that your labia will become swollen and discolored. This discoloration and swelling will resolve with time.
Some patients will feel a firm lump in the area where their hernia used to bulge. Most of the time this is fluid in this area – called a “seroma” – this will resolve within a few months.
Many patients have used Arnica Montana, either as a gel or orally, to reduce swelling and bruising after surgery. Arnica is a safe, homeopathic medicine that works well in many patients. Most natural food stores will carry it.