A hernia occurs when an organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle wall, often creating a visible bulge and causing pain, pressure, or discomfort. Hernias will not heal on their own and, without treatment, tend to worsen over time. In more serious cases, a hernia can become incarcerated or strangulated, cutting off blood supply to the affected tissue and requiring emergency surgery. The good news is that hernia repair surgery is a well-established, highly effective procedure that can relieve your symptoms and restore your quality of life.
At Atlanta General and Bariatric Surgery Center, our board-certified hernia surgeons are experienced in treating all common types of hernias using both open and minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques. As an MBSA and AAAHC-accredited outpatient surgery center in Johns Creek, we offer expert surgical care in a comfortable setting, with a 1:1 nurse-to-patient ratio and a team that provides comprehensive support from your initial consultation through full recovery.
We accept most major insurance plans and offer self-pay options at competitive rates. If you've been experiencing hernia symptoms, don't wait. Request a consultation with our team today.
Our hernia specialists treat several common types of hernias, each requiring a tailored surgical approach based on the location, size, and severity of the condition.
A ventral hernia develops when tissue protrudes through an opening in the abdominal wall muscles. This type most commonly occurs at the site of a previous surgical incision, though it can develop anywhere along the abdominal wall. Ventral hernias often produce a visible bulge and may cause tenderness or pain in the affected area, particularly with physical activity.
Repair involves repositioning the protruding tissue and reinforcing the weakened abdominal wall, using either open or laparoscopic techniques depending on the size and location of the hernia and the patient's overall health. Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair is performed through several small incisions using a tiny camera and specialized instruments, resulting in less postoperative pain, smaller scars, and a faster recovery compared to open surgery.
An inguinal hernia occurs when tissue, often part of the intestine, pushes through a weak spot in the lower abdominal muscles in the inguinal canal. It is the most common type of hernia and tends to occur more frequently in men. Common symptoms include:
Surgery is typically recommended when an inguinal hernia is causing significant pain, growing in size, or interfering with daily activities. Our surgeons perform both open and laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair, using sutures or surgical mesh to reinforce the muscle wall and prevent recurrence.
An umbilical hernia occurs when part of the intestine or fatty tissue pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles near the belly button. It is common in infants but can also develop in adults, particularly those who are overweight, pregnant, or who have had previous abdominal surgeries. In adults, umbilical hernias rarely resolve on their own and typically require surgical repair, especially if they are causing discomfort or increasing in size.
Repair involves pushing the protruding tissue back into place and reinforcing the abdominal wall with sutures and, in many cases, surgical mesh to reduce the risk of recurrence. Our team at Atlanta General and Bariatric Surgery Center has extensive experience treating umbilical hernias in both adults and infants, and we are here to walk you through your options.
Common hernia symptoms include a noticeable bulge or lump under the skin that may be more prominent when standing, coughing, or straining, along with pain, pressure, or a heavy feeling in the affected area. Some hernias cause a burning or aching sensation, particularly with physical activity. In some cases, hernias are asymptomatic and discovered incidentally during a routine exam. If you notice any of these symptoms, it's important to consult with a hernia doctor rather than waiting. Without treatment, most hernias grow larger and become more difficult to repair. Our team can evaluate your symptoms and help you determine the best course of action.
While small, asymptomatic hernias can sometimes be monitored rather than immediately repaired, most hernias will eventually require surgical treatment. Hernias do not heal on their own, and non-surgical measures such as wearing a supportive truss can manage discomfort temporarily but cannot fix the underlying weakness in the muscle wall. For patients experiencing pain, a growing hernia, or any signs of complications, surgery is strongly recommended. Our hernia specialists will evaluate your individual situation and help you understand all available treatment options before recommending a course of action.
Recovery after hernia repair surgery varies depending on the type of hernia treated and whether an open or laparoscopic approach was used. Patients who undergo laparoscopic hernia repair typically experience less postoperative pain and return to normal activities more quickly than those who have open surgery. Most patients are able to go home the same day as their procedure. Light activity is generally resumed within one to two weeks, while more strenuous activity and heavy lifting should be avoided for four to six weeks, per your surgeon's specific instructions. Our team will provide detailed post-operative care guidelines and is available to answer any questions that arise during your recovery.
If you're searching for an experienced hernia surgeon in the Atlanta area, Atlanta General and Bariatric Surgery Center in Johns Creek is here to help. Our board-certified surgeons specialize in laparoscopic and open hernia repair and are committed to delivering personalized, compassionate care to every patient. Getting started is simple: call our office at (678) 691-6257 or request an appointment online. We serve patients throughout Metro Atlanta and are proud to welcome those traveling from across the Southeast. We look forward to helping you find relief from your hernia symptoms.