Private umbilical hernia surgery – costs and treatment

Umbilical hernia surgery waiting times

At Practice Plus Group, the average waiting time for private umbilical hernia surgery is 4–6 weeks.

In comparison, current NHS waiting times for hernia surgery vary widely depending on demand, the capacity of local hospitals, and clinical priority. The NHS Constitution sets an 18-week waiting time target between referral and treatment however, lots of patients are left waiting much longer. 

The following are factors that currently contribute to the long waiting times for NHS hernia treatment:

• high demand for general surgery
• clinical prioritisation of urgent or cancer cases
• workforce and theatre capacity pressures
• backlogs from COVID pandemic disruption.

The My Planned Care site is updated on a weekly basis and shows the latest NHS waiting times in your area.

(Practice Plus Group is not responsible for and does not control the content displayed on external websites.)

What is an umbilical hernia?

An umbilical hernia is a type of ventral hernia (a hernia that develops in the front abdominal wall). It happens when tissue pushes through a weakness near the belly button.

In babies, umbilical hernias are common and often resolve on their own. However, in adults, umbilical hernias can develop due to increased pressure on the abdomen. In some cases, the weakened area may not heal without treatment.

Common symptoms

Listed below are some of the common symptoms of an umbilical hernia:

• a soft bulge near the belly button
• a bulge that becomes more noticeable when standing, coughing or straining
• aching, discomfort, or a dragging sensation (especially with activity).

Risk factors

The following are risk factors for developing an umbilical hernia:

• pregnancy or multiple pregnancies
• higher body weight
• heavy lifting or repeated straining
• chronic cough
• constipation/straining
• previous abdominal surgery (ventral/incisional hernias)
• fluid build-up in the abdomen (in certain medical conditions).

Who is it for?

Umbilical hernia treatment is usually for adults whose hernia:

• causes persistent pain or discomfort
• is increasing in size
• is affecting the ability to carry out daily activities or exercise
• has features that increase the risk of strangulation.

Some small, symptom-free hernias can be monitored, but your clinician will advise based on your symptoms and risk profile.

When to seek treatment

If you suspect you have an umbilical hernia, your first port of call should be your GP. He or she can assess you and refer you for a consultation (if needed).

Urgent red flag guidance

You should seek urgent medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• sudden, severe pain at the hernia site
• vomiting
• constipation or inability to pass wind
• redness, heat, or marked tenderness over the bulge
• a bulge you can’t push back in (non-reducible lump).

These symptoms may indicate the hernia has become strangulated which warrants immediate medical attention.

Urgent hernia vs inguinal hernia: what’s the difference?

Umbilical and inguinal hernias are both common types of hernia, but they affect different parts of the body.

An umbilical hernia happens when tissue pushes through a weakness in the abdominal wall near the belly button. It usually appears as a bulge in or around the navel and may become more noticeable when coughing, straining, or standing up.

An inguinal hernia happens when tissue pushes through a weakness in the lower abdominal wall or groin area. This type of hernia appears as a bulge in the groin and is more common in men.

Key differences at a glance

From cause to who is most affected, the key differences between umbilical and inguinal hernias are listed below:

Location

• Umbilical hernia: near the belly button
• Inguinal hernia: in the groin area

Cause

• Umbilical hernia: weakness around the navel, often linked to pressure on the abdomen
• Inguinal hernia: weakness in the groin canal, where tissue can push through

Symptoms

• Umbilical hernia: bulge at the navel, discomfort, aching or dragging sensation
• Inguinal hernia: bulge in the groin, discomfort when lifting, bending, coughing, or exercising

Who it affects

• Umbilical hernia: common in babies and also seen in adults, especially after pregnancy or with increased abdominal pressure
• Inguinal hernia: more common in adults, particularly men

Although both types of hernia may cause discomfort and can sometimes be monitored, treatment recommendations depend on the size of the hernia, symptoms, and the risk of complications. If you are unsure which type of hernia you may have, a GP or consultant can assess the lump and advise on the best course of action.

Umbilical hernia treatment options

If you suspect you have an umbilical hernia, you have options that may not necessarily immediately involve surgery. Take a look at the information below to see what could work for you.

Non-surgical alternatives

Not every umbilical hernia needs immediate surgery. Depending on symptoms and size, your consultant may recommend:

• lifestyle adjustments to help avoid excessive and unnecessary strain
• managing a persistent cough or constipation
• monitoring the hernia while awaiting surgery
• wearing support garments (if needed).

It’s important to note that, in adults, umbilical hernias do not usually go away without surgery. Making the necessary lifestyle changes and close monitoring help to manage symptoms and risk rather than “fixing” the hernia.

Umbilical hernia surgery types and techniques

Umbilical hernia surgery is considered a major procedure. Surgery always requires local or general anaesthesia and sees a surgeon correct the bulge and reinforce the weakened abdominal wall. The surgical approach used depends on the hernia size, your anatomy, and whether mesh is appropriate.

Open umbilical hernia repair

Open repair involves a small incision near the belly button. The protruding tissue is repositioned, and the weakened area is reinforced (often with mesh).

Who it’s for

Patients with small-to-moderate sized umbilical hernias.

How it works

The incision site is closed and the area reinforced to reduce the risk of recurrence.

How long it takes

Often between 30–60 minutes but this can vary depending on hernia size and the complexity of the procedure.

Anaesthesia

Local with sedation or general anaesthetic depending on specific patient requirements.

Hospital stay

Usually carried out as day surgery.

Recovery time

Many return to light activity within 1–2 weeks.

Keyhole (laparoscopic) umbilical hernia repair

Keyhole surgery uses small incisions and a camera to repair the hernia from inside the abdomen, typically placing mesh to reinforce the abdominal wall.

Who it’s for

May be recommended for some larger defects, recurrent hernias, or selected cases based on consultant assessment.

How it works

Mesh is placed behind the abdominal wall to strengthen the area.

How long it takes

Often 45–90 minutes but this varies depending on hernia size and the complexity of the procedure.

Anaesthesia

General anaesthetic.

Hospital stay

Usually day case or short hospital stay depending on complexity.

Recovery time

Many people return to light activity within 1–2 weeks, with gradual progression over a 4–6 week recovery period.

Benefits of umbilical hernia surgery

Umbilical hernia repair can provide:

• relief from discomfort or pain
• reduced visible bulge
• reduced risk of complications (e.g. strangulation)
• improved confidence and ability to exercise
• a return to work and daily life with fewer limitations.

Risks and complications of umbilical hernia surgery

As with any surgical procedure, umbilical hernia repair carries risks. These may include:

• infection
• bleeding
• seroma (fluid collection)
• recurrence (hernia returning)
• pain or nerve irritation
• bowel injury (although this is very rare)
• negative reaction to anaesthesia
• blood clots (rare but possible).

Complications are more likely if you’re over 50, have other illnesses (heart disease or breathing problems), are overweight, or smoke.

How risks are reduced

At Practice Plus Group, we reduce the potential for complications to develop through:

• pre-operative health assessments
• infection prevention measures
• blood clot prevention and early post-op mobilisation
• appropriate technique and mesh selection
• clear discharge guidance and follow-up support.

When to seek urgent care after surgery

You need to seek urgent medical advice if you experience:

• a fever, increasing redness, swelling or discharge at the wound
• severe and worsening pain
• persistent vomiting
• inability to pass urine
• a new or returning bulge
• shortness of breath or chest pain.

What to expect

If you’re having umbilical hernia repair surgery with Practice Plus Group, let’s take a look at what you can expect from the experience itself.

Pre-operative assessment

A pre-operative assessment helps confirm the procedure is right for you. We’ll explain your treatment and make sure you’re well enough to proceed. It’s also your chance to ask questions about recovery and risks.

Preparing for surgery

Pre-surgery preparation may include:

• a medication review (including blood thinners)
• fasting instructions in the hours leading up to surgery
• transport home and support for 24 hours
• preparing for lifting restrictions.

During the procedure

Your surgeon will repair the abdominal wall weakness using either the open or keyhole surgical approach. Mesh may be used to reinforce the area and reduce the risk of a recurrence.

Immediately after surgery

In most cases you’ll be able to go home the same day as your operation. Upon discharge, you’ll receive detailed advice on wound care, pain relief, and returning to physical activity.

Umbilical hernia surgery recovery timeline

So, we’ve looked at how you can prepare and what happens during umbilical hernia surgery. Now it’s time to explore what you can expect from the recovery process.

Week 1

• return home on the same day (if appropriate)
• some mild swelling and bruising around the belly button is common
• gentle walking is encouraged
• avoid heavy lifting.

Weeks 2-4

• return to light activities and desk-based work (often 1–2 weeks)
• driving can resume when you can safely perform an emergency stop without pain. You should also check with your car insurance provider before getting behind the wheel again
• build up activity gradually

Weeks 4-6

• return to most normal daily activities
• resume exercise gradually (avoid heavy strain until cleared)

Long-term recovery

• mesh reinforcement is designed to be durable
• recurrence risk varies by hernia size, technique, weight, smoking, and strain

Managing pain

Pain usually improves over the first few weeks and can be managed by taking prescribed medication and following your recovery guidance.

Your umbilical hernia patient journey

• Initial enquiry – speak to our call centre team and choose the location that suits you
• Consultation – in-depth assessment with a consultant and tailored treatment plan
• Pre-operative assessment – tests, anaesthetic review, and surgery preparation
• Day of surgery – admission, procedure, recovery
• Discharge – usually same-day with aftercare guidance
• Follow-up – telephone call and review
• Long-term – return to normal activity with recurrence awareness

Private umbilical hernia surgery costs in the UK

Private hernia repair in the UK typically ranges depending on provider, location, and the type of hernia.

At Practice Plus Group, hernia surgery starts from the following prices:

• Consultation: £145
• Surgery: £3,449
• Total typical cost: £3,594

What’s included?

Our costs include:

• pre-operative nurse review
• anaesthetic
• theatre and hospital stay (if necessary)
• mesh implant (if used)
• prescriptions, dressings, and equipment
• post-operative follow-up
• named consultant throughout.

If an overnight stay is required and a private room is important, please let us know when booking so we can do our best to accommodate.

Ways to pay

There are three ways to access umbilical hernia surgery at Practice Plus Group:

• Self-pay private healthcare (via a one-off lump sum or a payment plan)
• Private medical insurance
• NHS referral

Find private hernia specialists near you

If you’re a private patient with us at Practice Plus Group, you can choose which consultant carries out your hernia treatment. This consultant will be with you every step of the way on your journey with us.

Each consultant profile should include:

• General Medical Council (GMC) number
• years of experience the consultant has
• subspecialty interests (e.g. hernia, abdominal wall surgery)
• training background and qualifications
• professional memberships to prestigious medical organisations.

Looking for these can help you make an informed decision while also providing quality assurance.

Why choose Practice Plus Group?

Practice Plus Group hospitals provide consultant-led care with short waiting times (4-6 weeks for private patients) and excellent surgical outcomes.

All our hospitals are regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), and Practice Plus Group was the first provider to have all services rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’.

Acknowledgements

View profile

James Wood, Content Specialist

View LinkedIn profile