Hernia surgery treats painful bulges caused by weakened abdominal muscle walls. At LoneStar Bariatrics in Arlington, Dr. Chad Carlton provides minimally invasive surgery to help you find relief, heal safely, and get back to your daily life again.
Repair Weakened Muscles and Reduce Pain
Hernia surgery is a procedure used to repair a hernia, which occurs when an organ or tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the muscle or connective tissue. Hernias often develop in the abdomen or groin areas and may cause a visible bulge, discomfort, or pain that worsens with lifting, coughing, or standing.
The goal of hernia surgery is to return the tissue to its proper place and strengthen the weakened area to prevent future problems. Many hernia repairs are performed using minimally invasive techniques, which may result in smaller incisions, less postoperative pain, and a faster recovery than open surgery. Treatment is often recommended when symptoms interfere with daily activities or when a hernia poses a risk of complications if left untreated over time and continues to grow or cause increasing discomfort for many patients in everyday life.
5 Convenient Locations
Serving patients throughout North Texas, LoneStar Bariatrics offers five convenient locations to better meet your needs. Our regional presence allows us to provide flexible scheduling, easy access to care, and consistent results-driven treatment close to home.
Arlington | Dallas | Hurst | Plano | Waxahachie
Signs and Symptoms Indicating the Need for Hernia Surgery:
- A visible bulge in the abdomen or groin that becomes noticeable when standing or straining
- Pain, pressure, or discomfort that worsens with lifting, coughing, or bending
- A feeling of heaviness, pulling, or weakness in the affected area
- Burning or aching sensations near the bulge
- A hernia that continues to grow over time
- Symptoms that interfere with daily activities or physical work
- Nausea, vomiting, or difficulty passing stool in more serious cases
- Sudden severe pain, redness, or tenderness, which may signal a complication
Types of Hernia Surgery Offered at Lonestar Bariatrics in Arlington
Hiatal Hernia Repair
A hiatal hernia occurs when part of your stomach pushes upward through the diaphragm into the chest. During hiatal hernia repair, Dr. Carlton gently moves the stomach back into its proper position and tightens the opening in the diaphragm. This helps reduce reflux, chest discomfort, and swallowing issues. The procedure is often done laparoscopically.
Inguinal Hernia Repair
An inguinal hernia develops in the groin when tissue pushes through a weak spot in the lower abdominal wall. Dr. Carlton returns the tissue to its normal position and reinforces the weakened area, often with surgical mesh for added strength. This helps reduce pain, restore stability, and lower the risk of the hernia coming back, allowing you to move more comfortably again.
Umbilical Hernia Repair
Umbilical hernias form near the belly button when abdominal tissue pushes through weakened muscle. During repair, Dr. Carlton closes the opening and strengthens the area to prevent future bulging. Minimally invasive surgical methods may be used to reduce discomfort, limit scarring, and promote faster recovery when appropriate.
Incisional Hernia Repair
An incisional hernia develops at the site of a previous surgical incision where the muscle did not fully heal. Dr. Carlton repairs the defect by repositioning the tissue and reinforcing the area to restore strength. This reduces pain, improves function, and helps prevent further enlargement. Advanced surgical techniques allow for precise repair while protecting surrounding structures.
Benefits of Hernia Surgery:
- Relief from ongoing pain, pressure, or discomfort
- Repair of weakened muscle to prevent the hernia from worsening
- Reduced risk of serious complications, such as tissue trapping or blockage
- Improved ability to move, exercise, and perform daily activities
- Correction of visible bulging for better comfort and confidence
- Long-term structural support to lower the chance of recurrence
- Faster recovery and less postoperative discomfort
Am I a Candidate for Hernia Surgery?
You may be a candidate for hernia surgery if you have ongoing pain, discomfort, or a visible bulge that affects your daily life. Surgery is often recommended when symptoms worsen, the hernia grows, or there is a risk of complications. Your overall health, activity level, and the type of hernia you have also matter. During a consultation, Dr. Carlton evaluates your condition and helps determine whether surgery is the safest and most effective option for you.
Hernia Surgery FAQs
How long does hernia surgery take?
Most hernia surgeries take between 30 minutes and two hours, depending on the type and size of the hernia and whether a minimally invasive approach is used. Your exact surgery time will be discussed with you ahead of the procedure so you know what to expect.
Is hernia surgery considered major surgery?
Hernia surgery is very common and is often performed as an outpatient procedure. While it is still surgery and requires proper recovery, many hernia repairs are minimally invasive, which generally means less pain, smaller incisions, and a quicker return to normal activities.
How long is the recovery after hernia surgery?
Recovery time varies based on the type of surgery, but many people return to light activities within a few days. You may need to avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for several weeks to allow the repair to heal properly and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Why Choose Dr. Carlton?
Dr. Carlton is a board-certified bariatric and general surgeon with more than 15 years of experience treating complex conditions with minimally invasive techniques. He is known for being extremely attentive to your needs, taking time to explain your options and guide you. Dr. Chad Carlton is compassionate, approachable, and personally involved before, during, and after surgery. If you are considering hernia surgery in Arlington, schedule a consultation to discuss your treatment options and next steps.
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