How long do meshes used for hernia surgery last?

Meshes used for hernia repairs remain in the body indefinitely, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The mesh is either considered a permanent implant, or simply used as reinforcement until new tissue growth occurs to strengthen the repair.

Surgical, synthetic mesh is non-absorbable and will remain in the body permanently, states the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Absorbable mesh, which is derived from animal tissues such as skin or intestine from a pig or cow, is not intended for long-term reinforcement. Absorbable mesh will eventually degrade, allowing new tissue growth to take over repair of the hernia site.