Some minor contraction is typical. Its related to healing and inflammationaround the spermatic cord which passes thru the hernia repair as it leads to the testicleSome of the contraction resolves, but 12 inch of contraction is likely permanent.

Discuss with Surgeon.

Retraction may be temporarily due to spasm of the muscles around the cord. Once the scar tissue softens up, the testis will come down to the scrotum easily. As long as it is NOT INSIDE the abdomen, you do not have to worry.

Testicles often hang unevenly and patients rarely notice this reality until surgery. Inguinal hernia surgery might cause retraction to some degree if there was a large hernia repaired with subsequent inflammation and scar effect.

Some of the retraction is likely due to scarring and inflammation from surgery. This will shorten the tether on the testicle (the spermatic cord). I’ve only had one patient note this same complaint after surgery, so it’s not very common. I would suspect this should improve as time goes on. If it is bothersome, I recommend talking to your surgeon.