4 abd surgeries (panniculectomy x 2, ulcer repair x 2) last panniculectomy/hernia repair in 2012. pain & tugging sensation. can the hernia grow back?

Yes possible : if you gain weight,do not regular exercises , control eating habits not to gain weight Go to your doctor for follow up examination

Yes: The unfortunate thing about hernias is that no matter how a hernia is fixed, it can always recur.

Hernias can recur: but the cause of your pain and tugging sensation is unclear. Hernias always have a risk of recurring, and the more hernia repairs you have the higher the chance it might come back. Other possible causes: adhesions, infection, mesh migration. I would see your surgeon for a complete exam and possibly more imaging. Good luck!