Hernia and Tummy tuck

John Philip Connors III, MD answers: Can plastic surgery fix my torn stomach muscles and umbilical hernia?

I have had 5 kids and I have an umbilical hernia and my stomach muscles are split down the middle.  There is a two inch separation. I have some exess fat but not much. I weigh 118 lbs and I am not overweight, but I want my stomach fixed.

I went to a plastic surgeon and he sent me away saying " you don't have enough extra skin for a tummy tuck, and you need to talk to a general surgeon about the hernia and muscle split."

Does that sound right to you plastic surgeons?  Is that a standard response in this type of situation or should I get a second opinion?


John Philip Connors III, MD
23 days ago
By John Philip Connors III, MD - Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Maria-

I see hernias all the time...some I (and the patient) identify prior to surgery because they are large enough to feel, others are small and I find them during a tummy tuck. Not all plastic surgeons are comfortable fixing hernias, some are. I am Board Certified in both General and Plastic Surgery and therefore am comfortable fixing them due to my extensive extra training.

I suggest you seek out a surgeon with the same board certification (certified in both specialties by the Amercian Board of Medical Specialties, their website is a good resource for research) Have them take a look and assess your comfort level with them, their expereince and their results.

These two procedures are commonly done at the same time and are very safe to perform.

I hope this helps!

Regards-

Dr. C

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