Gastric Bypass and Tummy Tuck at the Same Time?

We routinely repair ventral hernias at the time of a tummy tuck.  We usually work in conjunction with a plastic surgeon.  We recommend plastic surgeons do the tummy tuck which is there area of expertise and that the general/bariatric surgeon fix the ventral hernia which is their area of expertise.  It is easiest to fix hernias at this time because the entire abdominal wall is exposed which makes for a great repair.

We have to consider size and location when dealing with ventral hernias and tummy tuck. This will determine lenght of surgery, need for hospitalization and costs. It is very common to correct a small ventral hernia in conjunction with a tummy tuck and a general surgeon will coordinate with a plastic surgeon on this. A ventral hernia can and is usually filed with insurance but a tummy tuck is usually a cash procedure not covered by insurance.

As Dr. Aldea has nicely stated, most experienced plastic surgeons have Board Certification in both Surgery and Plastic Surgery. The younger generation of plastic surgeons has this less often. Either way, it is usually possible to do a hernia repair and a tummy tuck simultaneously. The costs can only be determined by your local doctors but the tummy tuck will not be covered by insurance. The surgery needs to be cooridnated between the doctors and both need to be in complete agreement... more

Dear Jack, If you are referring to a recurrent VENTRAL (Tummy) hernia, yes, it certainly can be done at the same time. The vast majority of Plastic surgeons have fully trained in and are certified in General Surgery AS WELL AS in Plastic Surgery. As such, most of us are quite comfortable repairing ventral hernias. However, in the interest of political considerations we often have our General Surgery colleagues do these with us. Being a cosmetic procedure, your Abdominoplasty (NOT... more