Does Excess Belly Flab Have Any Effect on Hernia?

Thanks for the question. It is unlikely that the excess soft tissue in your outer abdomen is having an clinical effects on your umbilical hernia. Having the hernia repaired under insurance coverage is clearly an option, although I doubt you will have any success getting the cosmetic aspect of the abdomen compensated, regardless of the type of procedure which your particular case may require. I would start by visiting your plastic surgeon for a thorough evaluation, as he/she may be able to... more

No, the belly fat will not effect the hernia or the repair.  An abdominoplasty will tighhten the abdominal muscles as well as remove the excess abdominal fat.  Insurance companies may, or may not, approve the abdominoplasty.

I agree with the docs...I don't  think the excess overhanging skin will have much of an effect on the hernia, but if you are overweight, the increased pressure of the abdominal fat will make repairing a hernia harder and make the recurrence rate higher.

It is unlikely that the excess flab will affect the umbilical hernia. An umbilical hernia can be repaired at the same time as the excess skin removal during a tummy tuck. I doubt if your excess skin will be covered by your insurance. Your hernia repair is usually (but not always) covered by insurance.

To answer your questions: 1. the excess skin in the abdomen, "flab of belly" as you call it, has no effect on the umbilical hernia. What may contribute to the hernia is the amount of fat inside your abdominal cavity or intra-abdominal fat as it may put pressure against the weakening/opening in the abdominal wall which is the hernia itself. 2. In most cases, insurance would cover the hernia repair, but not the removal of excess abdominal skin (tummy tuck or mini-tuck, whatever... more