Does Excess Belly Flab Have Any Effect on Hernia?

After having my daughter 4 years ago, it left me with a "bib"-- excess skin or belly that hangs down. I also have an umbilical hernia. I was wondering if the excess heavy flab of my belly has any affect on the hernia, and if insurance would cover having that removed when I get my hernia fixed? Thank you for your time.

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6 Doctor Answers | Asked by lucy918 in GA

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Excess belly skin or fat and umbilical 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

Tummy tuck

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.

Obesity Will Negatively Affect Abdominal Hernias

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.

Excess belly fat and hernia

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.

Tummy tuck, hernia

Insurance may cover the repair of your umbilical hernia, which could be performed at the same time as your tummy tuck. The cosmetic portion (tummy tuck) however, will not be covered by your insurance. This varies depending on your particular insurance carrier and I recommend you check with them and a board certified plastic surgeon to get "preauthorized" prior to any procedures. If your excess skin/tissue is hanging low enough, to or lower than the upper portion of the... more

"Belly Flab" after kids

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