I Need a Hernia Repair, Can I Also Have a TT? (photo)

asked 4 months ago by dheavensynt1
Latest answer by Ronald J. Edelson, MD
Question viewed 314 times
Tags: candidate, combination, costs, hernia repair, insurance

I want a tummy tuck to remove excess fat and skin, but I have a hernia. I had a surgery to repair the hernia a few years ago. I have a large ugly scar from the surgery as well the injury which caused the hernia. I want to know if I can still have a tummy tuck and if so will it help with my hernia and scar? Also is there any insurance that will cover any of the cost?

10 answers to I Need a Hernia Repair, Can I Also Have a TT? (photo)

Tummy tuck and hernia repair

I cannot tell just from your photos if you have a hernia. You would need to be examined to know for sure. If you do indeed have a recurrence of the hernia it could certainly be repaired at the same time as a tummy tuck and I think insurance should cover the cost. Make sure to check with your insurance carrier ahead of time to be sure. Many insurance companies think that when a patient is having a tummy tuck and claiming that there is also a hernia being repaired, they are trying to get... more

Ronald J. Edelson, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

Hernias can be fixed at the same time as a tummy tuck

Hernias can be fixed at the same time as a tummy tuck. The scar that you show in the photos is not a usual position for a hernia scar however. Additionally the scar is in a position (called subcostal, which means below the ribs) which puts you at higher risk for wound healing complications after a tummy tuck surgery. Specifically, the skin just below the scar is at risk for either prolonged healing or not surviving the surgery which would leave you with an even larger... more

Richard H. Fryer, MD
Salt Lake City Plastic Surgeon

Hernia Repair and Tummy Tuck

The photograph provided shows you are a candidate for a tummy tuck. It may be performed at the same time as the hernia repair. A general surgeon may or may not need to be consulted for insurance purposes and the comfort level of the plastic surgeon. Most insurance companies will cover the hernia repair but not the tummy tuck.

Rondi Kathleen Walker, MD
Washington Plastic Surgeon

www.walkerplasticsurgery.com

Tummy Tuck & Hernia Repair

Based on the information provided, it looks like a tummy tuck can be considered. However, it is unlikely to be covered by insurance.

Karol A. Gutowski, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Hernia and tummy tuck

Thanks for your inquiry. I reccomend you seek the opinion of a board certified surgeon in your area. The two procedures can be combined and it looks like you will need both a plastic surgeon and possibly a general surgeon. It terms of your second question, insurance companies do not pay for tummy tucks.

Vishnu Rumalla, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon

Tummy Tuck and Hernia Repair?

Thank you for the question and picture. Yes, tummy tuck and hernia repair surgery can be done at the same time. Depending on the specifics of the hernia and your plastic surgeons' comfort level/experience a general surgeon may also be involved. It would be in your best interests to achieve a long-term stable weight ( if you are not there) prior to surgery. Best wishes.

Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

www.poustiplasticsurgery.com

Tummy tucks are not paid for by insurance

Thank you for your question and the photos. Unfortuanately, cosmetic tummy tucks are not covered by insurance. You may or may not be a candidate for a functional panniculectomy which can be done before, at the same time, or after the hernia repair. To be sure, see a board-certified plastic surgeon, more than two to get other opinions, in your area for a full and complete evaluation to make sure you are a good candidate and that it is safe for you to have surgery. I hope this... more

J. Jason Wendel, MD
Nashville Plastic Surgeon

Combining Hernia repair with Tummy Tuck surgery

Yes you can have a hernia repair done at the same time as the abdominoplasty. Often hernia repairs require mesh and mesh can be used during abdominoplasty. There has been a recent published article on the combined use of mesh and abdominoplasty for ventral hernia repair. Insurance will cover a hernia repair but they will NOT cover a TT. From looking at your photographs, you have some hanging skin. Insurance companies sometimes cover a... more

Gary M. Horndeski, MD
Houston Plastic Surgeon

Tummytuck and hernia often done together

You might well be a candidate for concurrent hernia repair and abdominoplasty. you should see a plastic surgeon for an exam to determine this. if weight loss is contemplated, do so before surgery and be at a stable weight before proceeding if at all possible....this will result in the best possible result. insurance might cover the hernia, but probably not the tummytuck portion.

Bruce K. Barach, MD
Schenectady Plastic Surgeon

drbarach.com

Hernia repair and a tummy tuck

Hernia surgery and a tummy tuck can be performed at the same time. Whether or not you would be an appropriate candidate would depend on additional information including a physical examination. The tummy tuck would not be a covered benefit of any insurance.