My Surgeon Recommends Tummy Tuck with Mesh. Is It Safe?

I plan to have tummy tuck. My plastic surgeon recommends tummy tuck with mesh. I'm 5'3, 205 pounds is it safe to have plastic surgery with a mesh?

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5 Doctor Answers | Asked by kayakamo

Doctor Answers (5)
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Tummy tuck usually does not need mesh placement.

Hi, tummy tuck does not require mesh placement unless you have a large hernia. A small hernia can be primarily closed at the time of tummy tuck if it is less than 5 cm in diameter. Placing a mesh is not without any risk; it may leave unnecessary scar tissue inside and increase risk for infection and seroma formation. Please talk with your plastic surgeon and ask why you would need a mesh.

Tummy Tuck does not require mesh

A tummy tuck does not require mesh unless in the very rare circumstance you have a complex abdominal wall hernia. Even if you have a small hernia, this can be repaired without mesh. The only indication/reason to use mesh would be if in the very rare circumstance you have a large recurrent or complex hernia. But, if you are just having a cosmetic tummy tuck, mesh is not needed. In fact, the use of mesh in any procedure is not without risks. Mesh is a foreign body... more

Is Mesh Used In A Standard Tummy Tuck?

Dear Kayakamo, The use of mesh or other materials is "safe" if used for the proper reasons. Most of us do not routinely use mesh when we are performing a straight forward tummy tuck. I would suggest that you ask your surgeon why they are recommending mesh in your case. If the answer you receive is not clear, then perhaps a second opinion is in order. Good luck.

Mesh In Abdomen Carries Some Risks

There is a risk in placing mesh or any other foreign body. If it becomes infected, it must be removed. I agree that the indication for placement of mesh, ADM, or other materials would be the presence of a hernia and that there is reason to use it in a standard tummy tuck.

Tummy tuck does not usually involve mesh unless you have a hernia

I perform frequent tummy tucks in my practice as a plastic surgeon and I have never placed "mesh" in a tummy tuck. If you have a large hernia that is being repaired (often by a general surgeon) at the same time then it is conceivable that you may require mesh (usually now a biologic mesh). Small hernias such as belly button hernias and epigastric hernias (above the belly button) are mostly able to be repaired directly without the need for any mesh. Adding a foreign body... more