Can Tummy Tuck and Hernia Repair Be Done at the Same Time by One Doctor?

asked 3 years ago by milan123 in philadelphia pa
Latest answer by Neal Goldberg, MD
Question viewed 6,728 times
Tags: combination, hernia, umbilical hernia

Hello I am 22 years old and recently had a baby. I am left with stretch marks and loose skin. My abdominal walls are separated and my bellybutton now sticks out. I was told I could have an umbilical hernia.

Can a tummy tuck and hernia repair be done at the same time by one doctor? If so what is the percentage of major complications occurring in a generally healthy person after this surgery. Thanks

10 answers to Can Tummy Tuck and Hernia Repair Be Done at the Same Time by One Doctor?

Yes, your plastic surgeon can advise you

Milan123: You describe a fairly common situation following pregnancies. The abdominal wall consists of both layers of muscle and fibrous support layers. After pregnancies, you may be able to achieve some return of tone by exercise, but stretched midline fibrous support is difficult to recover. If this is bad enough, surgeons call this diastasis, or separation of the muscles. All people have the potential for a weakness at the base of the umbilicus (belly button), but pregnancy puts... more

Sutton Graham II, MD
Greenville Plastic Surgeon

Tummy tuck and hernias

Hernia surgery and tummy tucks can be done at the same time sometimes by the same surgeon.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Always keep your safety in mind in hernia repair

Thanks so much for your questions. An umbilical hernia repair and a tummy tuck can be performed at the same time… this is commonly done for simple hernia repairs. Most plastic surgeons have their background training in general surgery and are very competent in evaluating an umbilical hernia. I think it is reasonable to say, who repairs the hernia will depend upon the comfort level of the plastic surgeon and his/her level of proficiency. If the umbilical hernia is small, many... more

Stephen A. Goldstein, MD
Englewood Plastic Surgeon

Tummy tuck with umbilical hernia repair

The two can be combined. If they are not done by the same surgeon, it is important that the plastic surgeon be involved or at least watch the hernia repair in order to maintain a healthy umbilicus.

Neal Goldberg, MD
Westchester Plastic Surgeon

Tummy tucks and hernia repair can be done simultaneously

Tummy tucks are a very popular and effective way to contour the abdomen. This surgery is routinely performed in conjunction with other surgeries such as a hernia repair or gynecologic procedures. If the size of the hernia is small or if the hernia does not require mesh repair, your plastic surgeon may choose to repair the hernia himself. Your best bet is to work at a board-certified plastic surgeon who has a great deal of experience in abdominoplasty, body contouring, and correction of... more

B. Pat Pazmino, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

www.miamiaesthetic.com

Umbilical hernia repair can be performed with Abdominoplasty

An umbilical hernia can be repaired along with an abdominoplasty. Many times patients may feel that they have an umbilical hernia, but they actually have a separation of the rectus/abdominal muscles following pregnancy. These muscles will be 'repaired' with the abdominoplasty. Some patients, however, will actually have a true fascial defect or hole with protruding intraabdominal fat or bowel. These can usually be repaired by your plastic surgeon at the same time as the abdominoplasty.... more

Sanjay Grover MD
Orange County Plastic Surgeon

In most cases, yes

Hi there, In most cases, it is possible, safe, and easy to repair umbilical hernias at the time of tummy tuck surgery, and I have done it many times. I would talk to your chosen Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and discuss it with them. Good luck!

Armando Soto, MD
Orlando Plastic Surgeon

www.DrArmandoSoto.com

Abdominoplasty and Umbilical Herniorrhaphy

A protruding belly button is not always a hernia. It can be the result of a rectus muscle diastasis. In this instance the protruding belly button is easily repaired by one surgeon: the plastic surgeon. However, assuming that it is a true umpbilical hernia and you are planning to have a full tummy tuck (not a mini), there is one primary concern: A full tummy tuck generally leaves the umbilicus on a little attachment or stalk. Performing an true umbiolical hernia repair requires surgical... more

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Combined procedure with general surgeon and plastic surgeon

I am very comfortable doing muscle repair and tummy tuck together. However, when a hernia repair is involved, I bring in an expert who does hernia repair every day. All plastic surgeons have done hernia repairs during their training, but general surgeons do them every day and I believe they will do a better job. Complications are very rare, in my experience. The most common is a fluid collection called a seroma, which will not happen if drains are used after the surgery. A young person... more

Brooke R. Seckel, MD
Boston Plastic Surgeon

www.drseckel.com

Umbilical hernia repair

It is not uncommon to encounter an umbilical hernia in the course of a tummy tuck procedure. Most plastic surgeons had extensive general surgery training and are able to handle an umbilical hernia. Repairing a small hernia should not increase the complication rate as long as the hernia is non-complicated.