Tummy Tuck for Patient with Hernia After C-section?

I have had 2 C-sections (2004 and 2008). After my last c-section, I developed an ileus. Because I was so bloated, my intestines pushed through the internal incisions, therefore causing a hernia.

After having that repaired, my stomach hangs and it still looks like I'm pregnant 2 years later. The bottom of my stomach is actually almost square like. Would I be a good candidate for a Tummy Tuck. I have Tricare Prime and the likelyhood of them approving it almost slim to none.

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13 Doctor Answers | Asked by navywife in Gulfport, MS

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Repair of Abdominal Hernia with Tummy Tuck

It seems that after repair of your abdominal hernia you are now left with excess skin folds. You are a good candidate for an abdominoplasty or tummy tuck. I usually perform both the repair of the abdominal hernia and tummy tuck at the same time.

Tummy tuck and hernia repair surgery

You would most likely benefit from a full tummy tuck. The hernia repair would need to be redone most likely. We usually have a general surgeon do that part of the surgery and keep the patient in the hospital overnnight for safety. Assuming your health is good, you could anticipate a very nice result.

Tighten That Tummy

It is uncommon for insurance to pay for an Abdominoplasty. On occasion a Panniculectomy or removal of hanging loose excess lower abdominal skin may be covered if there are significant health issues. I would recommend you contact customer service at your health insurance agency. You sound like an excellent candidate for a standard Abdomonoplasty. Set up a consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgery in your area.

Abdominal Skin Wall laxity

I would agree with my colleagues that, without reviewing your photos, it sounds as if you would achieve a great outcome with a tummy tuck. I am not familar with Tricare and you may want to discuss any problems such as skin fold irritation or discomfort of the redundant skin apron.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

32 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Tummy Tuck After C-Section

Not having seen any photos, but judging from your description, I would think that you may be a good candidate for a tummy tuck. In most cases the lower transverse c-section incision can be removed during the tummy tuck and you will have a single incision down low. Hope this helps you.

Unsightly abdomen after surgery

Yes you would be an excellent candidate for tummy tuck. The old scars can be removed, and the abdomen can easiy be sculpted by removing excess fat and skin, while tightening the muscle layers. You are describing a cosmetic deformity, not a medical problem per se, so don't count on insurance to pay for it. sek

Tummy tucks common after C-sections

Your situation sounds like a common one except for the fact that the hernia has already been repaired. You would likely still need a full abdominoplasty but if there is no muscle tightening needed because of the previous hernia repair then your recovery should be faster. You are right that insurance won't cover it.

Tummy Tuck and hernia

Your description of still looking pregnant after hernia repair following C-Section is very common. Most of the time there is no longer a hernia. The loose skin from the hernia just bunches up above the incision. A tummy tuck will usually correct the problem. Occasionally, there will be some hernia left. If this is the case, it can be repaired at the same time.

Tummy Tuck following c-sections and hernia repair

Although an exam or a photograph would be helpful, it certainly sounds as if you would benefit from a tummy tuck from your description of your problem. It is not uncommon to have a tummy tuck performed following C-sections. Some of the deformity you describe may be due to muscle weakness or separation. This can be addressed during a tummy tuck as well as removing your extra skin.

Tummy tuck and hernia repair after c-section

Without photos we can only give a generalized response of YES. But go see 3 boarded plastic surgeons to get an in person opinion. Regards.

Tummy Tuck after C-seciton

Yes, a full abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) would be the best option for you. During this procedure, an incision is made lower than your c-seciton procedure and all the excess skin is removed. At the same time your muscles and fascia and be repaired (to fix the hernia). Without a photo or examining you, it is hard to give you specific advice. But, assuming you are a healthy surgical candidate, you should have a nice result. Good luck.

A FULL Tummy Tuck IS the Answer

If you are done having children, have no major health issues and are close to your ideal weight a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) may indeed give you THE tummy you always wanted. You are also correct in that ANY medical insurance would not cover such a cosmetic procedure. Good Luck. Dr. P. Aldea

Candidate for a tummy tuck

From what you describe, the tummy tuck would be a very nice operation for you as it would remove the extra overhanging skin and tighten the muscles. You would have a flat nice tummy.