Getting a tummy tuck and previously had an umbilical hernia repair with mesh, will this affect my results? (photo)

Question

IVE HAD A UMBIBLICAL HERNIA REPAIR WITH MESH DONE 7 YRS AGO I HAVE MY APPT SET ! AROUND MY BELLY BUTTON WHERE THE MESH IS I FEEL A HARDNESS AND IT LOOKS LUMPY I HAS A BABY LAST YEAR SO MY BELLY BULGE AROUND MY BELLY BUTTON I HAD IT CHECKED I HAVE NO HERNIA WILL THE DOCTOR HAVE TO CUT THRU MY MESH TO PERFORM MY TUMMY TUCK AND WILL MY MY MESH STICK OUT

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding undergoing a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty with a previous hernia repair around your belly button (umbilical hernia repair) with mesh. First, you must understand the hernia. A hernia is a defect in the anterior abdominal wall. A defect is a hole and allows the escape of anatomy through that hole. Small intestine or peritoneal fat can escape through the hole. This is what happens with a hernia. To correct a hernia, the defect is closed. This can be closed with a permanent suture or mesh. When you have an umbilical hernia, there is a defect around the belly button or umbilicus. To repair this defect, mesh can either be placed above the rectus muscle or below the rectus muscle. When it is placed above the rectus muscle, this is just underneath the fat of the abdominal wall. When it's placed below the muscle, it is placed between the intestine and the rectus muscle. During an abdominoplasty, the muscle is sutured closed to correct rectus diastasis. During a tummy tuck, only the part of the rectus muscle just underneath the fat is exposed. Therefore, if the mesh is on top of the muscle, during a tummy tuck the mesh is directly seen. If, however, the mesh is placed underneath the muscle, the mesh is not seen. Therefore, if the mesh is underneath the muscle, your plastic surgeon should have no problem performing a tummy tuck with muscle plication. If, however, the mesh is on top of the muscle, your plastic surgeon may have to either leave the mesh in place and not repair the muscle, repair the muscle and remove the mesh, or replace the mesh. Therefore, what happens to the mesh completely depends on the position of the mesh. I would suggest you provide the operative note of your umbilical hernia to your plastic surgeon so that your surgeon knows your anatomy before surgery. I hope this helps to answer your question regarding undergoing a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty with a previous hernia repair around your belly button (umbilical hernia repair) with mesh.

Sincerely, Dr. Katzen.
(“Verified” Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, International College of Surgery, and American Board of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. 
(“Verified” Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, International College of Surgery, and American Board of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, and ​member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Casey Anderson, MD, FACS · Answer

It should be ok but there is a possibility of wound issues since the skin was previously manipulated. This a great issue to bring up with your surgeon prior to surgery so all your questions can be adequately answered.

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I recommend you a Tummy Tuck to get a flat abdomen and waist and back Liposculpture, getting better curves especially in the waist, improving your body contour.

Also, I recommend you pubic lift and liposuction in this area.

Kind regards,
Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photograph. In most cases the mesh is placed beneath your abdominal muscles and would not need to be incised during your tummy tuck.  Your surgeon should have investigated the details of your previous procedure and should be your best source of information, however.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Yes, you can undergo a tummy tuck and the tummy tuck will not require a cut through the mesh from your previous hernia repair.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Peter D. Geldner, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and photo. The simple answer is yes, you can have an abdominoplasty, even after prior hernia repair. The more complete answer is: it depends. Only an in-person examination and hopefully evaluation of prior operative records can tell what can and should be performed. You will likely need to have a new belly button created. More details depend completely on you health history, medical records, and examination. All the best.

Carmina Cardenas, MD · Answer

You are an ideal Tummy Tuck with muscle repair and definitely mons lift candidate because you have significant saggy skin on your abdomen and mons and also your muscle is loose but you must acknowledge that most likely the belly button is all surrounded by scar tissue and may need mesh removal or trimming, and a high risk to resect the belly button and will need reconstruction with neo-umbilicoplasty. Be encouraged!! You will look wonderful after all. Dr. Cárdenas

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Original107212,
based on your photos, you look like a good candidate for a TT. Full tummy tuck should tighten your abdominal muscles and remove the excess skin. Flanks liposuction would give you a better shape. Your previous surgery should have no negative effect on your results. I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon because only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Yes, you should be able to have a tummy tuck despite your previous hernia repair.  Your surgeon will inform you if there are any other considerations after an exam and review of your medical history.  As long as you have finished having children and you gave birth over 6 months ago you are ready to schedule your consultation.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Did you have a proper in person consultation with a plastic surgeon?

Your medical history including previous hernia repair should’ve been discussed at the time of your consultation.

If not I suggest you schedule another meeting with your plastic surgeon and review in person.

If you’ve not chosen a plastic surgeon then schedule a few in person consultations with local board-certified plastic surgeons.

Having mesh should not prevent you from having a tummy tuck but it is something your plastic surgeon should be aware of before the procedure.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD

Getting a tummy tuck and previously had an umbilical hernia repair with mesh, will this affect my results? (photo)

Answers (10)

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