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.)

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.

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.

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

Answers (10)

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

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

Answer: Previous hernia repair

Answer: Previous hernia repair

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

Answers (10)

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

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

Answer: Previous hernia repair

Answer: Previous hernia repair

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.