Tummy tuck with hernias in Baltimore? (Photo)

Dear Dana,    Thanks for submitting your picture. From observing your side view picture, You appear  to be a very good candidate for full tummy tuck, granted that you have physical exam that rules out intra abdominal masses like fibroids etc.      Epigastric hernia and Umbilical hernia are very common and can be repaired by your board certified plastic surgeon with no need for other surgeons involved. That will reduce the risks associated with intra abdominal mesh repair of the hernia, like adhesion etc. that are done by general surgeons.    Cost of surgery is important, but quality of surgeon is more so, because if you get bad result and need corrective surgery, the total cost escalates significantly and recovery time doubles. So,  do you due diligence carefully and choose your surgeon wisely.   Always, consult with experienced board certified plastic surgeons who operate in accredited surgery center for your safety. Most importantly, check the before and after pictures in the photo gallery, to make sure that they are numerous, consistent and attractive with flat stomach, tight and youthful skin, nice belly button and low scar. Also, check the reviews on 'RealSelf' for ratings and good experience reports.                        Best of luck,                                            Dr Widder                                         

hello,

Yes, most hernias can be repaired at the same time as a tummy tuck. There are different kinds of hernias, and the ones that are most easily repaired are umbilical hernias and epigastric hernias.
I was trained in General Surgery (in addition to Plastic Surgery), so this is very easy for me to do.

This is a very common question, so you can watch the video I prepared below which explains the different types of hernias . Most are easily repaired when the muscle repair is performed. Unless it is something huge and complex, I do not charge an extra fee. I see them often, even when patients do not know they have one!

Ricardo L Rodriguez MD
Baltimore, Maryland

I commonly work with a general surgeon who fixes hernias and then I perform the tummy tuck right afterward.  The costs vary depending upon how much work needs to be done, but the hernia repair will save you money since some of the anesthesia and facility fees will be covered by Tricare.
Thank you for your question!
Dr. Schreiber, Baltimore plastic surgeon

Hello and thank you for your question. Based on your
photograph, you are a great candidate for a tummy tuck with liposuction.  This can be done through a low and short
incision, all completely below the bikini line. 
The belly button can be designed to look natural and have no scars on
the exterior.   Your muscles can also be
plicated resulting in a flat abdomen. 
Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of
real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate
their results.  The most important aspect is to find a surgeon you are
comfortable with. I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified
board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Thank you for the important question; careful selection of plastic surgeon will be the most important decision you make. Yes, umbilical hernias can (and should) be repaired at the same time as tummy tuck surgery. Much will depend on the “comfort level” of your plastic surgeon;  in my practice, I repair hernias routinely during tummy tuck surgery. Some plastic surgeons prefer to  ask for the services of a general surgeon.   Although I cannot provide you with specific names, I would suggest starting with the American Society of Plastic Surgery and/or the Aesthetic Society of Plastic Surgery to obtain a list of well experienced board-certified plastic surgeons.Then, I would suggest you visit a few surgeons whose practices concentrate on aesthetic surgery. 
***Ask to see lots of examples of their work and preferably speak/see patients who have had similar procedures done.  
Be very careful with your decision-making. You will find, while doing your due diligence, that there are many different “specialties” who will offer their services to you; again, I strongly recommend you concentrate on surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
 
Best wishes.