Will abdominal wall reconstruction give the results of a tummy tuck? (I believe I need a general and plastic surgeon?)

Question

7 years ago I had a vertical inscsion from above my belly button to my csection scar. I had a mesh hernia repair by my belly button 7 year ago. Another mesh hernia repair above my belly button 1 year ago. The mesh placed last year partially torn away leaving a new 2.5cm hernia and developed an 8cm hernia with unobstructed bowels slightly below the mesh that was placed 7 year ago. I really want a strong flat tummy again and want this to be last surgery. I am 35-40lbs from my ideal weight.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and I am sorry to hear of your hernia difficulties.  The first and most important consideration is that your hernia needs to be appropriately repaired once and for all. Because increased weight exponentially increases your risk of recurrence it would be best to lose the 35-40 pounds before any further surgeries.  If the muscles can be repaired and tightened you should anticipate a nice outcome and improvement in body contour.  Hope this helps.

Ken Dolynchuk, MD · Answer

Usually a tummy tuck addresses the excess skin And fat in the belly. If there are hernias present these need to be fixed first and the general surgeons first perform this procedure. Therefore unless your plastic surgeon can be available to complete the abdominal skin reduction after the hernia is repaired there will need to be a second procedure by the plastic surgeon. hope this answers your question adequately.

Thomas Trey Sands, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. An abdominal wall reconstruction does not yield a similar result as a tummy tuck. The purpose of the reconstruction is to repair the hernia, not to tighten the muscles. Also there is no tightening of the loose skin with the reconstruction. Overall, your bulge may be improved but you will not have the same contour as with a tummy tuck.

Will abdominal wall reconstruction give the results of a tummy tuck? (I believe I need a general and plastic surgeon?)

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Will abdominal wall reconstruction give the results of a tummy tuck? (I believe I need a general and plastic surgeon?)

Answers (3)

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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.