Can I get a tummy tuck after having an umbilical hernia repaired?

Question

Is it safe and common practice after having an open umbilical hernia repaired w/mesh to have a TT? Have a 2&1/2 finger diastasis. Also have some loose skin and a few stretch marks above my belly button. I'm noticing a little lump around the incision of the hernia repair. Possible scar tissue? Can this be altered or removed during TT? I have 2 young kids, can I lift after the TT? I was lifting 2 weeks after my hernia repair? Is recovery similar? son is 4, daughter is 6 months. Any advice?

Keith M. Blechman, MD · Answer

That's a great question.  Yes it is possible to have a tummy tuck after an umbilical hernia repair.  However, there may be an increased risk of having a problem with the belly button healing.  I would recommend getting the operative report from the hernia repair ahead of time, as your plastic surgeon is likely going to want to see it. Best of luck!Keith Blechman, MD

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Tummy tuck can be performed after umbilical hernia repair.  I
would search for the board certified plastic surgeon who you feel is
most likely to give you the best results and who performs hundreds of
these procedures each year. I would look at patient reviews as well as
before and after photos on that surgeon's website.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

In fact, it is better to the umbilical hernia repaired first, then proceed to the tummy tuck operation.  You should not be lifting 2 weeks after tummy tuck, and should not have been lifting 2 weeks after the hernia repair.

James N. Romanelli, MD, FACS · Answer

Tummy tucks often are performed after umbilical hernia repair.  It would be best to wait at least 6 months after the umbilical hernia repair to do the TT, depending on the incision used for the hernia repair.  Best of luck!

John Mesa, MD · Answer

Patients with history of umbilical hernia repair interested
in a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) are still candidates for the procedure.
Compared with a patient that have had no previous surgery before, the procedure
will require more careful dissection by the plastic surgeon due to the previous
scarring. In essence, the it could be like doing a revision tummy tuck or re-do
tummy tuck.  Patients with history of
umbilical hernia repair interested in a tummy tuck should make a consultation
with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.

John Mesa

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Livingston, Hoboken, Edgewater, New York City

Anthony Perkins, MD · Answer

Yes, it is safe and relatively common to undergo a tummy tuck after umbilical hernia repair.  Recover is not similar, a tummy tuck recovery is significantly longer.All the Best!Dr. Tony Perkins

William B. Rosenblatt, MD · Answer

But if you had not had the hernia done already, often we can repair the hernia at the same time as the tummy tuck operation.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. Yes, the tummy tuck procedure can be safely performed after having undergone previous umbilical hernia repair.   As you can imagine, every patient's experience is different when it comes to the recovery period.  Generally speaking, it is a major operation which often involves a significant physical and emotional recovery ( often underestimated by surgeons and patients alike). A few words of advice, I provide to my patients, may be helpful:
1. Make sure you are doing the procedure for the right reasons (for yourself) and that you have realistic expectations. Be aware that an improvement in the “problem area” may not translate to an overall improvement in your life situation. You are bound to be disappointed with results of the procedure if your motivation for doing the surgery is not internally driven.
2. Time your surgery carefully; generally, it is not a good idea to have surgery done during or immediately after a stressful period in life (for example divorce or death of a loved one). The additional stress of surgery will undoubtedly be more challenging to deal with if a patient's emotional reserves our already exhausted. Remember, that an improvement in your physical appearance will not translate to an improvement in your life situation.
3. If possible speak to patients who have undergone similar procedures and query them about the toughest times of their recovery period. Any practical hints previous patients can provide may be very helpful.
4. Make sure you are aware of potential complications that may arise how to reach your surgeon if necessary.
5. Make sure you have a strong and patient support system (several people if possible) in place who have time/patience to take care of you. Arrange for professional nursing if any doubt exists regarding the availability and/or stamina of your caretakers.
6. Be patient with the healing process, understanding that it will take several weeks to months to feel “normal” again. It may also take many months/year to see the end results of your surgery.
7. Be prepared to distract your mind with things of interest such as books, magazines, and movies.
8. Expect less of yourself; do not go back to work, school or chores too early and let others take care of you (for a change).
9. Pick your surgeon carefully (a well experienced board-certified plastic surgeon) and trust in his/her advice. Keep in close communication with your surgeon and do not hesitate to communicate questions/concerns and the emotional swings that you may experience.
10. Resume all medications that you were using preoperatively when cleared by your plastic surgeon and stop the use of narcotics and sedatives as soon as feasible after surgery.
11. Keep in mind the end results as you go through the tougher emotional times after your surgery.
I hope this, and the attached link, helps.

Joseph D. Alkon, MD · Answer

there are multiple ways that an umbilical hernia repair may be performed.  that being said, you may undergo a tummy tuck following a prior umbilical hernia -  but there could possibly be an increased risk of necrosis of the umbilicus (belly button).  this is based upon both the technique that was used during the already-performed hernia repair, and also how much time will have passed between the hernia repair and the tummy tuck.  best thing to do is to get a copy of your hernia operative report from your hernia surgeon and have it reviewed by your plastic surgeon as the time of your consult - this will help sort these issues out.

Anh Lee, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes you can have both procedures done at the same time and your general surgeon will have to coordinate with your PS.  Scar tissue can be removed at the time of surgery.  Give yourself at least 2 weeks to recover from your tummy tuck and you should not lift anything heavier than 10 lbs for 4 weeks.

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