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

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

Answers (10)

Answer: Prior Umbilical Hernia Repair and Tummy Tuck

Answer: Prior Umbilical Hernia Repair and Tummy Tuck

Answer: Tummy Tuck after umbilical hernia repair: Yes it is possible #tummytuck #johnmesamd

Answer: Tummy Tuck after umbilical hernia repair: Yes it is possible #tummytuck #johnmesamd

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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

Answers (10)

Answer: Prior Umbilical Hernia Repair and Tummy Tuck

Answer: Prior Umbilical Hernia Repair and Tummy Tuck

Answer: Tummy Tuck after umbilical hernia repair: Yes it is possible #tummytuck #johnmesamd

Answer: Tummy Tuck after umbilical hernia repair: Yes it is possible #tummytuck #johnmesamd

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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