Am I a candidate for a tummy tuck if I had 2 previous incisional hernias (AWR) with mesh? (Photo)

Question

Tummy Tuck possible after having AWR with mesh due to an incisional hernia?

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

A tummy tuck is possible after hernia repair with mesh, provided you would benefit.

You appear to have internal fat which is not treatable with a tummy tuck. That requires diet and exercise to reduce the roundness inside. A tummy tuck will only address hanging skin and weakened muscles, which you do not appear to have.

An exam and consultation with a plastic surgeon is recommended to confirm this as well as discuss your options.

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEPOBRAS · Answer

The photo is limited, but it does show a central abdominal scar, which makes the surgical history especially important. Two prior incisional hernias and abdominal wall reconstruction with mesh do not automatically rule out a tummy tuck, but they make it a higher-complexity case. The key questions are where the mesh is, whether there is any recurrent hernia, how much blood supply was affected by the prior operations, and whether muscle tightening would be safe or necessary.

The safest next step is an in-person consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who is comfortable with complex abdominal wall cases, ideally after reviewing your operative reports and a recent CT scan. Sometimes the tummy tuck plan can be modified, or coordinated with a hernia/general surgeon. In other cases, the risk of wound-healing problems, mesh infection, recurrence, or abdominal wall weakness may make surgery a poor tradeoff. This is one of those situations where records and imaging matter more than the photo alone.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear SnatchThis,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Finny George, MD · Answer

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. You may still be a candidate for tummy tuck based on the details found in your operative note from the hernia repair.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You may be an excellent candidate, but you did not show your whole abdomen. With the mesh for hernias present, the muscle work may not be done, but you can get the skin tightening.

Leo McCafferty, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and it is a good one.  It is hard to tell from the photo you provided whether you would be a candidate but certain patients that have had hernia repair with and without mesh may have an abdominoplasty.  I would recommend that you attempt to coordinate this with your plastic surgery and also consult with your general surgeon that repaired the hernia. The more information your plastic surgeon has regarding your previous hernia repair the safer the procedure will be for you.  Good luck.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Based on the information you've provided you may be at higher risk if you undergo a tummy tuck.  I encourage you to visit with a few board certified plastic surgeons to hear varying opinions and learn more about potential options for you.

Kenneth R. Francis, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear SnatchThis,
After 2 mesh abdominal hernia repairs you would most likely be at a very high risk for a tummy tuck.  You are better off with weight loss.  Good luck!

Robert Singer, MD · Answer

It is difficult to tell whether you are a good candidate without a physical examination and complete medical history. Generally, prior hernia repair with mesh should not be a contraindication to having a tummy tuck.
 
Weight within 10 pounds of your ideal should not have any effect on your long term results.

If a member of my family underwent these procedures, they would be performed by an experienced plastic surgeon who is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. If you are serious about undergoing these procedures, you should have a thorough consultation with a plastic surgeon having those credentials, who will fully explain what is entailed in the procedures, including both the positives and potential problems. You should be complimented on the fact that you are seeking valid information before jumping into any procedure.

Robert Singer, MD  FACS

LajOlla, California

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

While excess abdominal skin may be removed, I would need to examine you to assess if tightening of the muscles is feasible 
Best wishes 
Dr. Taranow

Am I a candidate for a tummy tuck if I had 2 previous incisional hernias (AWR) with mesh? (Photo)

Answers (12)

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