Ventral/Incisional hernia after tummy tuck?

Question

I had a full tummy tuck with muscle repair by an experienced plastic surgeon. 5 months later I developed a bulge above my belly button and was diagnosed with an incisional hernia. Up until the hernia repair, the tummy tuck was the only surgery I've ever had. Did the tummy tuck surgery cause this? If so, is this just bad luck or the result of something the surgeon did? I ask because I am considering additional surgery and would hesitate going back to him if he caused this problem.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and I am sorry to hear of your recovery issues.  Development of an incisional or ventral hernia after a tummy tuck would be difficult if not impossible as a tummy tuck does not violate the layers of tissues that separate the surface skin and fat from the body's internal organs.  If a hernia had been present prior to surgery, such as an umbilical hernia, that may be a possibility but one to discuss with your surgeon.  The best information could only be obtained by an in-person examination and I would voice your concerns to your doctor to have one performed.

Christian Subbio, MD · Answer

From the details you have provided, I think it is unlikely that a tummy tuck would cause an incisional hernia.  Hernia is a weakness in the layer of the abdomen that contains the muscle and fascia, which is the girdle of the abdomen.  A hernia is when there is a hole in this layer that allows the internal contents to protrude through.  An incisional hernia is typically from procedures where a surgeon, like a general surgeon, needs to enter the internal abdomen, and there is a weakness in that layer from that incision.  A tummy tuck does not make any incisions in this layer.  It simply put stitches on the outside to tighten that layer.  So, with the limited details you have provided, it should be unlikely that the tummy tuck caused that.  Bad luck?  Impossible to say without knowing the complete and full story and all of the details of the time of surgery.Best of luck!Dr. SubbioBoard-Certified Plastic SurgeonNewtown Square/Philadelphia, PABest of luck!

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

A hernia is caused by a weakness in the abdominal wall or fascia, and the umbilicus is a natural wear point in which we frequently encounter hernias. The term ventral hernia implies a prior incision through the fascia, and are common after incisions for gastric bypass or vertical c-section. Though your tummy tuck might have missed an umbilical hernia, or the repair did not hold up, the tummy tuck procedure does not create any new weakness in the fascia as surgeons stay above the fascia and do not enter into the abdomen. Tummy tuck will not be a cause of hernias.

Ventral/Incisional hernia after tummy tuck?

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Ventral/Incisional hernia after tummy tuck?

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