I want a panniculectomy at the same time as the hernia surgery. Is there a chance that this will cause another hernia? (photo)

Question

I am planning on having surgery to repair 3 hernias that occurred after a hysterectomy at the surgical site. I have lost 125lbs so far but have at least another 125 to go. I would like to have a panniculectomy at the same time as the hernia surgery. My concern is by not having this done the extra weight from my hanging stomach will cause another hernia. My thought is once I get all the weight off I can then choose to have a tummy tuck when I am at my weight loss goal. Feedback much appreciated

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Unfortunately,
you have not told us your weight but from your photograph, it is hard to
believe that you could lose another 125 lbs. I recommend a technique called Abdominoplasty
with Mesh Reinforcement.A large piece
of mesh is used to reinforce the lower abdominal wall, which results in
increased mechanical strength, early satiety, weight loss and maintains the
reduced weight.This technique excises
the umbilicus so there will not be a recurrent umbilical hernia and the
previous site of the hysterectomy is reinforced.There are recent articles published in
Plastic and Reconstructive Journal describing this technique.Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Jose Perez-Gurri, MD, FACS · Answer

Both procedures may be done at the same time. It is imperative for you to lose weight, paniculectomy or not. The chances of a recurrent hernia are very high if you do not lose weight. Good luck

Michelle J. Place, MD · Answer

You have done a great job of losing weight and you seem well on your way to your goal.  I would definitely advise waiting until you are closer to your goal before having the hernia repair and the panniculectomy.  You have a great benefit with less tension on the hernia repair and more loose skin that can be removed to give you a better result.  I would combine the procedures and having a pre exisitng vertical scar allows removal of excess skin across the abdomen as well as down using a T incision while giving the general surgeons more than enough exposure for the hernia repair.Best of luck.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Thanks for the picture. Your concerns are valid. The concerns as a plastic surgeon would be development of wounds especially at the inverted T junction.  The general surgeon will make a vertical incision with wide exposure and the panniculectomy requires a horizontal incision.

Robert J. Spies, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  I do believe having a panniculectomy at the same time as hernia repair is a great idea.  You will heal quicker and having the excess weight removed will allow you to move better and maybe exercise better.  Remember, weight loss occurs more with diet than exercise.  Having the panniculectomy when your hernias are repaired will not guarantee that the hernias will reoccur.  Good luck.

I want a panniculectomy at the same time as the hernia surgery. Is there a chance that this will cause another hernia? (photo)

Answers (10)

Answer: Panniculectomy and hernia repair

Answer: Panniculectomy and hernia repair

Answer: Panniculectomy and Hernia Surgery

Answer: Panniculectomy and Hernia Surgery

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I want a panniculectomy at the same time as the hernia surgery. Is there a chance that this will cause another hernia? (photo)

Answers (10)

Answer: Panniculectomy and hernia repair

Answer: Panniculectomy and hernia repair

Answer: Panniculectomy and Hernia Surgery

Answer: Panniculectomy and Hernia Surgery

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Panniculectomy

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