Options for umbilical hernia repair and loose skin around navel? (Photo)

Question

What is the best option to repair the hernia and to have the loose skin above the bellybutton removed/improved. I have been to two doctors, one suggested just the hernia repair and that he would be able to get a small amount of skin removed, the other said the hernia repair would not remove enough skin and that a mini tuck would be able to get more of it but still not all of it. I have some loose skin when I bend over and I have 1-2 finger diastasis. I do not want a full tummy tuck.

Steven J. Rottman, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. I think the best way to treat the hernia as well as the excess skin above your belly button is with a full tummy tuck. Just repairing the hernia and trying to excise some skin will provide minimal correction to the skin laxity, place a scar in the central abdomen, and not repair your diastasis at all. I would have another consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon who performs a large volume of body contouring procedures. Hope this helps!

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and series of photographs.  Though nothing replaces an in-person examination I would recommend having your umbilical hernia repaired laparoscopically and then pursue a mini-tummy tuck approach with an umbilical float procedure.  This will allow access to your upper abdomen for muscle repair, and as your belly button appears to be naturally high, pulling down on the skin should place it at a position closer to the top of your hips.  The stalk can then be re-attached to your abdominal wall to improve its appearance.  Hope that this helps.

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry.  Your situation is really tough because you are in great shape and have a concern hard to completly address without a full tummy tuck.  My advise is for you to really come to terms with your goals and expectations and go on other consults and let the surgeons explain what is the best they can do without a tummy tuck.  Good Luck.

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

Honestly, this is the kind of thing that requires an in person exam. My best advise would be for you to get a third opinion and then make your decision accordingly. My best,
Dr. Sheila Nazarian
@drsheilanazarian on Instagram

Vasdev Rai, MD · Answer

Your best option is NO COMPROMISE. That means that you address all abdominal issue fully and in one go. That can only be achieved with no compromise full tummy tuck.

Robert Singer, MD · Answer

Following
the advice of anyone who would presume to tell you what to do based on two
dimensional photos without taking a full medical history, examining you,
feeling and assessing your tissue tone, discussing your desired outcome and
fully informing you about the pros and cons of each option would not be in your
best interest. Find a plastic surgeon that you are comfortable with and one
that you trust and listen to his or her advice. The surgeon should be certified
by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and ideally a member of the American
Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). You should discuss your concerns
with that surgeon in person.
Robert Singer, MD FACS
La Jolla,California

Robert A. Hardesty, MD, FACS - Account Suspended · Answer

Dear Ms. Xela4211,Thank you for your story, photos and questions. Unfortunately with a exam of your tissues I can can only comment based your story, however I hope you find my comments helpful.You have options as you have found.In addition you could have a direct approach (scar around umbilicus) for hernia repair and "skin shrinking"by Radio frequency ie Vellashape III. However I would advise the umbilical repair through a abdominoplasty (tummy tuck incision. Why?1) hidden scar that not in central abdomen2) Aesthestic goals of removing "loose skin" is best accomplished by a abdominoplasty.I trust that you have chosen a Plastic Surgeons who is experienced and Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. In addition ideally is member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (denoting by membership as having met additional criteria and a focus on Cosmetic Plastic Surgery).I wish you my best and success,R. A. Hardesty, MD, FACSDiplomate and Certified by the Am. Bd. of Plastic Surgerywwwimagineplasticsurgery.com4646 Brockton AveRiverside, Ca 92506(951) 686-7600

Ronald V. DeMars, MD (Retired) · Answer

Based only on your photos, the full TT is probably the only way to get maximum improvement of the significant amount of skin laxity in the upper and lower abdomen and the umbilical hernia could be repaired at that time. Anything less would be a waste of your time and money so better to do nothing than to do half measures. But the hernia can certainly be fixed on its own with a very small incision. Just don't expect any skin improvement.

Options for umbilical hernia repair and loose skin around navel? (Photo)

Answers (8)

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