How Different is Hernia Repair from a Tummy Tuck?

Thank you for the question.

In my opinion, the best time to repair the umbilical hernia is at the same time that you're having a tummy tuck done. At that time, the hernia is easily  exposed and repaired,  negating the need for further surgery. Care must be taken during the performance umbilical hernia repair to avoid compromise of blood flow to the overlying skin.

It would be in your best interest to have these procedures done concomitantly.

Please make sure you are working with a well experienced board-certified plastic surgeon.

I hope this helps.

Hernia repair targets the hernia, while a tummy tuck targets loose skin, excess fat and abdominal muscle separation. Therefore, with a hernia repair alone, you may still be left with those aesthetic issues. If you are concerned about your appearance as well as the hernia, consider combining the two procedures.

Thank you for your question regarding the difference between hernia repair and a tummy tuck. While both surgeries address issues in the abdominal area, they have different goals and outcomes.

A hernia repair is focused on fixing the hernia, which is when an organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall. The surgeon will close the gap, often reinforcing the area with mesh. The purpose is to strengthen the abdominal wall and prevent complications from the hernia.

A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), however, is a cosmetic procedure that removes excess skin and fat and tightens the abdominal muscles. The belly button is also repositioned for a flatter, more toned appearance.

Here’s how they differ:

Hernia repair: Focuses on fixing the weakened area of the abdominal wall but doesn't typically remove excess skin or fat.
Tummy tuck: Removes excess skin, tightens the muscles, and improves abdominal contour. The belly button is repositioned through an incision.
If you're considering addressing both the hernia and excess skin, I recommend consulting with a plastic surgeon who is comfortable performing both procedures together. This approach is common, and I routinely fix the hernia first, then proceed with the tummy tuck. By doing both at once, you can achieve a stronger abdominal wall and a more contoured appearance.

By examining your photos, it looks like you'll get excellent results if you combine these procedures, giving you both functional and aesthetic improvements in one surgery.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen