Tummy tuck with umbilical hernia repair?

Umbilical hernias are quite common and occur in the setting of a previous surgery, pregnancy, or diastasis recti. We treat umbilical hernias with or without correction of diastasis recti using a combination approach that corrects redundant skin in the lower abdomen and around the belly button. If there is a lot of skin, we would use a tummy tuck scar whereas smaller corrections can be performed using just the belly button incision which is well hidden inside your belly button.


Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Good question. Yes, the hernia should be repaired at the same time as the tummy tuck. It will not increase your recovery. Tummy tucks are frequently performed as out-patient procedures, however many surgeons have facilities or hospitals that the patients can stay over night. I generally recommend taking 2 weeks off work. Light exercise can begin after six weeks and return to full exercise after 3 months. A compression girdle is generally worn beneath clothing for six weeks. Although you will see a big change within weeks after surgery, it will take approximately 3 months to see the final results. Goood luck.

Hello and thank you for your question.  The best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation. 
 If you are an appropriate candidate for a tummy tuck, this can be done through a low and short
incision, all completely below the bikini line. 
The belly button can be designed to look natural and have no scars on
the exterior.   Your muscles can also be
plicated resulting in a flat abdomen.  An umbilical hernia can be repaired at the same time.  In my practice, this is an ambulatory surgery and patients go home the same day from surgery. 
Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of
real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate
their results.  The most important aspect is to find a surgeon you are
comfortable with. I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified
board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon