Would it be possible to repair an epigastric hernia during a Tummy Tuck? (photos)

Question

I gave birth to twins years ago & I'm now in need of a tummy tuck. I have loose skin, diastasis-recti, & two epigastric hernias in my upper abdominal area around 2 inches wide (I had an umbilical hernia repaired in the past & I just recently found out about the other 2). I know that if I went ahead & had the hernias repaired without having a tt, it's possible they could reoccur because I have no support from my muscles. Can I find a surgeon that can do this for me? Is it too difficult to do?

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

The hernias can be fixed with or without a tummy tuck, but you definitely would benefit from graving them both done at the same time.  You will get a nicer cosmetic result and the abdominal muscles can reinforce the hernia repairs.

John Nguyen, MD, FACS · Answer

Abdominal hernias can be repaired at the same time as the tummy tuck.  Often they are encountered incidentally during surgery as well.  Depending on the size of the hernia and the ability to achieve a tension free primary repair, some type of mesh support may be needed.  I prefer not to use mesh in this instance if possible as my plication of there rectus fascia will offer some level of added support.  Good luck and be safe.Dr. Nguyen

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Hernias And Tummy TucksYes, these are perfect to repair together.Sometimes insurance can pre certify and cover some of the costs.

Antoine A. Hallak, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank
you for your question. If you have a true hernia, then it would make sense to
haves it repaired at the same time. The scarring would be less, the repair of
the hernia would be easier and there would be cost savings on OR and Anesthesia
Time. I would recommend you consult with a board certified plastic surgeon who
performs TT regularly.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Every patient should be carefully evaluated, but, from your description, this is a fairly routine procedure in my practice.Find
 a  board certified plastic surgeon who performs hundreds of tummy tucks each year.  Then look at the plastic surgeon's   
website before and after photo galleries to get a sense of who can   
deliver the results.  Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Shaun Parson, MD · Answer

Thanks so much for your question.  The short answer is YES!  It is fairly easy to find a surgeon who can perform both of these procedures at the same time.  You want to go to a plastic surgeon who was board certified in both Plastic Surgery as well as being board certified in General Surgery.  The main point is that you want someone performing the surgery who does abdominal hernia repair on a regular so that they feel comfortable with the procedure.  It should not add a significant amount of recovery to your procedure and frankly I think it makes sense to address everything at the same time.  Additionally, when I perform this type of combination it is often possible to have your insurance cover a portion of the hospital and anesthesia charges so that you don't have to pay quite as much for the tummy tuck.  I hope this helps.  Good luck.

Jaime Campos Leon, MD · Answer

Thank you for the pictures.I believe that you make a great candidate for a tummy tuck, the hernia can be repaired at the same time and your results will be successful.Dr. Campos

Jeremy Pyle, MD · Answer

The recovery from the two operations is similar and it makes great sense to do them both at the same time.  These can be done by a qualified plastic surgeon who is comfortable with both operations or by a general surgeon in combination with a plastic surgeon.  Adding the reinforcement that comes with a diastasis repair can help support your hernia repair.  In other words, it's absolutely worth considering.Best,Dr. Pyle

Don Fontana, MD · Answer

Performing a TT is the perfect time to fix any abdominal hernia. There a number of  factors that you should  discuss with your PS. The fact that you have at three hernias indicates a generalized weakness of your abdominal fascia. This is something over which you have no control. In fact, abdominal exercises can make the condition worse.  There are instances when the hernias are repaired and the abdominal muscle fascia is tightened, only to have a generalized abdominal wall weakness later in the healing period. In other words, you  will have a tightening  of the muscle wall  while wearing the  abdominal binder and  compression garment, and as the months go by without the  support, develop a weakness, not  a true hernia, but  not  a tight concave abdominal profile.I wish you well !

Remus Repta, MD · Answer

Dear mommyoftwins,Abdominal wall hernias such as belly button hernia or ventral hernia (epigastric hernia included) can be performed at the same time as a tummy tuck. In fact it is often ideal to perform the two procedures together.  Your plastic surgeon should be able to take care of this for you often without the need for mesh.All the best,Dr. Remus Repta

Would it be possible to repair an epigastric hernia during a Tummy Tuck? (photos)

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