Does Excess Belly Flab Have Any Effect on Hernia?

Question

After having my daughter 4 years ago, it left me with a "bib"-- excess skin or belly that hangs down. I also have an umbilical hernia. I was wondering if the excess heavy flab of my belly has any affect on the hernia, and if insurance would cover having that removed when I get my hernia fixed? Thank you for your time.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding whether excess belly flab affects your umbilical hernia. Yes, the additional weight and pressure from the overhanging belly flab (or pannus) can aggravate or worsen your hernia by putting extra strain on the abdominal wall.

Regarding insurance coverage, if the excess skin is causing medical issues like skin infections, rashes, or worsening the hernia, a panniculectomy might be covered by insurance. This procedure removes the overhanging skin but doesn't involve the muscle tightening typically done in a tummy tuck, which is considered cosmetic and unlikely to be covered.

It’s best to discuss your options with your plastic surgeon and insurance provider to see if you can combine the hernia repair with a panniculectomy if deemed medically necessary.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

John LoMonaco, MD, FACS · Answer

I agree with the docs...I don't  think the excess overhanging skin will have much of an effect on the hernia, but if you are overweight, the increased pressure of the abdominal fat will make repairing a hernia harder and make the recurrence rate higher.

William Bruno, MD · Answer

Insurance may cover the repair of your umbilical hernia, which could be performed at the same time as your tummy tuck. The cosmetic portion (tummy tuck) however, will not be covered by your insurance. This varies depending on your particular insurance carrier and I recommend you check with them and a board certified plastic surgeon to get "preauthorized" prior to any procedures.
If your excess skin/tissue is hanging low enough, to or lower than the upper portion of the pubic/vaginal area, then insurance may infact deem your condition as reconstructive and possible cover the procedure. Your plastic surgeon would have to submit photos along with a letter of medical necessity to get you approved.

Shahin Javaheri, MD · Answer

No, the belly fat will not effect the hernia or the repair.  An abdominoplasty will tighhten the abdominal muscles as well as remove the excess abdominal fat.  Insurance companies may, or may not, approve the abdominoplasty.

Michael Diaz, MD · Answer

It is unlikely that the excess flab will affect the umbilical hernia. An umbilical hernia can be repaired at the same time as the excess skin removal during a tummy tuck. I doubt if your excess skin will be covered by your insurance. Your hernia repair is usually (but not always) covered by insurance.

Does Excess Belly Flab Have Any Effect on Hernia?

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Answer: Tummy tuck

Answer: Tummy tuck

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Does Excess Belly Flab Have Any Effect on Hernia?

Answers (7)

Answer: Tummy tuck

Answer: Tummy tuck

Answer: Excess belly fat and hernia

Answer: Excess belly fat and hernia

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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