Will a Tummy Tuck Help with Hernia Repair?

March 10, 2009
Asked By:tinkerette in Oklahoma City, OK

I am in need of 4th hernia surgery. I am meshed from breast bone to navel, then navel down. Can a tummy tuck be performed along with the hernia repair? I am overweight by approx. 50 lbs and have a lot of bulk below and to the left of the navel where the hernia is. I've been told the mesh is intact, but the muscle wall is torn again. My surgeon is sending me to a plastic surgeon for his opinion on whether a tummy tuck will help this situation or if he has any other suggestions. I am in a lot of pain most of the time in the hernia area. I am wearing a binder to help hold my bowel in and have had to push the bowel back in on numerous occasions as it wouldn't reduce on its own. Can a tummy tuck be done to reduce the pressure on the hernia and the hernia repaired with a chance of not tearing again? The surgeon gave me a 50% or less chance of it staying fixed, but this was before the plastic surgeon option was considered. I'm wondering if the insurance company will help pay for the tummy tuck since this will be the 4th hernia surgery they'll be paying for. I'm at my wits end and so very tired of being in pain. I'm unable to do much that is very physical without being in a lot of pain for a week afterwards. I love to garden, but I really pay for it these days in pain. Thanks in advance for any information. In Pain In OK!

Answers (11)

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VOTED MOST HELPFUL
February 5, 2016

Answer: Weight loss likely best for hernia and cosmetic outcome

6 people found this helpful
Nick Slenkovich, MDBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon
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VOTED MOST HELPFUL
February 5, 2016

Answer: Weight loss likely best for hernia and cosmetic outcome

6 people found this helpful
Nick Slenkovich, MDBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon
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March 12, 2009

Answer: Repeated hernia repair and abdominoplasty

2 people found this helpful
Otto Joseph Placik, MDBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon
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March 12, 2009

Answer: Repeated hernia repair and abdominoplasty

2 people found this helpful
Otto Joseph Placik, MDBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon
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March 12, 2009

Answer: Tummy tuck and complex hernia

1 person found this helpful
Brent Moelleken, MDBeverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
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March 12, 2009

Answer: Tummy tuck and complex hernia

1 person found this helpful
Brent Moelleken, MDBeverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
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June 28, 2010

Answer: Tummy tuck and hernia repair

June 28, 2010

Answer: Tummy tuck and hernia repair

September 1, 2015

Answer: Tummy tucks and hernia repair can be done simultaneously

September 1, 2015

Answer: Tummy tucks and hernia repair can be done simultaneously