Can a hernia be fixed after a mini tummy tuck? Or is it better to do it before? Does it matter? Any risk?

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

I have fixed several umbilical hernias and other small ventral hernias at the same time as tummy tucks. Sometimes I knew about the hernias before surgery and sometimes discovered them during the procedure. When I do a mini TT I always dissect all the way up to the belly button anyway. This is a good time to do it so you will not have additional incisions or an additional surgery. Discuss options with your surgeon. Good luck.

Dear roofing1,
every plastic surgeon has his own preoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

It is best to do it at the same time if hernia is small. If a hernia is large, special mesh must be used. If your surgeon can do it at the same time, it's great. If not, since large hernias are fixed by different specialists sometimes, fix a hernia first laparoscopically, recover, then do a tummy tuck.