I have a hernia, but I'm not done having children. Should I have it done now? (Photo)

Question

It's been brought to my attention that I have a hernia. I'd like to repair it but I'd probably also like to have another child in 3+ years. What is the best recommendation?

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,Thank you for your question and photos. It will be necessary for you to be examined in person by a general surgeon to determine if your hernia needs to be repaired now or if asymptomatic, you may be advised to wait. There are different types and approaches to repairing hernias. I recommend that you follow up and plan with a surgeon in person.All the best

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions and photographs.  Best to be seen by a general surgeon to assess the need for repair of your hernia.  Small hernias often pose greater risk than large ones, so if you are having issues/symptoms, best to have the repair done now. If you are not, you may be able to wait.

David J. Wages, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos.  No online reviewer can diagnose or make treatment recommendations without an exam and complete medical history.  If a person has been examined by a surgeon and diagnosed with a hernia that is asymptomatic then one could wait until after having children to repair the hernia and have a tummy tuck at the same time.  If the hernia is symptomatic and needs to be repaired then one should have the repair done.  I would recommend startign with a a face to face consult with a Board Certified Plastic
Surgeon who has experience in these areas. During your visit your surgeon
should be evaluating your health to determine if you are a good surgical
candidate and examining your tissues to get a sense of what type of procedure
your tissues will allow. Only with a hands on exam can this be determined. Once
an exam and opinion is rendered then you can decide if surgery is right for
you.  Good luck. Good luck.

Jeffrey D. Wagner, MD · Answer

You will need to be examined in person.  If you have a significant hernia or one that is symptomatic, you would likely be advised to have it repaired sooner rather than later.  If not, you could wait until after you finish having children.

Cain R. Linville, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, great question. In short, we could go either way on this. If it bothers you or is painful, etc, then you could have it repaired now, sure. With pregnancy it could come back potentially, but unlikely. Other option if it's not bothering you is to wait and get your hernia repaired later and also have some version of a tummy tuck at the same time, if that's something you think you'd ever want. This will help you some with anesthesia costs. This can be done later too, even if you get the hernia fixed now. I'm happy to discuss any time, and my office staff will gladly give you some more information if you're interested. I work with several outstanding general surgeons as well if you're just looking for hernia repair. I'm here to help. Hope to see you soon!

Bernard Kopchinski, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Looks like you have an umbilical hernia and diastasis (separation) of the abdominal muscles.  If you have pain around your belly button then you should see a board certified general or plastic surgeon who repairs this type of hernia sooner rather than later.  If there is no pain then seeking the advice of a surgeon would be beneficial.  If you are planning a tummy tuck in the future seeing a board certified plastic surgeon would help with planning.

John Dean, MD · Answer

The answer to your question depends upon a couple of things.  If you are having symptoms such as nausea when you lean against cabinets or when you lay on your stomach, it would be reasonable to do a relatively simple hernia repair, through a small incision around your belly button now.  That would be covered by most insurance carriers. That would give you relief until you have another child.  If it doesn't really bother you in that way, but you want it to look better and also would like the rest of your abdomen to have a nicer look, then it would be reasonable to combine a hernia repair with a cosmetic abdominoplasty, after you finish having children. I think the responder who suggested the "Tri modality" repair is completely over stating what would be necessary to correct your problem

Brian Widenhouse, MD · Answer

Thanks for your questions. It's best to consult a general surgeon regarding a hernia repair. After an exam, the general surgeon will be able to advise on the necessity of a repair.

Ravinder Jarial, DO · Answer

Greetings. In general, you should be examined by a surgeon to assess the degree and nature of the hernia. It is difficult to make a recommendation without an exam. If there are any issues, the recommendation would most likely be to correct it.  Good luck!

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

As long as your hernia is large and not at risk of strangulating your intestines, I would wait until you have had all of your kids. When you are done, you should consider the definitive Tri-Modality repair that involves using a biologic mesh and releasing your muscles, termed component separation). this can be done in conjunction with your tummy tuck surgery. Please see examples of patients who have undergone this procedure and bellies that look like yours.

I have a hernia, but I'm not done having children. Should I have it done now? (Photo)

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