Can I repair my umbilical hernia during a tummy tuck surgery?

Question

I have an umbilical hernia. I have questions about repairing it with tummy tuck surgery?

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEPOBRAS · Answer

Yes, an umbilical hernia can often be repaired at the same time as a tummy tuck, but the best plan depends on the size of the hernia, whether it is reducible, whether mesh is needed, and whether you also have muscle separation or loose abdominal skin.
For a small, uncomplicated umbilical hernia, repair may be done during the tummy tuck by the plastic surgeon or in coordination with a general surgeon. Combining the procedures can make sense because the abdominal wall is already being exposed and the skin is being redraped. If the hernia is larger, recurrent, painful, difficult to push back in, or likely to require mesh, a general surgeon may need to be involved.
The important part is preoperative planning. Your surgeon should examine the hernia, decide whether imaging is needed, explain whether mesh will be used, and discuss how the belly button blood supply will be protected during the tummy tuck.
If you ever have a painful bulge that will not go back in, vomiting, fever, skin color change, or worsening abdominal pain, that should be evaluated urgently. Otherwise, bring this up during your consultation so the hernia repair and tummy tuck can be planned together safely.

Rodger Shortt, FRCSC · Answer

It is common to do the umbilical hernia repair at the same time as a tummy tuck.  Your plastic surgeon may or may not do the repair themselves and may have a general surgeon take care of the hernia.  It adds about 10-15 minutes of time to your tummy tuck.  There are slightly greater risks to the belly button that your surgeon can discuss with you.

Andac Aykan, MD · Answer

Hello, great question and I'd be more than happy to answer it.
Yes, an umbilical hernia can usually be repaired at the same time as a tummy tuck. In fact, this is very commonly done. During a tummy tuck, the surgeon already has full access to the abdominal wall, which makes hernia repair very straightforward.
In most cases, the hernia is repaired from the inside, often with sutures and sometimes with mesh if the hernia is larger or weaker. This repair is done without changing the appearance of your belly button, and it does not significantly add to recovery time.
The key is proper preoperative evaluation and coordination. Your plastic surgeon may work together with a general surgeon if needed, but many experienced plastic surgeons routinely repair umbilical hernias themselves during tummy tuck surgery.
Best regards,Andaç Aykan, MD, Assoc. Prof.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Gentle437037,

a small umbilical hernia is something that can be fixed during a full tummy tuck procedure. I routinely repair these during my tummy tuck procedures. Not everyone feels comfortably repairing these however. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.

Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry!  We would love to sit down with you to discuss your concerns.  There are multiple factors to determine with umbilical hernias.  The size, if it is able to be reduced, is it painful.  Schedule a consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to help you reach your goals.

Paul M. Parker, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, I will repair an umbilical hernia at the time of a tummy tuck. In repairing the diastasis recti, the surgeon is looking directly at the umbilical hernia. The hernia sac can be opened, hernia contents reduced and hernia repaired directly with sutures under direct vision. After the umbilical hernia is repaired, the diastasis recti is repaired with sutures and this repair reinforces the umbilical hernia repair. I have not seen recurrences of the umbilical hernia repair. Hope this helps!

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

Sometimes umbilical hernia repairs can be repaired during abdominoplasty.  If the hernia is large, it may require mesh and should probably be done at a separate sitting in most cases.  Often small hernias are found at surgery and can be fixed simply with a few sutures.  The abdominoplasty itself can relieve tension on the area and protect the simple closure.  A plastic surgeon who examines you would be able to give you a much better indication of whether you need separate surgeries.

Jacob Carlson, MD · Answer

That's a great question, and unfortunately it's not necessarily a straightforward answer. If you asked this question to ten different plastic surgeon, you will probably receive a range of answers.
Some plastic surgeons will say no and defer treatment of the umbilical hernia repair to a general surgeon, which is very reasonable.
For those plastic surgeons who offer umbilical hernia repair with a tummy tuck, I think the most common factors that they are going to take into consideration are: the size of the hernia, if the hernia is recurrent (has it been repaired before?), if the hernia caused any symptoms like pain/discomfort, if mesh has been used or is going to be used.
For tummy tucks where the the belly button is moved (transposed), we need to make sure that the belly button maintains a good blood supply. For that reason, some surgeons may want to avoid manipulating the belly button any more than is absolutely necessary. Disrupting the blood supply could result in poor wound healing and partial/complete loss of the belly button.

Danivel Cespedes, MD · Answer

That's an excellent question! And the answer is yes, in fact, it's a very common and recommended practice. Umbilical hernia repair can be performed safely and efficiently during the same abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) procedure.

Elisa Stein, MD · Answer

Gentle437037,Yes! During a traditional tummy tuck is a great time to have your umbilical hernia fixed. The skin of your abdominal wall is elevated all the way up to your rib cage to fix or plicate your rectus muscle. At that time the hernia can be fixed while you rectus muscle is tightened. Sometimes this will be done by your plastic surgeon, other times a general surgeon will come for that portion of the case. Dr Stein

Can I repair my umbilical hernia during a tummy tuck surgery?

Answers (16)

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