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?

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

Stanley Okoro, MD · Answer

Yes, you can repair an umbilical hernia at the same time as your tummy tuck. Most patients like to do it at the same time. However, typically can only be done with a full tummy tuck and not a mini. Fixing the hernia at the same time does not impact recovery or have any extra scars.

Joel Patrick Maier, MD · Answer

Yes, it is possible to repair an umbilical hernia at the time of a tummy tuck. If you have a low BMI, the hernia is small (no larger than a marble) then we can expect a successful operation. The blood supply to the belly button is thin with a tummy tuck, so the surgeon will need to be careful to keep the umbilicus healthy. See attached reference. I hope this helps. Thank you!

Guray Yesiladali, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

In patients who have both an umbilical hernia and loose abdominal tissue, it is quite common to address both concerns in a single procedure. The safety and recovery mostly depend on the hernia’s size and the strength of the abdominal wall.
A small hernia can usually be repaired during a tummy tuck using the same incision, without leaving an additional scar. When the hernia is larger or when there is separation between the abdominal muscles, the area can be reinforced internally, and in selected cases a small mesh may be added for extra support.
Recovery after the combined procedure is usually similar to that of a standard tummy tuck, although gentle movement and core protection are advised in the early period.
This combined approach allows the abdomen to be both stronger and smoother in a single, well-planned surgery.Güray Yeşiladalı, MD

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

Answers (13)

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