Tummy tuck after hernia repair. Will the fact that I have mesh disqualify me from having a tummy tuck?

You still may be a candidate for a tummy tuck despite having a prior hernia repair with mesh. I encourage you to visit with a board certified plastic surgeon for a consultation. During this visit you will learn more about the procedure as well as discuss your medical history. Your surgeon will determine if you are a good candidate after an examination.

Dear lynparker1,
your previous hernia repair will not disqualify you from tummy tuck surgery. 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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Hello and thank you for your question regarding the possibility of undergoing a tummy tuck and liposuction after hernia repair that involved the placement of mesh.

Having mesh from a previous hernia repair does not automatically disqualify you from having a tummy tuck or liposuction. Mesh is commonly used to correct defects in the abdominal wall, such as hernias or muscle weakness, and can be placed either above or below the rectus abdominis muscle.

It is crucial for your plastic surgeon to be aware of the mesh's presence and its location before surgery. This knowledge allows for appropriate surgical planning and ensures that any modifications needed can be made safely. If muscle plication (tightening of the abdominal muscles) is part of your tummy tuck, the presence of mesh must be carefully considered. Some plastic surgeons may choose not to perform muscle tightening if mesh is in place, while others may still proceed with adjustments to the procedure to accommodate the mesh.

In some cases, there is the option to remove the mesh, perform the muscle tightening, and then reapply the mesh if necessary. This scenario typically applies if the mesh was placed on top of the muscle. If the mesh is behind the muscle, the approach might differ slightly, and the previously mentioned scenarios may not apply.

In summary, you can still have a tummy tuck and liposuction even if you have mesh from previous hernia repair. The key is thorough preoperative planning and clear communication with your plastic surgeon to ensure the best approach is chosen for your specific situation.

I hope I’ve answered your question regarding undergoing a tummy tuck and liposuction after hernia repair with mesh.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS
Plastic and Aesthetic Surgeon