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

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

Thanks so much for your inquire,

Having a mesh implant from a hernia repair doesn't necessarily disqualify you from getting a tummy tuck. The plastic surgeon will need to evaluate the condition of the mesh, its placement, and how it might impact the tummy tuck surgery. In some cases, the mesh may need to be adjusted, removed, or reinforced during the tummy tuck procedure.

Sincerely,
Dr. Emmanuel Mallol

Hi there,
No, previous hernia repair will not disqualify you. Tuck can be done safely even if mesh is around.
All the best

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. In most situations, no, however, without photos or details about the hernia surgery it is hard to say definitively.

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.

No, your surgeon can work around any mesh used for the hernia and will be happy that the hernia was repaired.

Absolutely not! If anything, the mesh can be beneficial when it comes to performing a Diastasis repair or muscle tightening as this provides extra strength. The only thing of any concern is when you have a foreign body, such as mesh. there is always a very slim risk of it getting infected.
Good Luck

Having a roadmap of what's happened inside your abdomen with the mesh such as if the mesh was placed on top of the muscle or inside the abdomen also known as the peritoneal cavity, the size of the mesh and whether it was even absorbable or permanent will provide valuable information. This can be obtained either with obtaining old medical records or imaging studies such as a CT scan. In my experience in most cases the meshhas not hindered the procedure unless the size is very large in which case plication(tightening) of the muscle was not possible, in very rare instances. However most times with the usual maneuver of tightening the muscle over the midline you are actually reinforcing the previous hernia repair. Hope this answer was useful and good luck in your upcoming procedure.

A tummy tuck is a possibility after a hernia repair with mesh. You will need a good physical exam at a consultation, and possibly some imaging, depending on the findings of the physical exam. A copy of the operative record from the hernia repair would be helpful as well. This can normally be obtained from the surgeon's office who did the repair, however given it is 15 years ago, may no longer be available.
All the best to you,
Dr. Nancy de Kleer