So I am having a hernia repaired for the 2nd time, this time with mesh done by a general surgeon.Since I've lost a significant amount of weight he offered to do a tummy tuck at the same time, but insisted that he had to take the belly button due to risk of infection. I'm scared of what it will look like. Haven't been able to see any after pictures of anyone having this done. Is this normal? I thought the belly button was internal, how is it removed?
June 29, 2016
Answer: Abdominoplasty Hello, and thank you for your questions in your photos. Unfortunately, it sounds like you have a very large hernia which may cause some difficulty while trying to perform the abdominoplasty. Although the general surgeon may be able to perform an abdominoplasty, you may also consider having this procedure done by a board certified plastic surgeon in your area who may work consultation with the general surgeon. We frequently will assist of the general surgeons in our areas on these procedures. There certainly will be some cosmetic deformity without an umbilicus. You can discuss all of this with her plastic surgeon and there may be some thoughts regarding consideration for a delayed reconstruction for a bellybutton at a later date if you lose a bellybutton due to blood vessel concerns. Best of luck with your decision.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
June 29, 2016
Answer: Abdominoplasty Hello, and thank you for your questions in your photos. Unfortunately, it sounds like you have a very large hernia which may cause some difficulty while trying to perform the abdominoplasty. Although the general surgeon may be able to perform an abdominoplasty, you may also consider having this procedure done by a board certified plastic surgeon in your area who may work consultation with the general surgeon. We frequently will assist of the general surgeons in our areas on these procedures. There certainly will be some cosmetic deformity without an umbilicus. You can discuss all of this with her plastic surgeon and there may be some thoughts regarding consideration for a delayed reconstruction for a bellybutton at a later date if you lose a bellybutton due to blood vessel concerns. Best of luck with your decision.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
June 30, 2016
Answer: Abdominoplasty by General Surgeon To answer your question very bluntly as to why the general surgeon wishes to remove the belly button is that he/she has never been trained to do tummy tucks or cosmetic procedures. If you wish to do a tummy tuck at the time you do the hernia repair (and you would appear to be a good candidate) you should see a board certified plastic surgeon who does abdominoplasties all the time who can work with the general surgeon. He/she will expose the area, help with how to salvage the umbilicus and then correct the skin excess. One reason for removing the umbilicus is that it is easier because you do not have to worry about its blood supply. To preserve the blood supply requires significant expertise.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
June 30, 2016
Answer: Abdominoplasty by General Surgeon To answer your question very bluntly as to why the general surgeon wishes to remove the belly button is that he/she has never been trained to do tummy tucks or cosmetic procedures. If you wish to do a tummy tuck at the time you do the hernia repair (and you would appear to be a good candidate) you should see a board certified plastic surgeon who does abdominoplasties all the time who can work with the general surgeon. He/she will expose the area, help with how to salvage the umbilicus and then correct the skin excess. One reason for removing the umbilicus is that it is easier because you do not have to worry about its blood supply. To preserve the blood supply requires significant expertise.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
