L inguinal hernia in groin. Is it safe to get lipo and/or tummy tuck? Could that be potentially life threatening?

Question

I Have an inguinal hernia in left groin over 18 yrs. Does not bother me. I have a 9 yr old. Even throughout pregnancy I was still ok. Is it safe to get lipo in that area and/or tummy tuck? could that be potentially life threatening?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Best to be evaluated by a general surgeon.  In some cases, a small inguinal hernia never needs repair.  You could have both surgeries done at the same time if your PS approves.  If this is not possible, the inguinal hernia can be repaired first by a general surgeon.  The TT will not be covered by insurance, but hernia repair typically is (though the reimbursement is pathetic). You will be responsible for the deductible. Some insurance companies will disallow all charges if you have a combined general and aesthetic procedure so obtain confirmation of covered charges before proceeding with the combined surgeries.Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic SurgeryLos Angeles, CA

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. The best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation. It would be helpful to have you evaluated by a general surgeon in regards to your inguinal hernia. This should be safe for surgery to proceed forward since this is out of the area of a normal tummy tuck. This decision should be based on a detailed discussion with equal input from both you and your surgeon. Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results. I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate you in person.

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D. FACS

Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.  FACS

Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

lunyo03 I appreciate your concern, and it is vitally important to alert your plastic surgeon about medical conditions such as untreated or treated hernia. However, inguinal hernias are usually in the groin area, locations where liposuction or tummytuck are not affected. Be certain to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon because of your medical condition to insure the safest and most successful cosmetic result. Good luck.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

An inguinal hernia is usually lower than what would be treated in abdominal liposuction but it its probably a good idea to address that first.   Good luck.

Matt Erdmann, MBChB, FRCS(Eng), FRCS (Plast) · Answer

It is always wise to discuss the presence of existing scarring, previous surgery or the presence of hernias with your plastic surgeon. If he is aware of the hernia, he should be able to avoid any complications.  It is true that in less experienced hands both liposuction and tummy tuck surgery carry with it higher risks if a hernia is present, so it is vital that you do your research well.

L inguinal hernia in groin. Is it safe to get lipo and/or tummy tuck? Could that be potentially life threatening?

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