Can a plastic surgeon do umbilical core hernia repair at the time of tummy tuck?

Question

Because it will cost me additional 2500k to bring a general surgeon in to do that. Dr please advise

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Umbilical hernias are quite common and occur in the setting of a previous surgery, pregnancy, or diastasis recti. We treat umbilical hernias with or without correction of diastasis recti using a combination approach that corrects redundant skin in the lower abdomen and around the belly button. If there is a lot of skin, we would use a tummy tuck scar whereas smaller corrections can be performed using just the belly button incision which is well hidden inside your belly button.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

in almost all cases, yes.  Find a 
board certified plastic surgeon who has performed thousands of 
these procedures and has hundreds of pictures and reviews. Kenneth Hughes, MDBeverly Hills, CA

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Most plastic surgeons can repair an umbilical hernia at the time of the tummy tuck.  I'm not sure why your surgeon needs a second surgeon to do that unless it is particularly complicated.

Tim Neavin, MD · Answer

Yes, umbilical hernias are commonly performed with tummy tucks.  If the hernia is large, mesh may be placed to strengthen the repair. Plastic surgeons or a general surgeon can perform the hernia  repair component of the surgery.

Christine Rodgers, MD · Answer

Hi Katekynn,If the hernia is small, there should be no problem. Your plastic surgeon should be able to tell on physical exam  but if there is any doubt, an ultrasound should determine if the hernia will need a mesh repair or not. If a mesh is needed, it might be better to have a general surgeon perform this part of the procedureHope this helps,Dr. Christine Rodgers

William Bruno, MD · Answer

Most plastic surgeons will repair an umbilical hernia at the time of a tummy tuck. If the hernia is rather large and/or requires mesh repair, some cases may require a general surgeon to assist. Discuss this with your plastic surgeon again if you still have questions.Best wishes,Dr.Bruno

Robert W. Kessler, MD, FACS · Answer

Generally speaking, plastic surgeons can repair umbilical hernias at the time of a tummy tuck.Most plastic surgeons will do two years of general surgical training. There are also double boarded plastic surgeons who have completed both a general surgical residency and a plastic surgical residency. These individuals can easily address the umbilical hernia and you should have tremendous confidence in them.Ask your plastic surgeon about their comfort level and degree of general surgical training during your consultation.Good luck and I hope this was helpful.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,Absolutely. Repairing an umbilical hernia is a very easy, but extra step that can be performed by your plastic surgeon while performing the muscle plication portion of your tummy tuck.Best of luck!

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

If your plastic surgeon will not repair the umbilical hernia at the time of abdominoplasty you need to get another opinion. This is a standard part of this procedure.

Stacey Folk, MD · Answer

Dear Katekynn,It is very convenient to have an umbilical hernia repaired at the time of an abdominoplasty, and I may know why a general surgeon may be needed to do this procedure instead of your plastic surgeon if operating at a surgery center or hospital.Some surgeons have completed training in both general surgery (having completed 5 years) and plastic surgery (typically completing 2 years). If they have taken their boards they can apply for privileges at hospitals to perform the surgery that falls under both specialties (a hernia repair is only done by general surgeons). Another pathway to becoming a plastic surgeon is called the "integrated" route where they complete 3 years of general surgery (and are not able to take boards and get privileges to do general surgery procedures) and 3 years in plastic surgery (getting extra training in plastic surgery). There are also other pathways to a plastic surgery residency through ENT and urology.  None of these surgeons are allowed to do procedures strictly done by general surgeons, regardless of how simple the procedure is. It protects a general surgeon's turf, and is safer for patients to regulate such things.Your may have been referred to a general surgeon because of the size or symptoms of the hernia and your plastic surgeon may feel more comfortable having the hernia specialist take the reigns here. Mesh or laparoscopic repair may be needed, or something else that is not quite clear. Don't hesitate to ask your plastic surgeon why they cannot repair the hernia for you. The answer may make sense.