Is it safe to get a tummy tuck and a hernia repair the same time? What are the risks?

Tummy Tuck and hernia repair are frequently done at the same. That being said, there are many variables that may go into the decision to perform both procedures at the same time. It is best to be evaluated by a board certified plastic surgeon to determine what the right course of action would be. Many Plastic surgeons will fix hernias but some do not. Hernia repair is left to the discretion of the individual surgeon. 

This procedure is very common to do at the same time I do it regularly, an in person consultation would be best for a detailed exam and evaluation.always see a board certified PS.

Doing both together can actually make a whole lot of sense. Assuming the hernia is small enough, most plastic surgeons can address them at the time of surgery. If they are larger, a general surgeon can be called in. Best, DrSubbio

Abdominoplasty exposes the entire front of the abdomen. Therefore, it is best to do any needed hernia repair at the same time. I do any uncomplicated hernia repair myself, as I have board certification in general surgery and plastic surgery. Other plastic surgeons may feel the need to call a general surgeon to repair the hernia at the same time as the abdominoplasty. Some very complicated or recurrent hernias or in cases of a major abdominal laxity, may require an abdominoplasty approach for the hernia repair. I often get asked by general surgical colleagues to do an abdominoplasty to facilitate the exposure and the healing of a hernia repair.

it is very common to have a hernia repaired at the time of a tummy tuck. How this is done depends on the location of the hernia and the size of it. Even though I have received my board certification in plastic and general surgery, I occasionally have another general surgeon who regularly does complex/revision hernia surgery fix the hernia. Sometimes they fix it laparoscopically, sometimes they do it over the muscle. In both cases, I repair the diastasis and tighten the skin . 

Hello and thank you for your
question. Hernia repair and tummy tuck can be safely performed at the same time.  If you are an appropriate candidate for a tummy tuck, this can be done
through a low and short incision, all completely below the bikini line.  The belly button can be designed to look
natural and have no scars on the exterior.  
Your muscles can also be plicated resulting in a flat abdomen.  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.  The most important
aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. 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

It is very common to combine a hernia repair with a tummy tuck.  Hernias come in all sizes and can be found in different locations, which might affect how the procedure is done.  Some larger hernia repairs require that mesh be placed.  Most plastic surgeons are very capable of repairing hernias, however sometimes general surgeons do become involved.  This might be done at the request of the plastic surgeon, or if the patient is initially referred from the general surgeon to discuss the tummy tuck.  Discuss this with your surgeon. Best wishes.

Unfortunately there are no pictures. I have repaired many abdominal and umbilical hernias while performing tummy tucks. Some plastic surgeons go into general surgery residency before they go into plastic surgery. I would assume most plastic surgeons who’ve done this feel comfortable repairing abdomen hernias at the same time. I know of plastic surgeons who did not undergo general surgery training and they do not feel comfortable repairing hernias at the same time. They may have a general surgeon scrub in at the same time to perform the hernia repair. Many hernias can be repaired at the same time. You would need a physical exam to determine if you would be a candidate. I invented a tummy tuck where patients (even if they had concomitant hernia repair) typically wake up in no pain. Their belly buttons look very natural and they enjoy showing them off in a bikini. I’ve had patients in their mid sixties who’ve had both procedures and were driving four days after surgery. I hope you find this information useful. Please watch the enclosed video.

It depends a lot on the location and size of the hernia and the pros and cons in your individual case. Yes both can be performed at the same time. There are always increased risks esp if using a mesh and pain and recovery is more in a  combination. That said the combination procedure is a commonly performed op.

Thank you for the question. Yes, umbilical hernias can (and should) be repaired at the same time as tummy tuck surgery. Much will depend on the “comfort level” of your plastic surgeon;  in my practice, I repair hernias routinely during tummy tuck surgery. Some plastic surgeons prefer to  ask for the services of a general surgeon.
Generally I suggest that patients start with the American Society of Plastic Surgery and/or the Aesthetic Society of Plastic Surgery to obtain a list of well experienced board-certified plastic surgeons.  Additional certification by the American Board of surgery (General Surgery) should give you additional peace of mind.
Then, I would suggest you visit a few surgeons whose practices concentrate on aesthetic surgery. 
***Ask to see lots of examples of their work and preferably speak/see patients who have had similar procedures done.  Ultimately it will be important that you feel comfortable that your plastic surgeon have a significant/demonstrable experience consistently achieving the types of outcomes you will be pleased with.   
Besides appropriate training and experience (and certification by the American Board of plastic surgery), looking at before/after photographs (and  preferably talking to previous patients) can be very helpful in this selection process.
 
I hope this helps.