Do plastic surgeons also perform large hernia repair?

Question

I've been diagnosed using a CT Scan with a very large midline hernia. I would like to have abdominplasty at the same time. 1. Will I be need to have 2 different surgeons? 2. Can you I have a mesh hernia repair and tummy tuck at the same time? 3. What should I look for in a surgeon that will do both?

Leland Deane, MD, FACS · Answer

A surgeon must be credentialed by the hospital to allow him/her to do certain procedures, whether or not he/she feels comfortable with the procedure. Please check with the surgeon to see what his situation is. Usually, a boarded general surgeon is needed in addition to a plastic surgeon. Interview the general surgeon too!!

Brent Birely, MD · Answer

If the patient just has a large hernia and needs no other surgery done, my recommendation is for them to see a general surgeon, as they are considered to be the most experienced surgeons to treat hernias.  There are some plastic surgeons who do a lot of the abdominal wall reconstruction, which would include repair of a large hernia.  If a patient wants to combined a hernia operation with an abdominoplasty you can find some plastic surgeons who will do both procedures, especially if the plastic surgeon was fully trained in general surgery.  However due to insurance issues and wanting to have the best results, I have always found that it is best to do a combined procedure where the general surgeon fixes the hernia while the plastic surgeon does the TT, all as part of one operation.  In that case, you will have both problems being treated by the appropriate specialist.

Al Farabi L. Jaafar, MD · Answer

Ask for a cosmetic or plastic surgeon who has completed general surgery specialty training prior to the subspecialization.

Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS · Answer

Hernia repair and abdominoplasty can be performed at the same time; however, it depends on the scope of the facility. Consult with 3 board certified plastic surgeons to determine if both procedures can be performed together. Do not sacrifice the quality of either surgery by choosing a lesser surgery that claims he can do both.

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Thank you for your question and I agree with Dr Morgan.  Some plastic surgeons based on training will do both and others will ask a surgical colleague to helpDr Corbin

H. Michael Roark, MD (retired) · Answer

As mentioned in other surgeon's replies, not all plastic surgeons are comfortable with large hernia repairs.  A warning; the general surgeon repairing the hernia at a different time may compromise the ultimate tummy tuck result by placing an incision down the midline of the abdomen.  The scar will be evident above the umbilicus and even in the lower abdomen.  Try to have the hernia and tummy tuck done at the same surgical setting.

Mary Lee Peters, MD (retired) · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. The answer depends on the type and severity of your hernia. A tummy tuck brings your abdominal muscles together in the midline and closes the hernia defect. A surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery will be capable of performing both the hernia repair and tummy tuck at the same time. If she or he feel they would not be who would serve you best for the hernia repair, they will likely know a good surgeon to collaborate with. I practice in the Seattle area and will be happy to meet with you and discuss any of your concerns.

Brian Windle, MD (retired) · Answer

This is a good question as a lot of women have similar
questions.  Part of a routine
abdominoplasty is to address the diastasis or separation of the muscles that can
result in a large bulge in the midline similar to a hernia.  Sometimes there is a true hernia in the same
place.  This hernia can easily be
addressed at the same time.  If the
muscle is in good condition and comes to the middle easily then you should not
require any mesh but if it does not come together mesh is easily added as your
surgeon is right there.  This can all be
achieved with the no drain, rapid recovery tummy tuck and does not require a
second surgery or second surgeon.  Your
plastic surgeon should be able to do the hernia repair and the tummy tuck at
one time.

I hope the helps.

Best regards.

Do plastic surgeons also perform large hernia repair?

Answers (8)

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