Breast augmentation and umbilical hernia repair? (photos)

Question

I'm inquiring about getting a breast augmentation and small hernia repair done at the same time. Is this possible? I'm a petite 32yr healthy who breast fed. My breast are deflated and i work as a nurse so I would like to get this done together so I have enough time off to recover. Also since the hernia is covered under Ohip would this help with the cost of the BA since it is under the same sedation? Thank you.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

And uncomplicated and umbilical hernia can be fixed under local anesthesia. It certainly would be no problem to address this issue with the same time as breast augmentation.

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

Joel Patrick Maier, MD · Answer

Yes, these can be done at the same time so you can combine your recovery periods. I doubt the insurance covered hernia repair will significantly reduce the overall cost of the procedure as the facility fee and anesthesia will be billed separately for the time spent during the augmentation. This should be spelled out preoperatively so there are no $$ surprises after the procedure. Good luck and thanks for sharing.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Thank you for your picture.  There should be no issues with have the two procedures performed at the same operative time.  Typically insurance will not cover any part of your cosmetic operation and/or anesthesia.

William Bruno, MD · Answer

You can have a breast augmentation and an umbilical hernia repair at the same time. Health insurance will only cover your hernia repair. Discuss this in detail with your plastic surgeon and insurance carrier for more details regarding the financing.Best wishes,Dr.Bruno

Naveen Setty, MD · Answer

Thank you for your picture and question.  Combining a hernia repair with a breast augmentation is a safe and common procedure.  You are likely correct that some of your fees may be less when combining with a procedure covered by insurance. Consult with a board certified plastic surgeon.

Bryan G. Forley, MD · Answer

There should be no problem combining a breast augmentation with repair of your hernia. I would suggest getting a written statement from the hospital as to your financial obligations and what will be covered by insurance so there is no misunderstanding later.

Mathew A. Plant, MD, FRCSC · Answer

It is definitely possible but it all depends on the surgeon. Many of us will be happy to repair a small umbilical hernia during a tummy tuck, but I am not sure how many plastic surgeons would want to operate on someones abdomen for just a hernia - that probably is best handled by a general surgeon. There is no reason however that your plastic surgeon and general surgeon couldn't coordinate to do the operation at the same time. In terms of cost reduction for combining an OHIP and private case it would depend on the surgeon and the location which the surgery is performed at. In the hospital, there is often a reduced rate for the OR costs when an OHIP case is done at the same time but this would not necessarily be true at a private clinic. As you can see, there are many variables involved, so the only way to know for sure is to talk to your surgeon and see what your options are. Hope that helps!

John Layke, DO, FACS · Answer

Combining an umbilical hernia repair with breast augmentation is extremely common, as well as safe.  As far as insurance covering a portion of the procedure, provide your insurance policy information to your surgeon's office and they will be able to check whether or not your surgery can be performed at a surgery center.  If there are only hospital benefits, it may be cost prohibitive to perform a breast augmentation a hospital setting.  Best wishes!

Raymond Jean, MD · Answer

Breast Augmentation with umbilical hernia repair is very reasonable to do during the same surgery..  Insurance would likely cover the hernia repair and the breast augmentation would be cash pay.  In terms of savings insurance will only cover anesthesia and operating room charges for the hernia repair.  Best of luck.