Can Tummy Tuck and Hernia Repair Be Done at the Same Time by One Doctor?

Thank you for your question.  Umbilical hernia after pregnancy is extremely common.  If the hernia defect is small (less than 1cm), your plastic surgeon can often directly repair it him/herself during the course of the tummy tuck operation.  If the hernia is larger, it may require a mesh repair to be performed by a general surgeon.  This can also often be done concurrently with the tummy tuck.

The Mommy Makeover is a combination of procedures to bring a woman’s body back to the way she looked prior to pregnancy. Most commonly some variation of a #TummyTuck and #BreastSurgery are performed. Additional procedures can include liposuction, umbilical hernia repair.  The most common #breastprocedures include #mastopexy or #breastlift, #breastaugmentation, or #breastreduction.    Healing after a  #tummytuck will require time. Some patients are out of bed and walking the night of surgery and every hour while awake. I allow my patients to return to work at one to two weeks with 14 days preferred.  However, no lifting or straining.  At three weeks, increased level of activity and full with no restrictions, at 6 weeks. #MummyTummy is a term given to modified tummy tucks which can use liposuction and skin tightening with radiofrequency such Vanquish, Vela3, thermage, thermiRF and others.  The actual fat contouring can be done non-surgically as well with #UltraShape or Cool-Sculpting.The costs of a #Mommy Makeover will depend on several factors. Such include the geographic location, the skill and experience of the surgeon, and operating room and anesthesia fees.  Also, such #combined operations are often performed with our Gynecology colleagues. Tubal ligation is a common post pregnancy procedure which is done at the time of many of the surgeries included with Mommy Makeovers. Therefore, if you require a gynecologic operation or study (laparoscopy) and are considering a plastic surgery procedure, discuss these issues with your doctor. If your surgeon feels you are a candidate, it may be possible to add additional procedures such as those you mention. #Combining these procedures decreases anesthetics, costs, and recovery time.  Most importantly, your procedures should be performed by a #PlasticSurgeon who is board-certified and has a great deal of experience specializing in cosmetic #surgery. You will then greatly improve your chances of getting the result you desire, and, without the need for a revision surgery. It is suggested that you look at before and after photos of the surgeons actual patients, and read patient reviews. Gathering all of this information will help you make a well-informed decision.

                  It’s
not unusual for patients undergoing abdominoplasty to have associated abdominal
wall hernias.  The treatment of
these hernias is dependent upon a variety of factors including the size and
location of the hernia and the overall health of the patient. 

                  When
hernias are large and recognized in the pre-operative period, most plastic
surgeons refer these cases to a general surgeon.  Depending on the situation the plastic surgeon may elect to
stage the procedure or perform a combined procedure with the general
surgeon.  In many cases hernia
repair is complicated and may require synthetic mesh.  In other cases the procedure may require inpatient
hospitalization. 

                  When
abdominal wall hernias are small, they may not be recognized
pre-operatively.  Under these circumstances
they are usually encountered during elevation of skin flaps.  When this scenario arises most plastic
surgeons repair these hernias at the time of the abdominoplasty.  If the hernia is complicated they may
consult a general surgeon. 

                  I
you know that an abdominal wall hernia is present and you’re considering
abdominoplasty it’s important that this issue be discussed with your plastic
surgeon.  Your surgeon should be
able to formulate a coordinated treatment plan so both procedures can be performed
effectively.