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

A protruding belly button is not always a hernia. It can be the result of a rectus muscle diastasis. In this instance the protruding belly button is easily repaired by one surgeon: the plastic surgeon.
However, assuming that it is a true umpbilical hernia and you are planning to have a full tummy tuck (not a mini), there is one primary concern:

A full tummy tuck generally leaves the umbilicus on a little attachment or stalk.
Performing an true umbiolical hernia repair requires surgical elevation and exposure of the base of the umbilicus which if done in conjunction with a tummy tuck will detach and compromise the blood supply.

In these instances, I work with a general surgeon who has experience performing laparoscopic ("inside out") repair of the umpbilicus through little incisions made after I elevate the skin so that these incisions are made in the muscle and not visible on the upper abdomen where they are typically placed. In this instance I do not performe the umbilical repair.
In terms of major complication rates, there may be an elevated risk of DVT with PE which ranges in the literature from 1 out of 3.500 to 40,000.

Hello milan123, thank you for your question regarding the possibility of combining a tummy tuck with hernia repair.

Yes, it is entirely possible to have a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) and hernia repair performed at the same time by one doctor. In fact, I do this all the time for my patients who need both procedures. Combining these surgeries can be very efficient and beneficial for several reasons. Performing both surgeries simultaneously reduces the overall recovery time. You only need to go through one recovery period instead of two separate ones, which means less time off work and fewer disruptions to your daily life. Additionally, you will only need to undergo anesthesia once, which is safer and more convenient than having two separate surgeries. Combining the procedures can also be more cost-effective since you are only paying for one surgery center fee, one anesthesia fee, and one surgeon’s fee. Moreover, doing both procedures together allows for better aesthetic outcomes. The hernia repair can be seamlessly integrated with the tummy tuck, leading to a smoother and more contoured abdominal profile.

Regarding the risks and complications, it’s important to note that all surgeries carry some level of risk. However, in generally healthy individuals, the risk of major complications is relatively low. Potential complications can include infection, bleeding, blood clots, and issues related to anesthesia. However, these risks are minimized when the surgery is performed by an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon. The recovery process involves following post-operative care instructions closely, including rest, limited physical activity, and wearing compression garments as advised by your surgeon. Your surgeon will monitor you closely after the procedure to ensure that everything is healing properly and to address any concerns that may arise.

Given your recent pregnancy and the presence of stretch marks, loose skin, separated abdominal walls (diastasis recti), and a possible umbilical hernia, combining these procedures makes a lot of sense. The tummy tuck will address the excess skin and tighten the abdominal muscles, while the hernia repair will fix the umbilical hernia. I hope this helps to answer your question regarding the combination of a tummy tuck and hernia repair. Please consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who has extensive experience in performing these combined procedures to discuss your specific case and any further concerns you may have.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS

Thank you for your question.Yes, it is possible to have those procedure at the same time. But first, for safety reasons, to be a good candidate for the procedures you want at the same time, your labs and  cardiovascular preoperative evaluation must be optimal.
Kind Regards,Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

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.

An umbilical hernia can be repaired along with an abdominoplasty. Many times patients may feel that they have an umbilical hernia, but they actually have a separation of the rectus/abdominal muscles following pregnancy. These muscles will be 'repaired' with the abdominoplasty. Some patients, however, will actually have a true fascial defect or hole with protruding intraabdominal fat or bowel. These can usually be repaired by your plastic surgeon at the same time as the abdominoplasty.

Hi there,
In most cases, it is possible, safe, and easy to repair umbilical hernias at the time of tummy tuck surgery, and I have done it many times.
I would talk to your chosen Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and discuss it with them.
Good luck!

Dear Milan,Rectus or ventral hernia and umbilical hernia are common findings in women that also need a tummy tuck following pregnancy.  All three procedures can be performed at the same time by your plastic surgeon.  Mesh is rarely if ever needed in these common scenarios and sometimes insurance can cover a portion of the hernia repair.  I would advise you to seek consultation with board certified plastic surgeon with experience in tummy tuck surgery.All the best,Dr. Remus Repta

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.  Sometimes,  hernia repairs are covered by insurance companies; you will need to check with your specific insurance company. Your plastic surgeon's office may be able to assist you with this inquiry. Best wishes.