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.-