Can Tummy Tuck Prevent Future Hernias?

Question

I have just had a ventral (umbilical) hernia repair. The surgeon says it was mostly omentum. Two years ago, I had a large inguinal hernia, and mesh repair for omentum and intestines. I am 5'6", 145 lbs. (huge breasts, with lots of muscle). I've excercised and dieted this last year to get there. The surgeon said I'm just torn up. I've already had two big babies. I would like to get a Tummy Tuck at some point. Is there any chance a Tummy Tuck would help prevent future hernias? Would the suturing of my abs strengthen them enough to withstand future hernias?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, woog. Thank you for your question regarding the potential for a tummy tuck to prevent future hernias.

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, involves tightening the abdominal muscles and removing excess skin and fat. This procedure can provide some benefits in terms of abdominal wall strength. By suturing the rectus muscles, a tummy tuck can indeed reinforce the abdominal wall, which may help in reducing the likelihood of developing hernias in the future. However, it is not a guaranteed preventive measure.

Given your history of ventral (umbilical) and inguinal hernias, it's essential to understand that while a tummy tuck can strengthen the abdominal area, it doesn't eliminate the risk entirely. Hernias can still occur due to various factors, such as heavy lifting, excessive straining, or genetic predisposition.

Before considering a tummy tuck, it is crucial to have a detailed discussion with your plastic surgeon and possibly a general surgeon. They can evaluate your specific situation, considering your history of hernias and your current abdominal wall condition. If a tummy tuck is deemed beneficial for you, the surgeon can tailor the procedure to address your concerns, potentially incorporating hernia repair techniques if needed.

In conclusion, a tummy tuck can help strengthen the abdominal muscles and may reduce the risk of future hernias, but it is not a foolproof solution. Consulting with experienced surgeons will provide you with the best advice and options for your situation.

Good luck, and I hope this helps answer your question regarding the relationship between tummy tucks and hernia prevention.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

A tummy tuck does not prevent the development of future hernias.
It sounds as if you are prone to these. Furhermore the muscle repair performed in a tummy tuck is anatomically far away from the inguinal hernia location and so it is unlikely to have any long term effect on the development of hernia.

Shahram Salemy, MD, FACS · Answer

A tummy tuck is an operation designed to improve the aesthetic appearance of the abdomen, not to reconstruct or reinforce the abdominal wall.  I think you should certainly seek out opinions for whether or not to have the procedure, but make sure you're doing it to improve your look, not as a reconstructive measure, otherwise you may be quite dissappointed with the results.
Good luck,
 
s

John P. Di Saia, MD · Answer

Hello,
Having severely weakened abdominal wall tissues may make tummy tuck surgery hard on you. It might not also hold up. Mesh has already been used, so your actual procedure would be harder due to scarring around the mesh and the results might not be as good.Consider this carefully. And to answer your question, the operation doesn't prevent hernaie in the future.

Christopher L. Hess, MD · Answer

The causes of your hernias may just be bad luck and hopefully you'll never have another.  But, as you can guess by everyone's answers there's no guarantee that you won't still get another ventral or inguinal hernia.  Suturing the muscle fascia, the tissue that surrounds the muscle and holds it in place, doesn't make the muscles stronger.  It does reduce the distance between the two rectus muscle and tightens the waist.
So get the tummy tuck, look great and don't worry about hernias.  It's out of your hands.

Can Tummy Tuck Prevent Future Hernias?

Answers (10)

Answer: You might not be the best Tummy Tuck candidate

Answer: You might not be the best Tummy Tuck candidate

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Can Tummy Tuck Prevent Future Hernias?

Answers (10)

Answer: You might not be the best Tummy Tuck candidate

Answer: You might not be the best Tummy Tuck candidate

Answer: No Guarantees

Answer: No Guarantees

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.