I have an umbilical hernia. It doesn't hurt but it's big. I exercise a lot. Will the hernia stop me having a flat stomach?

I would definitely recommend that you seek the advice of a board certified surgeon. If your concern is the exercise and whether or not you will be able to attain a flat abdomen, it all depends. Are you considering cosmetic surgery in additon? Many umbilical hernias are found as incidental findings when we perform tummy tucks but from your description it appears that its quite visible. Seek advice. Good luck

An umbilical hernia represents an inherent weakness in the abdominal wall.  The repair may improve the contours, but an exam would be helpful in this regard.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

An umbilical hernia can usually be repaired at the same time as an abdominoplasty.  The size of the hernia, any prior surgeries, and a past medical history will need to be taken into account.  You will need to see a board certified plastic surgeon to be appropriately evaluated.  Best of luck!

Hernias of all types in the abdomen are potentially very dangerous. If the hernia gets stuck it could be life threatening. Therefore, i recommend that you see a general surgeon as soon as possible for evaluation. I recommend that your hernia evaluation from health stand point is more important than whether or not you have a flat stomach. 

During Tummy Tuck procedure is very common to do hernia repair which makes this procedure easier because we have 100% exposure of the abdominal wall. The hernia repair does nor interfere with the muscle repair at all, so after your surgery you will have the perfect flat abdomen that your doctor created. Dr. Cardenas

Thank you for the question.To best help you, a physical
examination or picture evaluation is required in order to determine
which procedures and techniques would be best for your case/Dr. Campos

Umbilical hernias are caused by a small hole in the muscle fascia which allows fat to herniate from inside the abdomen outside into the belly button.  These hernias usually slowly increase in size over time and with exercise.  And, eventually, the cosmetic appearance of your abdomen will suffer from the funny looking "outie" you have developed, even if your abdominal tone is good from exercise.  If you only want the hernia repaired, I routinely fix these hernias under local anesthesia through an incision within the belly button.  Some surgeons may prefer to do this under general anesthesia.If you are contemplating a tummy tuck, we routinely fix umbilical hernias at the same time as the tummy tuck.I recommend you seek a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon or general surgeon regarding this condition.

Really need more information about your physical condition to answer this question.  If you are only concerned about the hernia than have it evaluated by a general surgeon.  

Umbilical hernias represent a weakness in the abdominal support to the abdomen, and there will continue to be increasing weakness to the abdomen when you continue to exercise.  I would seek the opinion of a General Surgeon or a Plastic Surgeon, for that matter, before the hernia becomes obstructive and possibly non reducible.  This could lead to a possible perforation and peritonitis.   This is less likely with a larger hernia rather than a small hernia, but this is still worthy of repair after further review.This could be done in combination with an abdominoplasty if desired by a patient who desires and needs to have a Tummytuck.Seek the advice and opinion of your local physicians , but I would suggest that repairing the hernia sooner than later would be a good idea.Good luck to you.Frank Rieger M.D.  Tampa Plastic Surgeon