Do I need a tummy tuck along with my umbilical hernia repair? (Photos)

Question

3 children, won't be having any more. Consultation with a plastic surgeon, he suggested a TT as well. He said he could do a TT and repair it then, stitch up my stomach muscles. But that hernia repair is for a general surgeon? I hadn't thought about it until he planted a seed in my head. should I get a tummy tuck? I have some weight to lose but didn't think my stomach looked all that terrible besides the hernia. I'm afraid of the large scar, but maybe I'd see a major improvement on my stomach?

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

The decision to have a tummy tuck is a personal one.  It is something that you should consider only if you want one.  If you are comfortable with your abdominal area then proceed with the hernia repair only.  You can consider a tummy tuck in the future if you decide you would like to have one.  You look great for having had three children!

Suzette Miranda, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and your pictures. I think you look very fit for having three children. A tummy tuck is for women with excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. Your pictures make it look like you dont have much of either. However, in person consultation may have revealed separated muscles (consequence of having children). Either way, I would never reccomend getting a surgery for something that you dont want or need. I suggest you get your hernia repaired as this is what you wanted. Good luck! 
Best wishes, 
Dr. Suzette Miranda

Mark K. Markarian, MD, MSPH, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question and photograph.  I commonly fix small umbilical hernias at the same time as a tummy tuck, so if you were to have a tummy tuck, the umbilical hernia repair would not be a problem.  However,  from your photograph it does not appear that you are a good candidate for a full tummy tuck.  Although an exam in person would obviously be best, I don't think that you have enough loose skin and fat between your belly button and waistline to remove for a tummy tuck.  You may be a candidate for a mini-tummy tuck or liposuction, if any procedure at all.  Please refer to the link below for information on tummy tucks.Best,Mark K Markarian, MD, MSPH

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  Only you can truly make the decision about whether or not you would like to have a tummy tuck.  Based on your
photograph alone, you are a  candidate for a tummy tuck with liposuction.  This can be done through a low and short
incision, all completely below the bikini line. 
The belly button can be designed to look natural and have no scars on
the exterior.   Your muscles can also be
plicated resulting in a flat abdomen.  The umbilical hernia can be repaired at the same time. 
Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of
real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate
their results.  The most important aspect is to find a surgeon you are
comfortable with. I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified
board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

David E. Morales, MD · Answer

Looking at your photos you seem to be a fit person without excessive redundant skin.  Your umbilical hernia is visible and it does look like you have separation of your abdominal muscles, a diasthasis.  The hernia could be addressed with a short scar tummy tuck incision and muscle repair.  If a small of skin is loose, this can be tightened as well.
Good Luck.
D Morales MD

Do I need a tummy tuck along with my umbilical hernia repair? (Photos)

Answers (9)

Answer: Tummy tuck

Answer: Tummy tuck

Answer: Tummy tuck?

Answer: Tummy tuck?

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.

Do I need a tummy tuck along with my umbilical hernia repair? (Photos)

Answers (9)

Answer: Tummy tuck

Answer: Tummy tuck

Answer: Tummy tuck?

Answer: Tummy tuck?

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.