Tummy tuck after hernia surgery using mesh?

Question

I had abdominal hernia surgery using mesh last April. The surgeon said I had 2 hernias actually. One was above my belly button that had been repaired back in the 90's but busted out shortly after. I have gone to one Dr who said he would need to stretch both the top and bottom of my abdomen because it's got like 2 rolls! He also told me I couldn't get a tummy tuck if mesh was used but the Surgeon who did the mesh said he has had many patients have a tummy tuck after the hernia mesh surgery.

Alejandro Nogueira, MD · Answer

In multi-herniated abdominal walls it may be contraindicated or unfeasible doing muscular plication to reinforce the abdominal corset; however still is possible to carry out a complete an brilliant cutaenous work pulling down the cloth of spare skin and removing the excess. Care must be taken by the surgeon to leave the meshes you have covered by a vascularized layer of capsule, fascia and fat so that no infection or extrusion happens on them.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

I would have to examine you or see pictures to make a better determination.  I
would search for the board certified plastic surgeon who you feel is
most likely to give you the best results and who performs hundreds of
these procedures each year. I would look at patient reviews as well as
before and after photos on that surgeon's website.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Robert A. Hardesty, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and medical history.Based on the information provided and lack of photographs I can recommend the following:1) please request a copy of the "operative report" dictated by each of your surgeons who has performed the hernia repairs. These dictations will be most helpful and contain very valuable information.2) what is your Body mass index? This determined by your height and weight and is a very helpful number in deeming your success  and complication rate.3)photos of your body4)your specific goals, wants, and desires."Mesh" insertion per say  is NOT a contraindication to Abdominoplasty.I suggest you make a appointment with a Bd. Cert. Plastic Surgeon after collecting the above information and go over the details of abdominoplasty.My best wishes,

Carlos Castaneda, MD · Answer

First it would be important to know how big the hernias where before?Many patients that I´ve done tummy tucks on have hernias and the repair is through the rectus abdominis muscle plication.This is the easiest way to repair abdominal wall defects and we avoid the use of a foreign body such as the mesh.I would recommend that if hernias are small, the mesh be removed and do the plication of the muscles.Set up a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon so you can discuss your options and concerns.

Tummy tuck after hernia surgery using mesh?

Answers (4)