I have a abdominal hernia. Can the hernia be fixed during tummy tuck and have it be covered by ohip?

Question

The general surgeon said there would be a vertical scar down the middle of my abdomen with mesh for the hernia. He said due to child birth my abdomen would continue to tear. Is it possible to have the tighting of the abdomen. The repairing of the hernia part be covered bu ohip and pay the portion of the skin removal if done by a plastic surgeon? I have been told I need the surgery. I'm just worried about the mesh and Huge scar done the middle of the stomach.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

A board certified plastic surgeon can repair the hernia along with the diastasis at the same time depending upon extent and location of hernia.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Michael Kreidstein, MD, FRCS(C) · Answer

Abdominoplasty generally involves exposure of the entire abdominal muscle fascia, and provides a great opportunity to use the existing fascia to repair holes that result in hernias.  Mesh usually is not necessary, and your hernia repair would be covered by OHIP.  A vertical scar would not be necessary to fix your hernia.  A consultation with a plastic surgeon would be very worthwhile for you.

Ven Erella, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is possible to do both same time. Please talk to a local board certified PS for evaluation.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Depending upon the type of hernia, often the abdominal flap can be elevated using a standard tummy tuck incision and repaired at the same time as the tummy tuck.

Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS · Answer

You need to discuss with a local plastic surgeon about how the costs will be handled but in many cases, this can be done at the same time.

I have a abdominal hernia. Can the hernia be fixed during tummy tuck and have it be covered by ohip?

Answers (5)