Hernia removal pre-TT?

Hello Lightbearer,

It sounds like you're getting ready for a significant transformation with your planned tummy tuck, hernia repair, diastasis recti/muscle repair, and high-def abdominal lipo. These procedures combined can certainly bring about substantial improvements to your body contour and overall physique.

Regarding your question about the timing of hernia repair, in my practice, I often perform hernia repair simultaneously with a tummy tuck. This approach allows for a single recovery period and can be beneficial for the patient in several ways. However, every surgeon's protocol can differ based on a range of factors, including their experience, the specifics of the procedures being done, and the individual patient's circumstances.

If there's been a change in your hernia's status, it's understandable that your surgeon might adjust the surgical plan. To provide a definitive answer for your specific case, further investigations such as lab tests or imaging might be necessary to assess the current state of your hernia.

Remember, the goal is always to provide you with the safest and most effective treatment. Open communication with your surgeon is key to ensure you're on the same page and that your surgical plan aligns with your goals and needs.

Thank you for your question. Wishing you all the best in your upcoming procedures!

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Thank you for your questions. There is no reason to have 2 separate procedures, hernia can be fixed at the same time. A tummy tuck will address excess skin & repair of the abdominal muscle. The abdominal wall can be weakened after pregnancy and (or) significant weight gain & loss. By repairing the muscle, not only does the appearance of your abdominal area improve, but your core strength as well. The repair of the muscle will cinch your waist like an inner corset, which will accentuate your curves. Liposuction will remove excess fat from unwanted areas with some skin retraction. Your expectations and health will dictate the best procedure(s) for you. I suggest a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to go over the options that best address your goals. Best of luck!

Dhaval Patel MD
Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Chicago
South Barrington
Oakbrook
Orland Park

You do not need to have the hernia repaired pre-tummy tuck. It can be done at the same time as well the diastasis recti. The technique I recommend, if you are not planning future pregnancies, is abdominoplasty with mesh reinforcement. The mesh creates a more hourglass figure by compressing the abdominal wall resulting in early satiety and helps maintain a reduced weight.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Dear Lightbearer,
a small umbilical hernia is something that can be fixed during a full tummy tuck procedure. I routinely repair these during my tummy tuck procedures. Not everyone feels comfortably repairing these however. A mini-tummy tuck does not reset the umbilicus which it looks like is what you needed to get the results you were looking for. I would have to examine you to be certain. Make sure to follow up with your plastic surgeon.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

I assume you are referring to an umbilical (not inguinal) hernia. Thus, umbilical hernias can be perfectly repaired during the TT approach, since by lifting the skin with its fatty layer, the muscle wall is exposed in great detail, allowing the hole (which causes the hernia) to be easily repaired. , reinforcing the midline (corrects diastasis and abdominal flaccidity). There are no photos to analyze, nor do I know more details. However, I am sure that there must be additional circumstances and arguments that compel your surgeon to think that he should use mesh.

It is best to have the hernia repaired before the tummy tuck so there are no additional surprises or complications.

Often times hernias can be repaired at the same time as a tummy tuck. You want to seek a double board certified surgeon to have this performed. Only your surgeon can inform you as to why it was recommended that you have the two surgeries separated.

There are different types of hernias and each one has its own issues including surgical approach. A typical umbilical hernia is automatically treated as part of muscle tightening but a complex recurrent postoperative hernia may require reinforcement with mesh.

Plastic surgeons sometimes get involved treating complex hernias that are beyond what general surgeons can handle and some feel comfortable managing hernias while others may not.

If you want a different opinion you’ll need to have a second consultation.

Each plastic surgeons will have their own view of this based on their experience, training and comfort level.

Personally I recommend patients have multiple consultations for vetting plastic surgeons to find the most talented and experienced provider. Doing so would also get you different opinions on how to approach with the hernia.

Plastic surgery results vary substantially depending on each patient’s candidacy as well as the skill and experience of each provider.

It may be challenging to change your own candidacy for a certain procedure but patients do have the ability to choose the right provider.

Finding the ideal provider typically requires having multiple consultations.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD

Usually small hernias can be fixed at the same surgical time with a tummy tuck.If your doctor ordered imaging testing and determined that you need the hernia fixed before surgery with mesh it might be that your hernia will be handled better with a surgeon that specializes on those treatments.

Hi and welcome to our forum!I am sure there may be differences of opinion, but in our practice, we repair the hernia with mesh (if necessary), and perform abdominoplasty at the same sitting unless the patient suffers from other significant comorbidities or if the hernia is extremely large, making a longer procedure more risky, . Best wishes...