9 months post op, have another hernia after tummy tuck. Options? (photos)

Question

I had a full tummy tuck with hernia repair done almost 9 months ago. 6 months after the surgey I started to notice a bulge under my belly button. I called my doctor and she said that she will take a look at it on my next visit which was weeks from the time I called. When I did go for the visit she said to not worry about it and to just keep an eye on it. It has grown in size since the first time I called her. I can feel a hole when I lay down and when I cough it comes out. This is another hernia

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear lafaucit,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

You will need to have the area evaluated by your surgeon and potentially a CT scan to confirm the hernia.  If one is present surgical intervention is the way to correct it.  If it is not problematic you may opt to leave it alone.

Robert L. Steely, MD, FACS · Answer

always hard to tell with photos in these cases- you have a thin frame that makes any little discrepancy very visible.  it could be a recurrent hernia, it could be a small pocket of seroma fluid or a bit of fat.  The fact that you can feel a hole however says you likely have a recurrent hernia.

you have a lovely result from your abdominoplasty otherwise, i would recommend having a consult with a general surgeon who does laparoscopic hernia repair- in most cases this issue can be alleviated with small access incisions and a repair from the inside of your abdominal wall which would negate needing to reopen your abdominoplasty.

i hope this helps.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

I can’t speak on behalf of your previous procedure but it sure sounds like you’re having a recurrent hernia to me.
Hernias are covered by medical insurance and plastic surgeons typically have no problem getting privileges for doing hernia repairs. after all your surgeon already did one for you. Hopefully she use that to get medical insurance to cover some of the cost of your procedure first time around.
A recurrent hernia should probably have a piece of mesh sewn in place to reinforce it.
It can also be corrected laparoscopically which is typically done by general surgeons.
Either follow up with your provider or get a few in person consultations to get proper second opinions.
I would avoid this and being discussed as a cosmetic procedure which it is not.
If you have medical insurance then use that to your advantage.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

9 months post op, have another hernia after tummy tuck. Options? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Looks like a hernia, sounds like a hernia, it must be a hernia

Answer: Looks like a hernia, sounds like a hernia, it must be a hernia

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck Revision

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

9 months post op, have another hernia after tummy tuck. Options? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Looks like a hernia, sounds like a hernia, it must be a hernia

Answer: Looks like a hernia, sounds like a hernia, it must be a hernia

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck Revision

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.