Tummy tuck with hernia repair. Is it possible to fix all of my issues in one surgery?

Question

I have four kids ; am 39 years old. Small build; 5'2 and 118 lbs. After the birth of my 4th child, five years ago; I was left with loose skin below my belly. I also was diagnosed with having an umbilical hernia and diasectus recti. My question is; is it possible to have all these issues fixed in one surgery? The tummy tuck for loose skin, the diasectus recti and the umbilical hernia. I'm from the NYC/ Westchester area. Thank you.

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding tummy tuck, diastasis recti, and hernia repair. In similar situations that I’ve handled, I am able to perform the tummy tuck and repair a hernia if one is present. The abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) procedure is one that can correct all three of your concerns.

To be sure, see two or more experienced, board-certified plastic surgeons in your area for a complete evaluation to make sure you are a good candidate and that it is safe for you to have an abdominoplasty. I hope this helps

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding if you can have a tummy tuck rectus diastasis hernia repair that can all be completed in one surgery. The quick answer is yes. You can have a tummy tuck rectus diastasis hernia repair in one surgery. Most surgeons are trained in general surgery and plastic surgery. Most Plastic surgeons feel comfortable correcting hernias. I feel very confident correcting hernias during an abdominoplasty. Rectus diastasis is separating the rectus abdominis muscles from the umbilicus to the bottom of your sternum. This is almost always corrected when I perform a tummy tuck. Sometimes umbilical hernia may be covered by insurance. Please consult with your chosen plastic surgeon. Therefore, seek an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon who is comfortable fixing your hernia and rectus diastasis and completing your tummy tuck simultaneously. Good luck

Mansher Singh, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes. The umbilical hernia can definitely be fixed at the time of surgery. This would be in combination with diastasis recti repair and tummy tuck

Finny George, MD · Answer

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. You can safely have all of these procedures done at the same time. During a standard tummy tuck, most surgeons will do a muscle repair. Therefore, the only added procedure here would be a hernia repair, which in your case sounds small. This would not require much more time or recovery. The hernia should be repaired by a hernia surgeon. I hope this helps.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Yes, it is possible to fix your issues with one surgery. If you are not planning future pregnancies, I recommend 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. The diastatis recti and umbilical hernia are repaired at the same time.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Albert Ko, MD · Answer

Hi there,Great question!! Yes, you can absolutley have both done at the same time. Abdominoplasty with umbilical hernia repair is a very common procedure. Sometimes plastic surgeons may partner with a general surgeon. I would recommend a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon.

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. To provide a valid medical opinion I will need to see pictures of you body from different angles. I would suggest to be treated by board certified plastic surgeon with experience in this procedure, to get the best desired results.

Respectfully,
Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Respectfully,
Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Thomas Trevisani, MD · Answer

Yes, in our Practice we combine these procedures often (provided a patient is a good candidate). I suggest that you seek an experienced Board Certified PS

Carmina Cardenas, MD · Answer

Part of the tummy tuck component should always be the abdominal wall restoration and hernias would be part of it. 
Muscle repair is needed when someone has loose muscle and/or dyastasis in order to improve the protruding appearance or just tightening  for support. Hernias are very commonly found and the tummy tuck is the perfect moment to repair them, once the skin is undermined and the fascia is exposed. 
Be encouraged!!! You will look wonderful. 
Dr. Cárdenas

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear mar72983,
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. 
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery