I had a tummy tuck consultation yesterday, and the plastic surgeon informed me that I need to have my epigastric hernia repair first since he is unable to combine both procedures due to the size of the hernia. How soon AFTER having an epigastric hernia repair (w/mesh) can I have a tummy tuck?
Ms New,
You may want to consider a second option. If your epigastric hernia is not too large it mat be repairable at the time of your TT. We commonly perform umbilical hernia repairs at the time of LipoAbdominoplasty's. Consider seeking out a ASPS surgeon in your area. Best,
Gary R Culbertson, MD
In the event of staging the surgeries, if the hernia repair is done laparoscopically, I would recommend waiting 2 months to allow the nitrogen gas used during that surgery to be absorbed and the bloating resolved.
Dr. Culbertson is right, an epigastric hernia can be repaired at the same time with the abdominoplasty. Many plastic surgeons are full trained general surgeons as well and can repair the hernia with a mesh if needed. Best to look for a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who is fully trained general surgeon.
Other option is to have the general surgeon available at the time of the abdominoplasty, where the general surgeon can repair the hernia and the plastic surgeon would complete the abdominoplasty.
I do both the tummy tuck and hernia repair at the same time. Best scar and best results when done in this fashion
The information you received about needing to separate the epigastric hernia repair and the tummy tuck may not be universally applicable. In fact, it's often possible and even preferable to address both an epigastric hernia and a tummy tuck in a single procedure. This is especially true because an epigastric hernia is frequently associated with rectus diastasis, a condition that can be corrected during a tummy tuck.
Having both procedures done simultaneously offers several benefits: single recovery period, cost-effective, aesthetics.
However, it's crucial to find a surgeon who is comfortable and experienced in performing both procedures concurrently. Ideally, look for a plastic surgeon who is also a board-certified general surgeon, or one who is willing to collaborate with a general surgeon. This ensures that both the cosmetic and the medical aspects of the surgery are handled with equal expertise.
If you provide an ultrasound report your situation could be better assessed.