In addition to tightening muscles that have loosened as a result of pregnancy or weight gain, the tummy tuck operation is intended to remove excess skin and fat from the abdominal area. This method can also be used to fix weakened or dilated abdominal muscles. The treatment is popular because it helps people have a more proportionate shape and better fit into their apparel.
Repairing a tear or hole in the abdominal wall, as occurs during the hernia repair procedure, is essential for people who have hernias as a result of heavy lifting or other types of strenuous labor work activities, such as carpentry or construction work requiring the operation of heavy equipment, such as forklifts, etc.
You may find it hard to access the right information on the internet, so we are here to help you in the following article, providing the best and updated information on Hernia and tummy tuck surgery at the same time, hernia and tummy tuck surgery recovery time, tummy tuck with hernia repair cost.
Hernia And Tummy Tuck Surgery At The Same Time
An abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, is often viewed as a purely cosmetic procedure that can help you slim your waistline. While it is true that the surgery can give you a shapelier figure, the procedure can also be an opportunity to address certain medical conditions.
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Lisa Hunsicker is skilled and experienced in body contouring procedures. She understands that every patient is unique, and she is very thorough in gathering the information she needs to make quality medical and aesthetic recommendations for you. With this foundation, Dr. Hunsicker delivers a high level of care and beautiful results.
Can a Tummy Tuck Help my Umbilical Hernia?
Umbilical hernia repair can be done with a tummy tuck procedure to achieve a more aesthetic midsection. An umbilical hernia may be congenital or may develop in adulthood as a result of multiple pregnancies, obesity, or other medical conditions. Generally, umbilical hernias in adults are the result of a weak abdominal wall, which can be tightened in a tummy tuck procedure.
Umbilical hernias appear as a bulge near your belly button. You may experience discomfort and pressure in your abdomen, and you may be self-conscious about the appearance of the hernia.
If you have additional concerns about your midsection, a tummy tuck procedure may be a good solution to both repair your umbilical hernia and address issues such as:
- Loose, sagging skin – Pregnancy and weight fluctuations can cause skin to lose elasticity. Skin folds can rub together and get irritated, and it can be difficult to look and feel your best in form-fitting clothes or beach wear.
- Diastasis recti (separated abdominal muscles) – This condition can occur as a result of pregnancy or significant weight fluctuations. When the abdominal muscles are stretched or torn, your stomach will protrude. Dr. Hunsicker can tighten and repair these muscles to firm and flatten your abdominal area.
- Excess fat – A tummy tuck procedure allows Dr. Hunsicker to remove stubborn fat from your abdominal area to slim your waistline.
Combining a Tummy Tuck with Umbilical Hernia Repair
If Dr. Hunsicker finds an umbilical hernia during your exam, she will refer you to a general surgeon to determine if it can be repaired during your tummy tuck procedure. If your general surgeon finds that it is safe to combine the procedures, he or she will will be present at your tummy tuck surgery to perform the hernia repair.
The combined procedure begins with the tummy tuck incision, which is made around the navel and extends from hip to hip. The general surgeon will place the herniated tissue or organ behind the abdominal wall to repair the hernia. Dr. Hunsicker will tighten the weak or damaged abdominal muscles. She will also remove excess skin and fat and then place the skin and tissue to create a smoother, firmer abdomen. The final step is to close the incision.
Will Insurance Cover my Hernia Surgery and Tummy Tuck?
Abdominoplasty is generally not covered by insurance. We offer several financing options, including a deferred interest plan, so you can select a payment method that works for you.
Your insurance may cover your hernia repair if it is medically necessary. The general surgeon’s office can assist in determining coverage for this procedure.
Hernia And Tummy Tuck Surgery Recovery Time
There are many reasons a person may choose to have a tummy tuck procedure, or abdominoplasty. Those who may consider having a tummy tuck include:
- women who have loose skin or abdominal sagging after pregnancy
- people who have excess skin after weight loss
- individuals with a protruding abdomen despite losing weight
Regardless of the reason, a person needs to follow all postsurgical instructions to avoid infection or other complications.
In this article, we provide tips for recovery from a tummy tuck. We also examine how long recovery takes and what to expect following a tummy tuck procedure.
How long does recovery take?
Typically, a person can expect to feel themselves again around 8 weeks after surgery.
According to the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS), tummy tucks are an outpatient procedure for most individuals, meaning they can go home the same day.
Recovery time from a tummy tuck procedure will vary, depending on factors such as:
- the type of tummy tuck
- the age of the recipient
- postsurgical care
- general health of the person
People should discuss their recovery timeline with their surgeon who can give an estimate that they will base on the individual’s situation.
Stages of recovery
A person should discuss recovery time before the procedure. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, a person should ask their surgeon:
- how to bathe after the procedure
- when to remove their bandages
- when to return to normal activities
- when to return for follow-up care
- what drugs they must take after the procedure
Asking these questions can help a person prepare and take the right steps for the smoothest recovery possible.
Recovery timeline
Immediately following the procedure, a person can expect to go to a recovery room. A healthcare professional will monitor them and check the incision.
During recovery in the hospital, they will receive instructions on:
- recovery time
- how to care for the incision
- when to expect to resume normal activity
When a person is free to leave the hospital, they will need someone there to take them home. Doctors do not recommend they drive themselves home after surgery.
There may be drainage tubes that need emptying, and the individual will have to record the amount of fluid draining from their wound each day.
At home, a person should make sure they have someone to help them for the first few days, as their mobility will be limited. They may experience tightness around their tummy and only be able to walk hunched over for a week or two.
Initially, they can expect the incision to feel sore. They will likely need to lie in bed at an angle and may also have trouble with:
- standing
- lifting objects
- general movement
Many people take up to a month off work, particularly if their occupation is physically demanding.
After a tummy tuck, an individual may need help caring for young children for several weeks to months. They should also avoid exercise for the first several weeks until a doctor gives them the all-clear.
However, a person can typically return to activities, such as driving, within 1 to 2 weeks and gradually do more everyday tasks as time passes.
Finally, a tummy tuck scar will likely feel sore or tight for several weeks to months following surgery. The visibility of the scar will slowly fade.
Factors affecting recovery time
Recovery time after a tummy tuck can vary. Some common factors that impact this include:
- type of tummy tuck
- age
- postsurgery care
- general health
The types of tummy tuck include:
- Mini tummy tuck. This procedure has the shortest recovery time and minimal scarring.
- Classic or full tummy tuck. The scar will stretch from hip to hip, and recovery will take longer, but a person should be able to hide the scar under their bathing suit.
- Extended tummy tuck. This tummy tuck creates the largest scar. The scar may be visible under bathing suits and takes the longest time to heal.
It can be helpful to take steps to avoid constipation after surgery, as some pain medications can slow down the bowels. Straining to have a bowel movement will cause discomfort.
Tips for recovery
During recovery from a tummy tuck, people need plenty of rest and must follow all of their doctor’s recovery instructions.
They will need to carry out daily maintenance of their incision and drainage tubes. Typically, daily maintenance includes:
- keeping the incision site clean and dry
- changing the bandage daily
- taking any prescribed antibiotics
- applying topical creams at the incision site
A person will likely have a supportive wrap, binder, or compression garment for their abdomen to prevent swelling and reduce discomfort.
Following a tummy tuck, they should avoid smoking and drinking alcohol for at least 3 months. Tobacco and alcohol can negatively affect healing.
Also, they should:
- avoid lifting heavy objects, including small children
- temporarily stop exercising until told otherwise
- take time off from physically demanding work
Side effects of surgery
After surgery, a person may have limited mobility and experience some pain. Typically, the surgeon will prescribe pain relief medication.
The incision will also typically feel tight, causing a pulling sensation on standing or moving.
Finally, a person will find they can no longer do some of their normal activities immediately following the procedure. However, they can return to activities slowly as they start to recover.
When can you resume certain activities?
How soon a person can return to their normal activities will vary.
The ABCS suggest the following guidelines:
- up to 2 to 3 weeks for tasks such as cooking, driving, and shopping
- around 2 to 4 weeks to return to work
However, it is not uncommon to take up to 2 months before a person can return to their normal activities.
Summary
Full recovery from a tummy tuck — also called an abdominoplasty — can take several months. During recovery, a person should follow all postsurgical instructions and advice, including:
- avoiding lifting anything heavy
- keeping the incision clean
- taking time to return to normal activities
They should talk to their surgeon before the procedure about what to expect in their individual case.
Tummy Tuck With Hernia Repair Cost
It seems like every year, the cost of living increases. But unless you change jobs or get lucky when landing an employer, wages remain stagnant. At The Institute of Aesthetic Surgery in Celebration, FL, we offer affordable cosmetic procedures, so you don’t have to worry about questions like how much is a tummy tuck cost in 2020.
But just because you don’t have to worry about it doesn’t mean you can’t be curious. We understand that cost is a significant factor when deciding to pursue a procedure and who to choose as your service provider. That’s why, today, we’re talking about how much is a tummy tuck cost in 2020 and several other things you might be wondering.
How Much Is a Tummy Tuck in 2020?
One of the most common questions we get regarding tummy tuck cost is “how much is a tummy tuck cost.” Unfortunately, this is a really hard question to answer because there are so many factors that affect the price. We can’t tell you right now how much your tummy tuck will be. But for the sake of transparency, we can discuss some of the factors to give you a ballpark figure:
The Extent of the Procedure
Sometimes, all a tummy tuck involves is tightening the loose, sagging skin below your navel. But the scope of the procedure can be a lot greater depending on your needs. In fact, this procedure is so customizable that there are three different names for it: a full (traditional), mini, or extended tummy tuck.
A mini tummy tuck only addresses loose skin and excess skin and fat beneath your navel. On average, this procedure costs between four and five thousand dollars. A traditional tummy tuck may cost you between eight and 10 thousand dollars, and an extended tummy tuck can cost you up to $20,000.
The Volume of Fat Removed
When we say the extent of your procedure affects the cost, we’re talking about a few things. First, we’re talking about how many things are being done, such as fat removal, excess skin removal, skin tightening and lifting, muscle tightening, muscle reshaping, or muscle repairing.
The more services you have provided during your procedure, the more expensive your procedure will be. But you don’t just have to consider how many things are being done. You also have to consider how much work is being done. If we have to remove so much fat we are required to perform liposuction, for example, your procedure will cost more.
The Size of the Area
If we’re just tightening loose skin and removing fat from your lower abdomen, your procedure won’t cost very much. However, in the case of a full tummy tuck, the scope of the procedure includes both your lower and upper abdomen. Extended tummy tucks cost the most because they also cover the sides and back.
The Type of Anesthesia Used
The type of anesthesia and the dosage you receive are two other significant factors that will affect how much your procedure costs. The larger your required dosage is, the more expensive it will be. The appropriate dosage for your needs will depend on how long your procedure takes and how much you weigh.
Regarding the type of anesthesia, general anesthesia is usually more expensive than local anesthesia. This takes into account that local anesthesia is usually administered with a sedative so you can sleep through your procedure. General anesthesia may cost you between $425 and $1,800. Local anesthesia may cost you between $500 and $3,500.
The Number of Procedures Performed
Sometimes, lifting and tightening your stomach skin isn’t enough to achieve your ideal aesthetic. In such cases, you may be a good candidate for another procedure, such as liposuction. Liposuction is a fat removal procedure designed to contour an ideal body by removing excess fat via suction.
Lipo is an ideal complement to a tummy tuck because it can remove more excess fat than a tummy tuck can. As a standalone procedure, liposuction usually costs around $3,500. However, if you combine liposuction with your tummy tuck, you can save money on both procedures. Other factors that can change the cost of liposuction include the technique used and the number of areas sculpted.
Where Liposuction Can Be Performed
Liposuction can be performed virtually anywhere. It is usually used to remove excess fat from larger regions of the body, such as the back, upper or lower abdomen, sides, hips, buttocks, or chest. However, due to incredible advances in tools and techniques, it can be used to sculpt smaller parts of the body, such as the thighs, underarms, knees, chin, or neck.
Your Health Insurance
Most people think of a tummy tuck as a cosmetic procedure. In some cases, that’s accurate. But other times, a tummy tuck is considered a medical procedure. In such cases, your health insurance provider may cover the cost of your procedure and all associated fees and medications.
You may pay nothing out of pocket for your procedure. Or, if you’re having your procedure early in the year, you may pay your deductible and a small copay for your prescription antibiotics and analgesics. If your health insurance provider requires you to pay upfront and be reimbursed, apply for a CareCredit credit card so you don’t have to pay anything upfront.
How Is a Tummy Tuck Considered a Medical Procedure?
There are several ways a tummy tuck could be considered a medical procedure. However, it is important to note that it’s usually full tummy tucks that are considered a medical necessity rather than mini tummy tucks. Among the potential medical benefits of a full tummy tuck are facilitated weight loss, improvement of stress urinary incontinence, repair for ventral hernias, and less back pain.
Weight Loss and Weight Maintenance
Your health insurance provider may come to the conclusion that your tummy tuck is medically necessary if you have undergone a bariatric procedure and you have a significant amount of excess skin. This excess skin can get in the way of your legs while you are exercising, cause you pain, and prevent you from losing more weight or maintaining your current weight.
Since bariatric procedures are usually only for individuals who are suffering from a weight-related illness, there’s a good chance your health insurance provider will want you to be as successful as possible on your weight loss journey. If you gain the weight back, you will get sick again and lose your quality of life.
Stress Urinary Incontinence Treatment
Stress urinary incontinence is a type of medical condition common in women who have given vaginal birth. It is caused by a weak pelvic floor and characterized by the leakage of urine when the bladder is “stressed.” Examples of activities that can stress your bladder include coughing, sneezing, running, jumping, and laughing.
During a full tummy tuck, your pelvic region can be restructured to strengthen the pelvic floor and better support your bladder. As a result, you will find that your stress urinary incontinence-related accidents do not reoccur unless you tear your muscles during childbirth in the future or suffer some other sort of trauma to your pelvic region.
Back Pain Treatment
There are types of back pain and many potential causes of back pain. One type of back pain is muscular back pain, and one potential cause of this type of back pain is weak muscles. Your lower back muscles and the muscles supporting your spine may become weak due to chronic poor posture or a traumatic injury, such as a motor vehicle accident.
Unfortunately, it’s hard to maintain proper posture when your back hurts. Weak muscles may or may not start due to poor posture, but poor posture definitely perpetuates the painful cycle. Undergoing a tummy tuck to tighten your loose abdominal muscles may be your only option to ease back pain and improve posture.
Ventral Hernia Correction
Ventral hernias are another condition that often occurs due to childbirth. This condition is characterized by one of your intestines penetrating the wall of your stomach. If you don’t have this corrected during your tummy tuck, you will need to undergo a different medical procedure and pay for anesthesia and all sorts of fees a second time.
How Else Can I Sculpt My Ideal Body?
At The Institute of Aesthetic Surgery, we offer several body contouring procedures and treatments. To discover the perfect combination of aesthetic procedures and treatments, we welcome you to come in for a complimentary consultation. This provides us with an opportunity to examine the physical structure of your body and skin.
You have the opportunity to provide us with pictures of the look you want. Then, we can discuss together what your expectations are. Often, clients who are dissatisfied with the appearance of their abdomen are also concerned about their overall proportions. Some feel their chest is too large. Others feel their hips are disproportionately large.
Breast Reduction
If you are concerned about loose, sagging abdominal skin and breasts that are too large, you may be a good candidate for a tummy tuck and breast reduction. If you are concerned about excess fat in your breasts, we can remove excess fat via excision or liposuction, depending on the volume of fat you want to be removed.
If you are concerned about excess glandular tissue, we will remove that to make your breasts more proportional to your waist and hips. We can also remove excess skin tissue. We also offer male breast reduction to treat gynecomastia. Men who seek a tummy tuck and male breast reduction usually use liposuction to remove excess fat from their sides, too.
Breast Augmentation
Some women find that their breasts will look proportional to their waist and hips after they reduce the size of their abdomen. Others have always been confident about the size of their hips and buttocks and want to augment their breasts along with their tummy tuck to get the proportions they’ve always wanted.
The average cost of breast augmentation is between $3,800 and $12,000, depending on the type of anesthesia used, the technique used, the type of implant used, and how much volume is added to your breasts. Keep in mind that if you are satisfied with the size of one of your breasts but not the other, we can add volume to only one breast.