Hernia surgery with tummy tuck Hernia surgery is done to repair a hernia, which is the protrusion of an organ or other structure through an opening in the surrounding tissue. A hernia can occur when part of your body pushes through a weak spot in your abdominal muscles, which are usually connected by tendons. Most hernias occur on the abdomen and groin.
The procedure can be performed using several different surgical approaches. The most common approach involves making small incisions around the belly button, while more complex surgeries may require multiple incisions along the abdomen. The goal of surgery is to repair any tissues damaged by a hernia and close off any areas that have been opened up. If there is extra skin hanging over an opening in the abdominal wall, it will be removed during surgery as well.
Read on to learn more. tummy tuck with hernia repair cost, How Is a Tummy Tuck Considered a Medical Procedure and Hernia And Tummy Tuck Surgery Recovery Time
Hernia Surgery With Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck with hernia repair provides a two-in-one solution for patients who wish to repair a hernia while at the same time removing unwanted loose skin on the tummy from pregnancy or major weight loss. A single surgery can fix both, reducing pain and downtime for the patient.
A hernia develops when there is a tear in the tissue or muscle that normally encases the intestines or fatty abdominal tissue. This causes a lump or bulge in the abdomen or groin, which can be painful. The protruding intestine or fatty tissue is encased in a thin membrane that lines the body cavity. Certain activities can worsen a hernia, such as bending over or lifting something heavy.
Common hernia causes
Different kinds of hernias have different causes. What they all share in common is that it starts with pressure on the organs or intestines. Straining or lifting something heavy are two common activities that can lead to a hernia. While the body can normally withstand internal pressure, some patients have a weakness in the muscle or tissue that causes a break or tear. When this happens, the intestine or underlying fatty tissue gets pushed forward, causing a lump that is often painful.
Hernia symptoms
If you notice a lump in your abdomen or groin, one of your first thoughts might be “Is it a hernia?”. And you may be right. While hernias can be painful, it is possible to have an asymptomatic hernia.
Common hernia signs and symptoms include:
- Bulge or lump on stomach or pubic region
- Tenderness near the lump
- Difficulty lifting heavy objects
- Pain when bending, coughing or straining
- Nausea, vomiting or constipation (severe or infected hernias)
- Minor hernias may have no symptoms
Types of hernias
Hernias of the abdominal wall are common. Common hernia types include:
- Incisional hernia: A weakness in the muscle or tissue may follow after abdominal surgery, resulting in a hernia near the old incision site.
- Umbilical hernia: A weakness where the abdominal layers join near the belly button can cause a tear and lead to a protruding belly button. This is one of the most common hernias that are repaired during tummy tuck surgery.
- Inguinal hernia: This hernia affects the groin and is more common in men. An abdominal weakness near the inguinal canal in the pubic region is the reason for its name.
- Femoral hernia: A lump just above the thigh where it meets the groin is known as a femoral hernia. It commonly occurs in older women.
- Spigelian hernia: A rare type of hernia affecting less than 2% of all patients, the spigelian hernia occurs near the surface abdominal muscles or lateral obliques.
- Epigastric hernia: A lump above the belly button but below the sternum is often an epigastric hernia. This is one of the most common hernia repairs during a tummy tuck.
Are hernias dangerous?
The severity of a hernia can vary. While hernias don’t always require immediate medical attention, it is a good idea to get checked out by your doctor anyway. In some cases, a hernia can cause the organs or tissue to become infected or obstructed. Aside from that, a hernia can be painful and worsen as time passes. If you think you have a hernia, schedule a visit to your doctor as soon as possible. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Many patients want to know, will a hernia go away on its own? Often, hernias do not simply go away.
Hernia treatments include open or laparoscopic surgery. However, if you are interested in getting a tummy tuck to remove loose skin, this provides a good opportunity to repair the hernia since abdominoplasty gives easy access to common hernia sites. That means you can fix two problems at once in a single surgery.
Tummy tuck with hernia repair
It’s not unusual for tummy tuck patients to present with a hernia. Women and men who want cosmetic surgery to get rid of loose skin on the tummy often do so because of a recent pregnancy or major weight loss (i.e. bariatric surgery). Both pregnancy and obesity weaken the abdominal muscles, which may lead to a hernia.
A tummy tuck with hernia repair gives patients a two-in-one solution. Abdominoplasty provides easy access to the abdominal cavity, making hernia repair possible. Click here to learn more about how abdominoplasty surgery exposes the abdominal wall.
The only hernias that would be difficult to repair during a tummy tuck are hernias that are very high in the abdomen, such as an incisional hernia from open gallbladder repair, for example. The recommended treatment for incisional hernias is mesh placement, however this can be tricky as part of a tummy tuck.
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Hernia treatments
There are two methods used in hernia repair surgery.
Stitching hernias
It is possible to stitch hernias closed. However, in many cases this creates tension that can result in hernia recurrence. Unfortunately, hernia stitches have a high hernia recurrence rate compared to using mesh in many instances.
But hernia stitches should not be ruled out. In fact, they are very useful for repairing epigastric hernias and other ventral hernias during a tummy tuck. That is because during a tummy tuck, the muscles are plicated (stitched), thereby reducing tension that would normally result in hernia stitch failure. So, for epigastric and certain ventral hernia repairs as part of a tummy tuck, stitches may be all that are needed to treat the patient successfully.
Hernia mesh repair
The second method is mesh hernia repair. This is often the preferred method to treat hernias. The principle is that the mesh provides strength and reduces tension on the wound, preventing hernia recurrence. Mesh repair is almost always better for treating incisional hernias in particular.
Using mesh offers a versatile solution to hernia repair. There are absorbable and non-absorbable meshes that come in many different brands and mesh shapes. A mesh can be placed atop, inside or under a hernia, depending on the surgeon’s approach.
As you can see, both stitches and mesh can be used to treat hernias performed during a tummy tuck.
Special considerations in hernia repair
A special consideration for hernia repair is the umbilicus. When performing a tummy tuck, it is important to preserve the blood supply of the umbilicus. Normally, umbilical hernia repair is done by detaching the umbilicus. However, in tummy tuck surgery, the umbilicus should be preserved. This is accomplished by placing mesh underneath the umbilicus through an incision away from the umbilicus itself.
Tummy tuck with hernia repair gives relief in 1 surgery
Getting a hernia repaired as part of a tummy tuck is a great way to solve two issues at once and get a great outcome. Not only will patients enjoy a slim, attractive physique after major weight loss or pregnancy, but they will also improve their health by removing the hernia once and for all. All it takes is one surgery. That means less downtime, pain, expense and time off work — which many patients appreciate.
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.
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.