Hernia Repair, Tummy Tuck & Liposuction

It is not uncommon for an abdominal surgery to include a hernia repair, for instance a hernia of the belly button that often occurs after pregnancy.

Hernia, Liposuction & Tummy Tucks Are Often Performed in Conjunction

A full tummy tuck involves tightening the upper and lower abdominal muscles as well as stretching the abdominal skin downward to remove excess fat and tissue.
This is different than liposuction which removes excess fat from the hip area.

Hernia repair can normally be accomplished through a simple operation.

Liposuction is often performed in conjunction with a tummy tuck to achieve a more comfortable result, and it is not uncommon for an abdominal surgery to include a hernia repair, for instance a hernia of the belly button that often occurs after pregnancy.

Hernia Repair Is Usually Simple

Hernia repair can normally be accomplished through a simple operation. (Occasionally a patch may be required to adequately seal the tear.) If hernia repair is part of a plastic surgery procedure, it is often performed along with abdominoplasty to remove excess skin.

People who are seriously obese are prone to develop hernias. After weight loss, the two procedures are commonly combined. In cases of very large hernias, however, or instances when the surrounding tissue is too thin, a tummy tuck may not be possible and the hernia will be addressed separately.

It should be noted that people who have a known hernia and who are interested in liposuction will need to have the hernia repaired first and complete their recovery successfully before moving forward with the liposuction treatment.

The common areas where hernias occur are in the groin (inguinal), as well as belly button (umbilical) and the site of a previous operation.

How Does a Hernia Develop?

A hernia forms when the abdominal muscle are weakened causing a bulge or tear. This could be compared to an inner tube pushing through the damaged surface of a tire. In the human body, a hernia results from the inner lining of the abdomen pushing through a weakened area of the abdominal wall and forming a balloon-like sac.

Hernias Causing Severe Pain

A hernia can cause severe pain, especially if a loop of intestine is pushed into the sac. This can create dangerous problems that require emergency surgery. Not all hernias are caused by physical exertion or injury, however. Some people are born with a hernia and in other cases, the condition develops slowly over time.

Other instances when a hernia can be painful include lifting heavy objects, while coughing, when straining during urination or bowel movements, or after prolonged periods of standing or sitting. The intensity of the pain ranges from sharp and immediate stabbing to a dull ache that worsens over the course of a day.

Liposuction is often performed in conjunction with a tummy tuck to achieve a more comfortable result, and it is not uncommon for an abdominal surgery to include a hernia repair.

Continuous pain, redness and tenderness are signs that the hernia may be entrapped or strangulated. These symptoms are cause for concern and require immediate medical attention.

Schedule a Consultation with a Board Certified Professional

If you have any questions about hernia repair or abdominal surgery as a tummy tuck or a liposuction procedure or if you would like to schedule a free consultation with a surgeon in your area, please fill in the form on the right and we will contact you shortly!