Spot the unusual bulge right at your belly button? That's probably an umbilical hernia, where part of your intestine or abdominal lining pushes through the abdominal wall muscle. Join the rising trend in healthcare as we explore the fusion of umbilical hernia repair with a tummy tuck for a complete transformation.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the number of tummy tuck procedures has skyrocketed by more than 70% in the last 15 years. From a mere 62,713 procedures performed in 2000, they have grown to an astounding 2,42,939 procedures in 2021.
A combination of both these two procedures is increasingly gaining popularity. Because umbilical hernia, exhibits high morbidity and mortality.
Hernia affects 15-20% of the general population. More than 1 million cases of hernia have been reported in India itself and above 2.3 million cases worldwide. Over 90% of the cases are females who are obese and have had multiple pregnancies.
Mostly congenital, it may develop in adulthood due to multiple pregnancies, obesity, or other medical conditions like nephrosis, peritoneal dialysis or congestive cardiac failure. It occurs when a part of the intestine pokes through an opening in the abdominal wall near the belly button. In adults, umbilical hernias occur due to a weak abdominal wall, which can be tightened in a tummy tuck procedure.
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What is umbilical hernia repair with mini tummy tuck?
An umbilical hernia repair with a mini tummy tuck is a combination surgical procedure that involves addressing both an umbilical hernia and cosmetic concerns in the abdominal area.
The weak abdominal wall causing umbilical hernia will be tightened in the mini tummy tuck procedure. The procedure starts with a tummy tuck incision made around the navel extending from hip to hip. The herniated tissue is placed behind the abdominal wall to repair it. Tightening of the weak abdominal muscles, followed by removal of excess skin and fat, is carried out. Skin is then placed to create a firm abdomen, finishing off by closing the incision.
If you have an umbilical hernia and extra skin and fat in your abdomen, you can choose to have a combination surgery. This procedure will allow you to address and treat both conditions at the same time. Apart from strengthening and tightening the stomach, a tummy tuck can correct an umbilical hernia, and help achieve an elegant mid-section and body contours.
Let's see if it is possible to get umbilical hernia repair with mini tummy tuck.
Is umbilical hernia repair with mini tummy tuck possible?
This widely used procedure combines both the clinical aspect of hernia repair with the goal of achieving an aesthetic mid-section. The effectiveness of this procedure depends on several factors, including the hernia’s size, location and severity, along with the existence of excess skin and fat.
The outcomes you get depend on surgical expertise, healing, response and post-operative care. In many cases, a hernia repair procedure includes the initial stage of a tummy tuck, where the abdominal muscles are tightened, a step frequently performed in conjunction with a Tummy Tuck.
Why is umbilical hernia repair with a mini tummy tuck done?
It is done because of the following reasons:
1. Cost and time-effective: A mini tummy tuck focuses on the lower abdomen for patients with localized excess skin and mild muscle laxity. The surgeon can simultaneously address both the medical problem of hernia and the cosmetic issues in a single operation. Thus reducing the need for separate surgeries, and cutting on overall medical cost and recovery time.
2. Associated medical conditions: Pregnancy, excessive weight gain or postpartum may cause the separation of the abdominal wall (Diastasis recti). This can cause chronic low back pain, posture and balance problems. Reattaching the abdominal muscles in such cases helps treat hernia and also prevents recurrence.
Wondering if umbilical hernia repair with mini tummy tuck is possible? Let's find out.
Is umbilical hernia repair with mini tummy tuck safe?
Although this is rated as a safe and effective procedure, safety further depends on the patient's overall health, surgical expertise and patients medical evaluation. Some safety factors to be considered are:
- Surgical expertise
- medical history
- overall health
- potential risks and complications.
How does umbilical hernia repair with mini tummy tuck work?
Two surgeries are combined in the repair of umbilical hernia and mini tummy tuck, (partial abdominoplasty). After anesthesia and incision, the hernia is reduced, and the muscles are repaired. Simultaneously, excess skin and underlying fat removal are carried out from the lower abdomen, followed by muscle tightening, for a flatter midsection. Minimum surgical trauma during incision ensures no excess scarring or complications.
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Let's find out the benefits and risks of umbilical hernia repair with mini tummy tuck.
Benefits/Risks of umbilical hernia repair with mini tummy tuck
| Benefits | Risks |
| Assurance of low risk surgery | Increased surgery time |
| Decreased side effects | Infection |
| Reduces the need for separate surgeries and recovery period | May leads to the recurrence of hernia |
| Can lower the rate of recurrence of hernia | Excessive bleeding during surgery or later |
| Ideal for obese patients or with multiple hernias and a risk of recurrent hernias | Nerve damage and skin sensitivity issues around the surgical site |
| Allows for open hernia repair when discovered at the time of tummy tuck surgery. | Delayed wound healing |
| No additional scars | Risk of developing blood clots |
| More secure | Risk of impaired blood supply to umbilical stalk |
When is umbilical hernia repair with a mini tummy tuck recommended?
Eligibility criteria for undergoing mini tummy tuck with umbilical hernia repair will vary based on individual medical and cosmetic considerations. This procedure is recommended specifically for umbilical hernia patients with cosmetic goals of body contouring. Also advised for hernia patients with loose and sagging skin, and minor muscle separation, due to pregnancy or weight loss. It's crucial to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon who can assess your specific situation and provide personalized recommendations.
However, here are some general factors that may determine eligibility:
- The size, location, pain/discomfort, and potential complications of a hernia are important factors to consider.
- Your physical health plays a crucial role in determining the success of the surgery and your recovery thereafter.
- It is essential to maintain a stable weight and be mindful of your BMI, as higher numbers can increase the risk of surgical complications.
- Your medical history should be thoroughly evaluated before proceeding with any surgical intervention.
How to prepare for umbilical hernia repair with mini tummy tuck?
Consultation and evaluation by a surgeon, who is qualified in handling both procedures. Apart from that some preoperative instructions should be followed, like:
- Quit smoking
- Follow a balanced diet and lifestyle.
- Mental relaxation
Before discussing post-recovery factors, let's check the details of the procedure at a glance below.
Procedure at a glance | |
| Umbilical hernia procedure and mini tummy tuck | Surgical procedure |
| Duration | Approximately 2 to 4 hours |
| Pre-operative assessment | Medical history, physical examination |
| Anaesthesia | General/ Local |
| Hospital stay | After a successful surgery and if the patient is in good health, they can return home on the same day. However, if any complications arise, overnight observation becomes necessary. Prolonged stays might be required for patients with additional risk factors such as complications, medical history, or underlying health conditions. |
| Recovery and aftercare | Monitored till the anesthetic wears off. Post-operative instructions need to be followed. |
| Pain management | Post-operative pain is moderate in nature in the first week and can be controlled with medications. |
Regular follow-up is required | |
Let's find out what you can expect after umbilical hernia repair with mini tummy tuck.
What to expect after umbilical hernia repair with mini tummy tuck?
Post-operative recovery:
- Nausea and grogginess due to anesthesia wears off in 1-2 days
- Moderate pain and discomfort after surgery can be handled by painkillers.
- Swelling and bruising at the surgical site gradually improve, within the initial few weeks.
- Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities in the initial weeks
- Swelling can be decreased by wearing a compression garment.
- Sutures removed in 1–2 weeks
- 6-8 weeks are required for total recovery and scar healing.
Side effects
- Infections may show redness, swelling or pus.
- Continuous bleeding needs to be reported.
- Recovery can be slowed down by improper wound healing.
- Sensitivity changes and numbness observed may gradually improve.
- Limited mobilization could cause blood clots in the legs.
Post-operative Guidelines
- Prescribed medications like antibiotics and painkillers to be taken
- Keep the site dry
- Wearing a compression garment would reduce swelling
- Avoid strenuous activities initially
- Healthy diet and mobilization with follow-up appointments to be done
Results
- Right after the surgery, you'll notice a visibly flatter abdomen.
- Swelling and bruising decrease within 2–4 weeks, and
- By 6–8 weeks, swelling significantly subsides.
- At the end of the 6 months, the swelling fully clears, revealing enhanced body contour. Scars will fade within a year.
Success Rates and survival rates of umbilical hernia repair with mini tummy tuck
This procedure is safe and effective, particularly due to the hernia's permanent repair, resulting in low recurrence rates.
Survival rates are not a concern since it's not a life-threatening surgery. Although complications are rare, infection risk at the surgical site and slow wound healing might occur. Scarring and potential cosmetic issues are possible.
Relapse rates of umbilical hernia repair with mini tummy tuck
Relapse/recurrence of umbilical hernias with a tummy tuck are low as compared to large hernias. For small umbilical hernias, the relapse rate is often less than 5%.
Factors affecting relapse include obesity, smoking, poor wound healing, and certain medical conditions.
Cost of umbilical hernia repair with mini tummy tuck
The cost of umbilical hernia repair with a mini tummy tuck varies depending on factors such as location, surgeon's expertise, facility fees, anesthesia, procedure complexity, and post-operative expenses. However, the average cost of hernia repair with abdominoplasty in India can range from Rs. 1,00,000 to Rs. 2,60,000. It's crucial to consult with your healthcare provider for a personalized cost estimate and inquire about financing options if needed.
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References:
https://cdn.theaestheticsociety.org/media/statistics/2021-TheAestheticSocietyStatistics.pdf
