What does hernia repair at the time of abdominoplasty involve?

Where a small, straightforward umbilical hernia is identified during abdominoplasty planning or surgery, Mr Patel can repair it at the same time as your tummy tuck, closing the defect with sutures, sometimes reinforced with a small piece of mesh. This avoids the need for a separate operation and separate recovery period.

Which hernias can be repaired this way?

This applies to small, straightforward umbilical hernias found incidentally during abdominoplasty planning or surgery. It is not the same as treatment for larger, complex, or incisional hernias — for example, a substantial hernia through a previous caesarean, laparotomy, or prior hernia repair scar. Larger or more complex hernias generally need a formal mesh-based repair and are usually best managed jointly with, or referred to, a general or hernia surgeon.

Am I suitable for combined hernia repair?

This approach may suit you if you have a small, soft bulge at or near the belly button assessed as a straightforward umbilical hernia, are already planning or being assessed for a tummy tuck, and have no signs of a larger or complicated hernia. You will likely need a different pathway if you have a large, painful, or irreducible hernia, an incisional hernia through a previous surgical scar, or a previous hernia repair that has recurred.

What are the main risks?

Common effects include pain, swelling and bruising around the belly button area. Less common risks include seroma, infection, recurrence of the hernia, and mesh-related complications where mesh is used. Rare but serious risks include injury to underlying bowel or other structures, blood clots, and anaesthetic complications. The fuller risk profile of abdominoplasty also applies when this is combined with your tummy tuck.

Hernia Repair at the Time of Abdominoplasty: Mr Nakul Patel Plastic Surgeon

Hernia Repair

During a tummy tuck, the abdominal wall is exposed as part of repairing muscle separation (divarication), which means a small umbilical hernia — a gap at the belly button through which abdominal contents can bulge — is sometimes identified and can be repaired at the same time.

With Abdominoplasty

Usual Setting

Small Umbilical Hernias

Suitable For

General

Anaesthetic

Suture ± Small Mesh

Repair Technique

Hernia Repair at the Time of Abdominoplasty

When a tummy tuck is being performed, the abdominal wall is already exposed as part of the operation. If a small umbilical hernia is identified during planning or surgery, Mr Patel can repair it at the same time — closing the defect with sutures, sometimes reinforced with a small piece of mesh. This avoids the need for a separate operation and a separate recovery period, and is a natural extension of the tummy tuck procedure where appropriate.

It is important to be clear about scope, however. This approach is suitable for small, straightforward umbilical hernias found incidentally during abdominoplasty planning or surgery — it is not the same as treatment for larger, complex, or incisional hernias, such as a substantial hernia through a previous caesarean, laparotomy, or prior hernia repair scar. Larger or more complex hernias generally require a formal mesh-based repair planned according to specialist principles, sometimes with imaging beforehand, and are usually best managed jointly with or referred to a general or hernia surgeon. If a more significant hernia is found or suspected at your consultation, Mr Patel will discuss this openly and arrange the appropriate specialist input rather than treating it as a routine add-on to your tummy tuck.

What Does This Involve?

This avoids the need for a separate operation and separate recovery period.

A hernia occurs when an internal structure — typically fatty tissue or a loop of bowel — pushes through a weakness or gap in the abdominal wall. Small umbilical hernias are common, and are often noticed for the first time during the clinical examination for a tummy tuck, or found during the operation itself once the abdominal wall is exposed.

Where a small, straightforward umbilical hernia is identified, Mr Patel can repair it at the same time as your abdominoplasty, closing the defect with sutures, sometimes reinforced with a small piece of mesh. This avoids the need for a separate operation and separate recovery period.

Phase 1 of 4

Consultation

Key Milestone

First Consultation

The first consultation is an opportunity for Mr Patel to assess whether a small umbilical hernia is present and whether it is appropriate to repair it at the time of your abdominoplasty. This includes a thorough clinical examination of the abdomen, a review of your medical history, previous surgeries, and any symptoms related to the hernia such as discomfort or a noticeable bulge. Mr Patel will explain what the repair involves, whether sutures alone or a small piece of mesh will be used, and what to expect in terms of recovery. If a larger or more complex hernia is identified, Mr Patel will discuss this openly and arrange appropriate specialist input rather than treating it as a routine add-on to your tummy tuck.

Patient consultation for hernia repair at the time of abdominoplasty — Patient Consultation

Cooling-Off Period

Time built in after your first visit to reflect carefully before proceeding.

Following your initial consultation, a cooling-off period is built into Mr Patel's practice. This is an important part of safe, considered decision-making and ensures that every patient proceeds with clarity and confidence in their choice.

Second Consultation

Confirming the plan for both the abdominoplasty and hernia repair, with technique and recovery reviewed in full.

The second consultation allows you to revisit the proposed plan in detail. The surgical approach to both the abdominoplasty and the hernia repair is confirmed, including whether mesh will be used, scar placement, and the expected recovery pathway. There is no pressure to proceed, and further consultations can always be arranged.

Phase 2 of 4

Preparing for Surgery

Medicines & Supplements

Blood thinners and some supplements may need to be paused 1 to 2 weeks before surgery.

It is important to inform Mr Patel of all medications you are taking, including prescribed medicines, over-the-counter treatments, herbal remedies, and supplements. Some medications and supplements can increase bleeding risk and may need to be stopped 1 to 2 weeks before surgery. Any changes should only be made following discussion with Mr Patel and your healthcare team.

Smoking & Nicotine

Stopping all nicotine use at least 4 to 6 weeks beforehand meaningfully lowers the risk of wound problems.

Smoking significantly increases the risk of wound healing complications, infection, and hernia recurrence. This includes all forms of nicotine, including vaping and nicotine replacement products. Mr Patel strongly advises stopping all nicotine use at least 4 to 6 weeks before surgery and continuing to avoid it throughout recovery.

Weight & BMI

A stable weight supports a safer procedure and reduces the risk of hernia recurrence.

A stable weight ideally maintained for several months before surgery supports safer surgery and reduces the risk of hernia recurrence after repair. If your BMI is significantly elevated, Mr Patel will discuss this openly as part of your assessment.

General Preparation

A balanced diet, good hydration, and practical support arranged at home.

Maintaining good general health in the weeks before surgery is important. Eat a balanced diet, stay well hydrated, and ensure adequate rest. Avoid heavy alcohol and intense new exercise routines close to your surgery date. You will be given clear fasting instructions before your operation. Arrange practical support at home for the first week or two after surgery.

Phase 3 of 4

Hospital Journey

Admission

Meeting the nursing team, reconfirming consent with Mr Patel, and final surgical markings.

On arrival at the hospital, you will be welcomed by the nursing team and shown to your room. Mr Patel will visit you to reconfirm your consent, answer any final questions, and carefully perform surgical markings while you are standing. You will also meet your anaesthetist, who will review your medical history and discuss the anaesthetic plan.

Going to Theatre

Performed under general anaesthetic, so you will be asleep and comfortable throughout.

When it is time for your procedure, you will be escorted to the operating theatre. Combined hernia repair and abdominoplasty is performed under general anaesthetic, meaning you will be asleep and comfortable throughout.

Key Milestone

The Operation

Once you are asleep, the procedure is carried out in a carefully planned sequence. The abdominoplasty is performed first, exposing the abdominal wall. Where a small umbilical hernia is confirmed, the defect is repaired at this stage — the herniated contents are gently returned to the abdominal cavity, and the gap in the abdominal wall is closed with sutures, sometimes reinforced with a small piece of mesh where appropriate. The abdominoplasty is then completed, including muscle repair where needed, removal of excess skin, repositioning of the belly button, and careful wound closure in layers.

Recovery & Discharge

Closely monitored while you wake, then home after one night with clear aftercare instructions.

After the operation, you will wake in the recovery area and be closely monitored until comfortable. You will then return to the ward, where the nursing team will look after you. Before discharge, Mr Patel will review you to ensure recovery is progressing as expected. You will leave with appropriate medication, clear written aftercare instructions, and direct contact details for the team. Most patients are discharged after one night in hospital.

Phase 4 of 4

Recovery After Combined Hernia Repair and Abdominoplasty

Recovery following this combined procedure is the same as for abdominoplasty alone. Mr Patel will guide you closely through each stage with a personalised aftercare plan.

Key Milestone

Week 1: Initial Recovery

The focus in the first week is on rest, wound care, and gentle mobilisation. You will need to walk slightly bent at the hips initially to reduce tension on the incision.
Avoid any straining, lifting, or activities that increase abdominal pressure, as this is particularly important in the early weeks following hernia repair.
Getting up and walking gently every couple of hours helps reduce the risk of blood clots.
Your first wound check with Mr Patel's team takes place around 7 to 10 days after surgery.
Swelling, tightness, and some limitation in movement around both the abdomen and the belly button area are all normal at this stage.

Weeks 2 to 3: Regaining Movement

Light daily activities gradually resume as comfort improves.

Light daily activities gradually resume and you will be able to stand more upright as comfort allows.
Twisting, stretching, heavy lifting, and sudden movements should still be avoided to protect the hernia repair and support wound healing.
Many patients feel ready to return to desk-based work during this period.
Early scar care is introduced at this stage, typically Micropore tape over the incision in the first few weeks.

6 Weeks: Return to Normal Activities

Most patients return to normal day-to-day activities and exercise can be gradually reintroduced.

Most patients are able to return to normal day-to-day activities.
Exercise can be gradually reintroduced, though heavy lifting and high-impact abdominal exercise should still be limited to protect the hernia repair.
The compression garment is typically worn for around six weeks in total.

3 to 6 Months: Settling Phase

Swelling continues to resolve and the abdominal contour becomes more defined.

The majority of swelling settles and the abdominal contour becomes more defined. The hernia repair site also continues to consolidate during this period. Scars may still appear red or slightly firm but continue to improve with time and appropriate scar care.

Key Milestone

12 to 18 Months: Final Outcome

Scars soften, flatten, and fade, although they remain permanent.
The hernia repair is fully consolidated and the abdominal contour stabilises.
The result is long-lasting, though future significant weight change or pregnancy can affect the abdominal wall over time.

Hernia Repair