Massive weight gain and pregnancy can dramatically alter the appearance of your body. You may find yourself depressed at the state of your physical appearance. Often times, a previously unknown defect known as an umbilical hernia can become visible after a major transformation to the abdomen. It develops when tissue or body organs poke out through a weak area of the abdominal wall, creating an unsightly bump, which can sometimes cause pain. It usually occurs and can be repaired after birth, but can remain undetected for many years.
One method of addressing an umbilical hernia is a tummy tuck, a cosmetic surgery procedure that can eliminate stretch marks, excessive skin, and tighten the abdominal muscles. A tummy tuck helps to sculpt your abdomen, flattening and smoothing out any lumps and saggy skin that diet and exercise alone can’t handle.
During the procedure, an incision is made right above the pubic area or the bikini line, so it will be easily concealed. It will extend outwards to both hip bones. Be forewarned that the length and degree of scarring is usually quite extensive. Then, excess skin is cut away and the underlying muscles are tightened. The skin that is left will be re- draped for maximum aesthetic appeal.
If you have an umbilical hernia, it can effectively be repaired during the tummy tuck procedure. It is a good idea to lose as much weight as possible before undergoing the surgery. Not only will this help with the success of the repair, but it will also give better aesthetic results. Too much weight will put pressure on the hernia repair. There are different methods of addressing the issue. Some plastic surgeons choose to overlay the fatty muscle on top of the area to cover the tissue or organ. Others use special patches to create less tension on the muscle surrounding it.
Umbilical hernias are not only painful, but also it can create permanent damage if not treated. Organs or tissue can get forced through the opening, which will not only increase the intensity of pain, but will require urgent, emergency surgery.
Recovery from a tummy tuck and umbilical hernia repair can be a long, painful process. The cosmetic surgery is extensive and will require a significant amount of downtime. Expect to feel very sore and be immobile for three to four weeks, possibly longer. Sometimes an overnight hospital stay is required to monitor initial progress and to control the pain. The stronger you are before surgery, the speedier your recovery will be. If you had the repair in addition to a tummy tuck, you may want to allow yourself more time to recover. Excessive movement and strain can aggravate the hernia repair.
A tummy tuck with a hernia repair is a major procedure that should not be taken lightly. There are many risks involved. You should research and consider all options carefully before committing to any plastic surgery procedure. Be sure that the surgeon you choose is not only skilled with the aesthetics of the process, but also he should know the technical aspects of repairing a hernia.