Introduction
Pregnancy can leave women with hernias because of the breaking down and weakening of the abdominal wall. During pregnancy, the baby exerts increased intra-abdominal pressure that can test the strength and integrity of the abdominal wall.
Such hernias aren’t always painful and are characterized by a lump above or within the belly button. You may not like the way your belly button looks. You may have what we call an “outie” which is really an umbilical hernia. This can be fixed and your belly button will be converted from an “outie” to a “innie.” You might think correction of the condition as unnecessary if it isn’t causing you pain. However, besides dealing with postpartum hernia symptoms, leaving the hernia untreated can mean content might get trapped in it. If that happens, the results could be life-threatening.
However, it isn’t all bad news. Therefore, stop putting all your faith in treating and healing your umbilical hernia and diastasis repair in after pregnancy exercises. You need to look for other options as well. Surgery can help. After all, with a good surgical team in your corner, you can turn things around!
Make the Post-Pregnancy Hernia Surgery Work in your Favor
Luckily, even a post-pregnancy hernia surgery can be made to work in your favor! When undergoing hernia repair, you can also have the hanging lower abdominal skin and fat removed and tucked in. If you require correction of diastasis recti – which is a pure separation of the abdominal muscles – that is possible too. It can be done simultaneously while you are already anesthetized. The combination of the diastasis repair and removal of the excess skin of your lower abdomen is called a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty. Other benefits of combining the two surgeries i.e. abdominoplasty and hernia repair include:
- You save on time and money since a medically necessary procedure is being combined with an elective procedure and both are taken care of for you at the same time.
- The surgery will reduce the chance of repeat hernias.
- Combining the two surgeries would mean you won’t be lengthening your recovery period.
- Since abdominoplasty by itself is considered a cosmetic procedure done for aesthetic reasons, your insurance company will not cover its cost. However, combined with a hernia repair, which is considered medically necessary, you could still end up saving money when your insurance company covers the fees for the anesthesiologist and surgery center.
- You will be able to enjoy the best of both worlds i.e. the benefits associated with a typical abdominoplasty include removal of up to 10 pounds of stomach fat!
- Your “outie” umbilicus/belly button will be converted to a “innie.”
In the hands of an expert surgeon, combined surgery can be pulled off without a hitch. Get in touch with Norman B. Day, M.D., F. A. C. S. at the Day Plastic Surgery today! Alternatively, you can schedule a virtual consultation or schedule an appointment in the Manhattan office at 1035 Park Avenue or in Brooklyn office at 142 Joralemon Street, Brooklyn Heights.
Manhattan Office and AAAASF Certified Surgery Center
Phone: (212) 289-9191
Brooklyn Office
Phone: (718) 246-0130
