Question:
Plastic surgeons qualified to fix hernias?
Recently I was diagnosed with a hernia, my bariatric surgeon would like to fix it but I also have issues with excess skin and I don't want to undertake 2 surgeries. Has anyone had a hernia repair completed by their plastic surgeon? — Debra J. (posted on May 7, 2004)
May 7, 2004
As soon as my INC approves it Iwill be having it done I did not want to
have 2 oerations either so thedr that did my WLS will also be taking care
of that also
Take Care Huggs
Beth
— wildbrat
May 7, 2004
I had a hernia mesh repair last January and after the bariatric surgeon
fixed the hernia laproscopily, the plastic surgeon came in and did a
panniculectomy. Two surgeons one 5 hr operation. I still have a lot of
burning pain in the mesh hernia repair. Is this common? My hernia was
really big and the mesh is the size of a legal pad.
— Mylou52
May 7, 2004
Hi. I am boarded in General and Plastic surgery, and someone in your area
may also be. This would be the ideal person to perform the repair. It may
be possible (and is always preferable) to perform the repair WITHOUT
mesh...using your own tissues. This muscle repair is naturally a part of a
tummy tuck, and some plastic surgeons have been trained to use this
technique to also address the hernia. A CT scan is needed before surgery
to document the exact location of the hernia and its size.
— DrL
May 7, 2004
You dont need 'two surgeries' You can have 'two surgeons. I had my WLS
fix my hernia; and then after he was done the plastic surgeon 'took over'
and did my abdominoplasty.
— star .
May 7, 2004
As I type, I am waiting for a decision from an external appeal company to
overturn my PS denial. The PS is the one who found my hernia and that was
approved. We are waiting for the remaining part of the abdominoplasty to
also be approved. I a confident in my PS to also do the hernia repair. I
never knew I had it until the PS discovered it while examining me, and was
confirmed my my PCP, so it can't be all that complicated. I asked my WLS
surgeon if it could be done successfully with the TT and he said yes. If
it was a hernia alone though, w/o the TT I may have gone to my WLS
surgeon. I think I would be comfortable either way. Good luck to you, and
I will be posting the outconme of my appeal. I am expecting to know
something within the next week or two.
— Fixnmyself
May 7, 2004
I had my hernia repaired by my plastic surgeon. It was HUGE and done
WITHOUT mesh, like the good doctor said in his reply. You may have to look
for one who will do it though. The first plastic surgeon I saw
said,"You don't need a plastic surgeon to fix a hernia...come and see
me once it is fixed." I got fantastic results from both the hernia
repair and the lower body lift.
— Pamela B.
May 8, 2004
I had a lot of ps consults and was given three different scenarios. The
first was a doctor certified only in plastic surgery and he said he would
fix the hernia at the time of my abdominoplasty by sewing it up. The second
was a plastic surgeon who wanted to get my wl surgeon to do the hernia
portion then he would to the abdominoplasty and the third was a doctor who
was certified in both general and plastic surgery. He was formerly a
military surgeon. He said from the size he may have to use a mesh, but
would have to make the final decision when he was operating. I chose him
had the abdominoplasty and the hernia repair with mesh. I'm glad I chose
him. From what I've read, mesh insures the hernia does not reappear.
— Lisa N M.
May 8, 2004
Some PS's can do it. I am having a hernia repair and TT in June. My WLS
sometimes will do the hernia repair himself and then move over for the PS
to complete the TT. Just check and see that you have a PS who is certified
to do both. Plus insurance will cover some or all of the TT if you are
having the hernia repair at the same time!!
— emilyfink
May 8, 2004
As I mentioned before, I was approved for a hernia repair, and not the TT.
I am still waitng for the ecternal review to hopefully over turn oxford's
denial. It is not a definite that insurance companies approve TT's if yoiu
have a hernia repair at the same time. I knoe=w several in the same
position as I am in. Good luck!!!
— Fixnmyself
May 9, 2004
I just wanted to correct someone who said that insurance will pay for some
or part of an abdominoplasty if there is insurance. That is not always
true. My doctor thought that also. I had a hernia and my insurance (Fed.
BC/BS) denied me for the abdominoplasty part. I ended up paying out of
pocket. It was cheaper though, because they paid for the hospital fees and
even all the anesthesia. I just paid for the doctor's portion.
— Lisa N M.
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