Question:
Is having a hernia repair at same time as a Panniculectomy the same as Abdominalplast

Ok, I'm sure this has been asked before, I just can't find the exact question or answers. Here goes, I have been given a surgery date, but not a definate approval from Ins as yet, but felling positive about it. I am scheduled to have an incisional hernia repair above the belly button and PS applied fro a panni. Question is: with the hernia being done at same time is this going to pretty much be the same as abdominalplasty with the tightening of any stomach muscles. I have a large pannus but even larger upper stomach due to the protruding hernia. I don't want to get the panni done if the top half is still left hanging. Talk about a dunlap! Anyone had this done? Thanx for any help and advice. Patricia 9-30-03 314/190/182 past goal!!    — Patricia B. (posted on June 2, 2004)

June 2, 2004
No there are not the same thing. The hernia will be repaired. You need to find out if your PS is going to do an Panni or an Abdominosplasy. They are different. the Panni would take care of the lower part ONLY. An abdominosplasy would do the top and bottom BUT you can be approved for that and still NOT include the muscles. I had an Abdominosoplasy approved BUT not the muscles; which I could or could not pay extra for. Due to my age I desided NOT to have the muscles tighten but the tummy is still flat. IF your concerned with your upper part of your tummy talk with your PS to submit for an Abominosplasty and nOT just a pani.
   — star .

June 2, 2004
Thanx for your input. I just spoke to both surgeons offices. The hernia surgeons scheduling nurse was very very rude. Ins rep said she was to her also. Anyway, she bluntly said the Dr will cut you open "stuff" your intestines back in and sew you up, vary rarely he uses mesh, and that is all he will do. Well allrighty then. So spoke with PS office and will see if surgeon feels he can do abdominalplasty and maybe even hernia repair himself, will just have to resubmit new codes and documents to Ins. At least we have a little time since surgery isn't til July 21. And thanx for all input. Patricia
   — Patricia B.

June 2, 2004
I have the same situation. I just won an outside appeal to have a panniculectomy along with a previously approved hernia repair. At first I was upset that I didn't get the abdominoplasty approved, but then I spoke to my PS. He told me not to worry, that when he repaired the hernia he would have to work on the muscles anyway, and would do the abdominoplasty. I don't know if all surgeons should be doing it this way, or the fact that he is family and will go the extra mile for me is the case.
   — Fixnmyself

June 2, 2004
Patricia, I had a huge incisional hernia that my plastic surgeon fixed and I got the results like an abdominoplasty. The only thing is though don't be suprised if you still have some "dunlap" left above your belly button. The muscles were tightened underneath but the skin and fat above my belly button were left over. I thought it was only me but on the yahoo message board a lot of people complain about what is left pooching out.
   — Pamela B.

June 4, 2004
I had 2 incisional hernias repaired and a panniculectomy done at the same time. My PS did not even ask for the abdominoplasty, since the surgeon doing the hernia repairs was using the mesh. He said the results would be the same, with the use of the mesh. Just my experience.
   — Chloe S.