Question:
Is it possible to develop a hernia from a tummy tuck?

I am 5 months post op from my tummy tuck with no muscle tightening. I have just been getting back on the exercise track after slacking over the last two weeks due to the holidays. Tonight I noticed some pain over my incision area above the pubic area. I notice it when I stand up. There is no bulge. The pain is like a tight pulling. I have never had a hernia, so I am not sure if this what I am feeling or if the muscles are reacting to the exercise. <p> I am going to see my surgeon for my 6 month check up in 5 weeks and I will have him check it out then if it persists. I just wanted some input because I am a little nervous because it is right above the tummy tuck incision line. <p> I have heard of tummy tuck surgeries with hernia repairs, but never a hernia after a tummy tuck. Is this possible or am I just overreacting? Thanks for any input.    — ckreh (posted on January 4, 2005)

January 4, 2005
I think about a month or so ago someone posted a similar feeling on the plastic surgery board here on O H. If I remember correctly she had sat indian style (legs crossed) and had the same type of pain. I think that probably an internal suture had been pulled, and since you just started exercising that may be it. Im not a doctor, but it would be best to call your doc and explain this and see what they think, if pain persists, worsens or you get a fever besure to contact your doc asap. Good luck. Rosemary
   — wizz40

January 4, 2005
The tummy tuck is not a guarantee that you cannot develop a hernia. You can get one at any time. Go back and see your surgeon. He's the expert.
   — SnowWhiteDove459

January 4, 2005
I could be you! I had my Surgery, Tummy tuck, this past August. I also went back to the gym Monday after slacking off for two weeks. I feel the same pulling senssation above incision, no swelling. Hmmm. I think that it is just normal healing, maybe scar tissue. I actually see my surgeon this Thursday to discuss a breast reduction. I'll let you know what he says about the pain.
   — Allison M.

January 4, 2005
This is my understanding from a surgeon: An incisional hernia is from your muscles being cut, like from having any kind of open surgery that involes cutting of the stomach muscles to get into your gut, like WLS, gallbladder, ect... a tummy tuck doesnt involve cutting the muscles to get to your gut,, they have no reason to cut them to get to your gut, but if you had open stomach surgery in the past you could develop a hernia at anytime. With my 3 hernias I had no pain, I noticed a lump when walking or straining. I started working out again this past week, (3 months since triple hernia repair and abdominal plasty) I feel muscles tightening in my tummy that I didnt feel before, good luck to you.
   — Amy Hoffman

January 4, 2005
Kristin, I just had a Hernia repair, and now again I have another hernia 3 1/2 months later almost died when I heard that, but it doesent bother me so Iam not worrying about it now, You will no if you have a Hernia, you will have a buldging and a hard spot. Well good luck. And Happy New Year to you. WLS Surgery August 12th 2003 151-lbs on the Losing side :)
   — blainejrjeni

January 5, 2005
It's possible that nerve endings trying to connect are the cause for the pain. Is it a stinging sensation? I have never had a tummy tuck, but I have had a C-section and other surgery and I have felt the same thing at the incision site. It goes away after so many months. Be sure to check with your Dr. anyway. Call and talk to a nurse at your Surgeon's office. Maybe they can ease your mind.
   — csanchez1111

January 5, 2005
Hi. It really would not be possible unless the muscles were cut in some way. Your paion does sound like the usual scarring and perhaps a nerve being pinched. This usually resolves on it's own. I include a lymphatic massage as part of my postop package, and encourage patients to continue this. It keeps the tissues soft and pliable and helps prevent too much internal scarrnig.
   — DrL

January 8, 2005
Original poster here. Thank you all for your input. The pain seems to be lessoning the more I workout. I have been massaging the area and this is also helping. I am going to see my surgeon in a few weeks and I will speak to him about it then.
   — ckreh