Mommy Makeover in North Carolina. Epigastric Hernia Repair During Tummy Tuck*

Epigastric hernia occurs when there is a weakness in the upper abdominal wall through the linea alba (Latin meaning white line). This fibrous structure runs down the middle of the abdomen and is the connective tissue that encases the rectus abdominal muscles. One can have congenital weakness or more commonly weakness develops after pregnancy or weight gain. When a hernia occurs through this structure, it is usually a small opening in the middle of the upper abdomen and mostly fatty tissue protrudes. If it is small and asymptomatic it may not need treatment. Although not common, it can be encountered during abdominoplasty and often is not noticed in heavier patients. Plastic surgeons with appropriate training should be able to take care of this condition when it is encountered. This 59-year-old woman was very active playing tennis and surfing. She was slender but had loose skin of her abdomen and sagging breasts that she wished to have improved. She also had a bulge in the upper abdomen that was suspicious for epigastric hernia. During the performance of a Mommy makeover by Dr. Lyle, a small opening in the linea alba was discovered and the hernia was repaired after noting a small amount of fat bulging through the small opening. Diastases repair helped to tighten the loose tissue that had developed after earlier pregnancies. Umbilical hernias and other small hernias can be fixed during abdominoplasty provided that your plastic surgeon has the experience.