Changes to your body can happen for a variety of reasons, from significant weight fluctuations to the natural aging process. Pregnancy, in particular, can stretch the abdominal muscles and leave loose skin that impacts both your appearance and your self-esteem. For some patients, a hernia may also form, causing discomfort and further altering the shape of the midsection.
Changes to your body can happen for a variety of reasons, from significant weight fluctuations to the natural aging process. Pregnancy, in particular, can stretch the abdominal muscles and leave loose skin that impacts both your appearance and your self-esteem. For some patients, a hernia may also form, causing discomfort and further altering the shape of the midsection.
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Cangello offers tummy tuck surgery with hernia repair in NYC for patients seeking a smoother, firmer abdominal contour. By partnering with Dr. Shane Dawson, an expert in laparoscopic and open hernia repair, Dr. Cangello helps patients address cosmetic and functional concerns in a single procedure.
This comprehensive approach to improving the abdominal area allows patients to restore their midsection’s strength and appearance while reducing discomfort caused by a hernia. Whether you’ve experienced diastasis recti after pregnancy or have struggled with loose skin and abdominal wall weakness after weight loss, Dr. Cangello can create a personalized treatment plan to meet your needs.
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a body contouring surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat while repairing weakened or separated abdominal muscles. This helps create a firmer, more toned midsection.
Dr. Cangello partners with Dr. Shane Dawson, a board-certified general surgeon with extensive experience in hernia repair surgery, medically referred to as diastasis recti repair in hernia repair surgery, for abdominal wall reconstruction and cosmetic contouring. The reconstructive process repairs abdominal wall hernias as well as diastasis recti.
Combining these procedures allows patients to achieve aesthetic and medical benefits in one surgery, improving their abdominal contour while resolving the hernia and preventing future complications. Because abdominal wall reconstruction is a medical procedure in some instances, those with out-of-network insurance benefits may have a portion of the costs of their surgery covered.
Dr. David Cangello is known throughout New York City and beyond for his artistic approach to plastic surgery and dedication to achieving natural-looking results. Dr. Cangello combines surgical skills with an aesthetic eye to deliver outstanding outcomes for body contouring procedures like abdominoplasty.
Dr. Shane Dawson, MD, FACS, is a highly respected general surgeon with special expertise in hernia repair. Based on New York’s Upper East Side, Dr. Dawson has helped hundreds of patients improve their health and quality of life through advanced surgical techniques.
Combining a tummy tuck with hernia repair offers both cosmetic and functional advantages, including:
A flatter, more contoured midsection
Strengthened abdominal muscles and improved core stability
Removal of excess skin and stretch marks
Relief from discomfort caused by a hernia
Reduced recovery time and lower overall surgical risk by addressing both cosmetic and medical concerns in a single procedure instead of two separate surgeries4
Reduced risk of hernia recurrence5
You may be an ideal candidate for a tummy tuck with hernia repair if you:
Tummy tuck surgery, also known as abdominoplasty, can be customized to meet each patient’s unique needs. Depending on the amount of excess skin and fat to be removed and the areas requiring contouring, Dr. Cangello will choose the best type of tummy tuck for you. Each type of procedure involves different incision patterns to achieve optimal results. Tummy tuck techniques include:
A standard tummy tuck is ideal for patients with loose skin and excess fat across both the upper and lower abdomen. This procedure also repairs diastasis recti, or separation of the abdominal muscles, which is common after pregnancy or weight fluctuations. This procedure can also be combined with liposuction of the flanks, back, etc., to create a narrow waistline.
Incision: The procedure requires a horizontal incision made across the lower abdomen, typically just above the pubic area. The incision is placed low enough to be concealed by most underwear and swimwear styles. During surgery, Dr. Cangello also creates a small incision around the belly button to reposition it after the excess skin is removed.
A mini tummy tuck is a less invasive option for patients with mild to moderate skin laxity and fat limited to the lower abdomen, below the belly button. It’s an ideal choice for individuals who have a small amount of excess skin after weight loss or pregnancy but don’t require a full abdominoplasty.
Incision: This procedure may involve a shorter horizontal incision made below the belly button. The incision, therefore, may be more discreet than the one used in a standard tummy tuck, and the belly button typically doesn’t need to be repositioned.
An extended tummy tuck is designed for patients who have significant excess skin around the abdomen, flanks, and hips. It’s especially beneficial for those who have experienced massive weight loss and need more extensive contouring.
Incision: This procedure uses a long horizontal incision that stretches across the lower abdomen and extends around the sides of the body, allowing the surgeon to address loose skin on the love handles or hip area for a more comprehensive contouring result.
A fleur-de-lys tummy tuck is recommended for patients with extensive skin laxity in both the vertical and horizontal planes. It is most commonly performed on individuals who have lost a significant amount of weight, leaving them with a large amount of loose skin in the upper and lower abdomen.
Incision: This technique involves two incisions: a horizontal incision across the lower abdomen and a vertical incision from the belly button down to the pubic area. This allows the surgeon to remove skin from both directions, resulting in a more dramatic improvement in abdominal contour.
Choosing the right type of tummy tuck depends on your anatomy, goals, and medical history. Dr. Cangello will work closely with you to create a personalized treatment plan that delivers a firmer, more toned midsection while minimizing scarring and ensuring natural-looking results.
Before surgery, Dr. Cangello and Dr. Dawson will perform a thorough physical examination and take your medical history to evaluate whether a combined tummy tuck and hernia repair is the right choice for you. You’ll receive detailed pre-operative instructions, including guidelines on medications, nutrition, and lifestyle changes to ensure a smooth recovery.
The tummy tuck procedure with hernia repair is performed under general anesthesia. Dr. Dawson will first perform the hernia repair, using advanced techniques to reinforce the abdominal wall and repair any weaknesses. Sutures and often a mesh are carefully placed to secure the repaired tissues and strengthen the abdominal structure, reducing the risk of future hernia recurrence.
Following the hernia repair, Dr. Cangello will perform the tummy tuck, removing excess abdominal skin and fat, tightening the rectus abdominis muscles, and creating a more toned abdominal contour. Liposuction may also be used to enhance the results further.
Most patients experience a recovery period of about four to six weeks. You’ll need to wear a compression garment to minimize swelling and support your abdominal muscles as they heal. Dr. Cangello and Dr. Dawson will provide detailed aftercare instructions to promote a safe and successful recovery.
While some swelling will persist for a few months, patients can expect a flatter, more contoured midsection once the healing process is complete. The combination of tummy tuck and hernia repair also helps reduce lower back pain and improve core strength.6
Patients with out-of-network insurance benefits may be eligible to have a portion of their hernia repair fees covered by insurance; however, the tummy tuck portion of the procedure is typically considered cosmetic and may not be covered. However, patients often save when combining procedures since anesthesia and OR fees are covered by insurance. Our team can assist you in understanding your insurance benefits and any out-of-pocket costs.
Most patients can return to light activities after about two weeks, but you should avoid strenuous activities for at least four to six weeks. Full recovery can take several months, but the results are long-lasting.
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks involved, including but not limited to infection, bleeding, and seroma. During your consultation, you’ll receive detailed information on the risks associated with your specific procedures. However, choosing experienced surgeons like Dr. Cangello and Dr. Dawson, can minimize these risks and achieve safe, effective results.
Yes, many patients choose to combine a tummy tuck with other cosmetic procedures to achieve more comprehensive body contouring results. A Mommy Makeover is a popular option that typically includes a tummy tuck along with a breast lift and/or breast augmentation to restore the body after pregnancy. Combining procedures can help patients achieve a more balanced, youthful appearance with one recovery period.
If you’re looking to improve the contour of your midsection with a tummy tuck and hernia repair, Dr. David Cangello can help. Serving patients in NYC, New York, and areas surrounding Manhattan, Dr. Cangello and Dr. Dawson provide comprehensive care to achieve both aesthetic and medical goals. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
1 Mayo Clinic. Tummy Tuck. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/tummy-tuck/about/pac-20384892. Accessed January 10, 2025.
2 Cleveland Clinic. Hernia. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15757-hernia. Accessed January 24, 2025.
3 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. What is diastasis recti? And how can a tummy tuck help? https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/what-is-diastasis-recti-and-how-can-a-tummy-tuck-help. Accessed January 10, 2025. .
4 JPRAS Open. Incisional abdominal hernia repair with concomitant abdominoplasty: Maintaining umbilical viability. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7061569/. Accessed January 10, 2025.
5 Baylor College of Medicine. Hernia recurrence: Why does it happen and how to prevent it. https://blogs.bcm.edu/2023/06/21/hernia-recurrence-why-does-it-happen-and-how-to-prevent-it/#. Accessed January 10, 2025.
6 Aesthetic Surgery Journal. Improvement in Back Pain Following Abdominoplasty: Results of a 10-Year, Single-Surgeon Series. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7676454/. Accessed January 10, 2025.