Do you have a hernia that has lessened your quality of life?
It may be time to consider Abdominal Wall Reconstruction at LPS.
WHAT is Abdominal Wall Reconstruction?
Abdominal wall reconstruction is a term used to describe the repair of defects in the abdominal wall that may be caused by complex, massive or recurrent hernias. This procedure is done in conjunction with a general surgeon and is performed in a hospital. These tend to be long, complicated procedures and patients undergoing them will need a multi-night hospital stay.
HOW Does Abdominal Wall Reconstruction Work?
Dr. Donald Morris and Dr. Derek Reformat are leading authorities with regard to abdominal wall reconstruction in Boston. These surgeries are typically performed under general anesthesia allowing the procedure to be done safely and effectively. Over the course of two to six hours, your team from LPS will be working with a team of general surgeons to meticulously repair various layers of tissue, fat, and muscle within the abdominal wall.
Each patient needs a specialized surgical plan to treat their specific hernia. With their training in both general and reconstructive surgery, Dr. Morris and Dr. Reformat are well equipped with the knowledge and experience to formulate these plans, in order to minimize the risk of hernia recurrence as much as possible.
Consultations Available Now
Take the first step. Get your questions answered and find out which treatment option is best for you by meeting with one of our knowledgeable medical staff at Longwood Plastic Surgery for an in-person consultation.
Simply fill out the form on this page, and one of our experienced team members will reach out to you promptly to schedule your consultation.
WHO makes a Good Candidate for Abdominal Wall Reconstruction?
If you have a bulge in your abdomen, it might be time to consider a consultation for Abdominal Wall Reconstruction.
No two patients with abdominal wall defects are the same. A bulge in your abdomen can be caused by…
- A recurrent or large hernia
- Separation of the muscles in the abdomen, sometimes caused by a history of weight gain or pregnancy
- Cancer in the abdomen or pelvis
- A history of multiple abdominal surgeries
- Excess or hanging skin of the abdomen/trunk
If you have any of the above, it might be time to consider enlisting the help of the providers at Longwood Plastic Surgery. We repair what the others say cannot be done!
All patients who are undergoing a complex abdominal wall reconstruction will be required to go to pre-op testing to evaluate their fitness for this type of surgery. If you are a smoker, a nicotine test will be performed, and a positive result will cause your surgery to be rescheduled until you have been nicotine-free for six weeks.
What Results Will I See?*
Ideally, after surgery, you will have an improved contour of your abdomen, and symptoms of your hernia will have resolved. You will no longer experience bulging with increased abdominal pressure, changes in your bowel habits, or nausea. Additionally, your risk for intestinal incarceration or strangulation (when your bowel gets stuck in your hernia defect, causing severe abdominal pain).
Check out our photo gallery to see before and after photographs of real patients who underwent abdominal wall reconstruction with the team at Longwood Plastic Surgery!
What is the Recovery Like?*
Recovery from abdominal wall reconstruction is unique to each patient. In most cases, you’ll be required to stay several nights in the hospital, where you’ll be closely monitored. Discharge from the hospital is usually based on the patient’s ability to tolerate a normal diet, have a bowel movement or pass flatus, and walk comfortably. Activity is restricted for at least six weeks after surgery; no heavy lifting or strenuous exercise is allowed during this time. After six weeks, the providers at LPS will determine if the patient is able to return to activity slowly, or if they are a candidate for physical therapy to re-strengthen their abdominal wall.
Take the First Step – Request A Consultation
If you would like to schedule an in-person consultation, please fill out the form on this page or call (617)383-6250 and one of our knowledgeable medical staff members at Longwood Plastic Surgery will reach out to you promptly.
Longwood Plastic Surgery serves Brookline, MA and the greater Boston area.
*Individual Results May Vary
