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Can Plastic Surgeon Do Diastasis Recti Repair with a Hernia in One Surgery?

I had three children and have a Diastasis Recti along with umbilical hernia. I was told I needed to have a surgeon and plastic surgeon work on my belly. Is it possible for one surgeon do it all?

I had one consult by a plastic surgeon that told me my belly button is completely detached (photo) - i would need to have one created. I am really confused on what is considered medically necessary, i don't want to look like an alien after they fix my hernia. What are my options here?

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16 Doctor Answers | Asked by bellyblob in Boston

Doctor Answers (16)
Community Comments (1)

An umbilical hernia can be fixed during tummy tuck surgery

Umbilical hernia is a relatively common problem associated with the stretching of the belly wall that can occur with pregnancy. If it is an uncomplicated hernia, it can be fixed at the same time as the rectus diastasis repair, if your plastic surgeon is comfortable doing this. I am fully trained in general surgery in addition to plastic surgery and so do this procedure when indicated. I am not sure that I understand what a "detached" belly button is, but reconstructing a pretty... more

Umbilical hernia repair and TT

I would recommenda plastic surgeon who is boarded in both surgery and plastic surgery. An umbilical hernia repair is reconstructive and rectus diastasis repair is cosmetic. What you are essentially saying is that you want to have a tummy tuck and umbilical hernia repair if I understand you correctly. If so, remember that umbilical complications are much higher in this setting and you may lose your umbilicus.

Abdominal wall reconstruction is done both by General Surgeons and Plastic Surgeons

Abdominal wall reconstruction (hernias and diastasis recti) is done both by General Surgeons and Plastic Surgeons. Many plastic surgeons have had a minimum of 5 years general surgery training and are Board Certified. Others may have taken additional training in composite abdominal wall reconstruction and may specialize in this, working in tandem with trauma or oncological surgeons. Repair of a diastasis recti and umbilical hernia is routinely performed by all Plastic... more

Lavinia Chong, MD

22 reviews

Orange County Plastic Surgeon

www.chongmd.com

Simultaneous Repair of Umbilical Hernia and Abdominal Wall Laxity - Diastasis Recti

The vast majority of board certified Plastic surgeons were trained and certified in Surgery before training in and certifying in Plastic surgery. As such most of us are very comfortable repairing ventral and umbilical hernias. We often CHOOSE not to do so and bring in a General Surgeon in these cases for a variety of reasons foremost of which is to allow the general surgeon to repair and bill for the often insurance covered part of the case (hernia repair) while deflecting potential... more

Plastic surgeons can do both diastasis recti repair and hernia

Most plastic surgeons are general surgery trained prior to entering a plastic surgery residency. I would check the credentials of the plastic surgeon you consulted with as there are other routes to plastic surgery. A plastic surgeon with Board certification in both General Surgery and Plastic surgery can do this operation for you. If they are uncomfortable with the case a general surgeon can be brought in to surgery to repair the umbilical hernia. You should not need a complicated umbilical... more

Hernia Repair and Abdominoplasty Combined

Most plastic surgeons are also board certified general surgeons. You need to find one that is comfortable performing both operations. There are surgeons out there that do both. One note is that the is a likelihood that you will be left without a belly button if you desire to have a tummy tuck. It looks like the hernia has resulted in a detachment of the belly button. In a tummy tuck the incision is made all the way around the umbilicus and if there is not attachments to the underlying... more

Tummy tuck and diastasis recti repair

Most patients to some extent have a diastasis and plastic surgeons routinely repair the fasica during a full abdominoplasty. In some cases, if you have a hernia or other internal abdominal issue, a general surgeon may be asked to assist during the surgery. However, many plastic surgeons are board certified in both General Surgery and Plastic Surgery and feel comfortable performing the entire procedure. Good luck.

Umbilical hernia

I would get a second opinion on this. The hernia may be covered by insurance, but you need to check with them about it. Tummy tuck is never covered because it is cosmetic. A general surgeon may be needed to repair the hernia, as intestines may be involved.

Best to have hernia specialist together with tummy tuck surgeon.

Hi. In New York City, our policy is to bring in a surgeon who does a lot of hernias, when the hernia is complicated, like yours. If the hernia is tiny, then I repair it myself while doing the tummy tuck.

You need to find a plastic surgeon that has general surgery training also

Most plastic surgeon are double boarded in general surgery and plastic surgery. These plastic surgeon have done many hernia repairs and they should be able to do both procedures at the same time.The main concern is the blood supply of the umbilicus.The sever umbilical hernia thins out the skin and stretches the blood supply. Your board certified plastic surgeon can help you.

Kamran Khoobehi, MD

28 reviews

New Orleans Plastic Surgeon

Diastasis recti repair with a hernia

This issue has been addressed by the previous posters very well. You should consider a surgical team approach to your surgery with a general surgeon + plastic surgeon. From MIAMI

Hernias can be fixed at the same time as a tummy tuck, but it usually takes two surgeons

Hello - With a hernia present and the desire for a tummy tuck to repair the diastasis recti, you will most likely need two surgeons. This is really a safety issue for you as the hernia may involve your intestines requiring the skills of a general surgeon. Then, your plastic surgeon can help with the tummy tuck. It may take some extra prep time for you, but it is well worth the effort to have two surgeons in your operation.

Fixing belly button hernias at time of tummy tuck

Thanks for your question - In our San Francisco area practice, we typically we repair umbilical hernias at the same time as we correct the rectus diastasis. In complex umbilical hernias we occasionally have one of our general surgery colleagues help. Discuss the options with your plastic surgeon. In most cases, even if another surgeon needs to be brought in, both issues can be fixed at the same time. I hope this helps!

Hernia with diastasis

There are two separate issues that may or may not be combined into one procedure. First, the umbilical hernia could be a medically necessary procedure in that fat or bowel can protrude through a true hernia and cause serious pain or problems. This can be corrected by a general surgeon or a plastic surgeon. The other issue is cosmetic even though it might be related, as might the hernia, to your pregnancy. It is helpful to look at this as an elective procedure because you might or might be a... more

Robin T.W. Yuan, MD

4 reviews

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Hernia repair can be performed at the same time as a tummy tuck

Hernia repair can, and very often is, done at the same time as a tummy tuck procedure. Larger repairs may be more difficult however causing greater concern with the blood supply to the belly button. Many people do have umbilical (belly button) hernias and I often repair these during their elective procedure.

Tummy tuck, muscle repair and umbilical hernia repair.

Generally when a tummy tuck is performed the belly button is left attached to the muscle by a stalk which contains its blood supply. An umbilical hernia can interfere with this stalk and it can be impossible to leave the belly button attached to its blood supply. This results in death (necrosis) of the belly button. Occasionally, the hernia is repaired from inside the abdomen with a scope; this is a procedure that is not commonly performed by plastic surgeons.