Removing belly button for diastasis repair necessary?

There are many options for this and this is not the only solution. I would obtain other recommendations or consultations. There seems to be some confusion between an umbilical hernia and a diastasis. Although these two are different, they do commonly occur together.

You may be able to "float" the belly button in order to save it.  This is done for mini-tummy tucks that are combined with liposuction in cases of minimal excess skin.  Mesh can be used for a hernia repair, but there are also some dermal allografts available that offer some benefits over... more

Dear 3boysmom, Regarding : "The last surgeon I consulted with said that he may have to remove my belly button to close the diastasis completely. I am very concerned about this. Is it necessary? Is there a way to "move" the belly button? " Since I was not in the room hearing what the... more

I can think of no reason to remove the umbilicus or for use of mesh to repair an abdominal diastasis. This would not even be necessary with a large umbilical hernia. It is the risk of reducing the blood supply to the umbilicus with the folding of the tissue during the repair of the diastasis that is of major... more

Only in a very unusual circumstance would the umbilicus need to be removed when doing  a diastasis repair.  Often the umbilical stalk is relocated to a different position on the abdominal wall.  There are also newer materials than mesh available which generally have fewer complications.  If... more

As Dr. Yuan describes, the most likely scenario is to "float " the bellybutton which is done with a mini-abdominoplasty. Your situation must be very severe if your surgeon has recommended mesh, so without knowing more none of us can give you really accurate advice however. I might suggest that you... more

It's unusual to remove the belly button to repair rectus diastasis.  Usually, when a plastic surgeon repairs diastasis, the belly button is incised from the abdominal skin and re-located to a new position with the surgery.  Is it possible that you misunderstood your surgeon?  If he insists upon... more

A diasthasis is a weakening in the midline of your abdomen and is common after pregnancy and weight changes. This can be repaired by tightening this area. Usually, removal of the belly button is not necessary. It seems that you also have an umbilical hernia, and this is probably why your PS mentioned that... more

I think he means that he might "float" the belly button. This would dictate a modified, not full, abdominoplasty. In general, we do not take off: the belly button but can lift it off from its stalk in continuity with the overlying and surrounding skin flap. Mesh has its use, but unless it is a... more

Unless you have some extraordinary anatomical distortion, you can expect a good result with diastasis repair and maintenance of your belly button. I have done many hundreds of these operations and unless there has been some tissue loss from trauma or something else, mesh is never necessary. Furthermore, I have... more