What Are My Options? I'm A Fit, Thin Woman With Rectus Diastisis And Umbilical Hernia (photo)

Thank you for your question and pictures.

You are one of a small number of individuals who appears to be an excellent candidate for an endoscopic tummy tuck. The endoscope allows the diastasis recti to be fixed through a belly button incision and a small cresent of skin can be removed from the lower tummy similar to a mini-tummy tuck. The umbilical hernia can also be fixed at the same time through the belly button incision.

You would likely get an excellent result with a minimally invasive approach and limited incisions.

I hope this helps.

Hi there-

I would agree with Dr. Johnson, and have had great success with this technique- Low transverse scar (very inconspicuous), complete exposure and muscle repair from ribs to pubis, with umbilical float.

Good luck!

While you are not the typical abdominoplasty candidate you are by no means rare. Here in Vancouver we see many fit, trim women who present with unavoidable changes after childbearing.

You would require repair of the hernias, rectus diastasis repair as well as removal of the excess skin. It is difficult to tell from your photos alone whether you would be a candidate for a modified procedure or whether a full abdominoplasty would be appropriate. This decision would be based on the laxity of your skin as assessed at the time of consultation.

If it appears that a general surgeon is needed to deal with a hernia we strive to organize a combined procedure so everything is dealt with in one sitting.

All the best!

 

 

 

Thank you for the photos. You are not the typical abdominoplasty patient seen by most plastic surgeons. Your problem is straightforward: need an abdominiplasty with muscle plication and repair of hernias. You do not need liposuction or other procedures which might increase the potential complication rate. As most plastic surgeons have a general surgery background (including myself), repair of the hernias can be done at the time of the abdominoplasty. You do not need a general surgeon involved unless you pick a surgeon who feels uncomfortable with your presentation. This year alone I've done about 8 very similar cases to yours (these women are athletes, yoga teachers and runners). Good luck.

You have figured out that exercise doesn't correct the diastasis, and it won't tighten loose skin. A tummy tuck is usually the best option in those cases, and any board-certified plastic surgeon should be able to give you a nice result. Usually best to see more than one before deciding.