Is a Procedure Possible? RA, Diastasis, and Hernia

I have had 3 pregnancies; the last with twins. I have diastasis with a 3 finger gap. I have terrible 1/4" thick stretchmarks throughout my belly. I am 5'2", and around 95lbs. I am tiny everywhere, but my belly, which leaves me looking pregnant. I was told I have a hernia, and want that and the diastasis repaired. Will a general surgeon repair it, or will I need two Drs.? I also have RA and take methotrexate injections and Rituxan infusions. Will anyone work on me? Will I have a "normal" belly?

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diastasis recti hernia stretch marks

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5 Doctor Answers | Asked by missiep in Pittsburgh, PA

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Tummy Tuck and Hernia Repair?

Thank you for the question. Based on your description, you sound like you are an excellent candidate for tummy tuck surgery. “Optimization” of your RA will be helpful prior to surgery; perioperative management of your medications by a rheumatologist will also be helpful. Depending on your plastic surgeon, the hernia can be repaired by many plastic surgeons at the same time as tummy tuck surgery ( without the need for a general surgeon)... more

Tummy Tuck With Rheumatoid Arthritis

You probably can have a tummy tuck with either diastasis repair or herniorrhaphy, although you should ask your rheumatologist for his/her opinion. It sounds as if you have a very wide diastasis rather that a true hernia. If so a plastic surgeon should be able to perform your pricedure alone. On the other hand, if you do have a true hernia, it is usually appropriate to have a general surgeon perform that portion of the procedure. You are at a somewhat increased risk of... more

Tummy Tuck San Diego

Congratulations on twins! Your plastic surgeon should speak with your rheumatologist regarding perioperative management of the RA. The methotrexate and Rituxan will probably need to be changed to alternative medications before and after the procedure, until you heal. If the RA can be controlled with other medications, temporarily, it sounds like you are otherwise an excellent candidate for tummy tuck. Your small hernia can be fixed by the plastic surgeon at the time... more

Tough tummy in PA

You sound like you have a tougher than normal situation. Many of us experienced plastic surgeons have also been Baord Certified in Surgery so would feel very comfortable with your hernia also. I'd suggest you contact Dr. Ken Shestak in Pittsburgh as he is excellent and could give you great advice.

"Can I have an abdominoplasty?"

It sounds like you have a couple issues, but with a proper medical workup (and depending on the location and size of the hernia), most patients in your situation should be able to safely have a tummy tuck by a plastic surgeon. A small umbilical hernia can often be repaired by your plastic surgeon at the time of abdominoplasty, but a large hernia located in your abdominal wall may require a general surgeon to repair the hernia first or at the time of the abdominoplasty.