Risk of Hernia Due to Diastasis Recti/belly Fat

I had a 9.6 lb baby 2.5 yrs ago, was 43 lbs over pre-baby wt for a long time; now lost 30lbs. I'm 5ft9 & currently 168lbs, aiming to loose 10 lb more. I have diastasis recti and still look 5 mths pregnant. I do not want to undergo a full tummy tuck;I am aiming to not look pregnant-nothing more- & am concerned about health. I'm considering an endoscopic diastasis repair. Would that help in lowering the risk of hernia? Are there any other health risks that would still exist after this repair?

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stomach hernia female

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12 Doctor Answers | Asked by GreenGal in Jersey City NJ

Doctor Answers (12)
Community Comments (0)

You have it all wrong here...

You have completely mis-analyzed this situation here. Only a full tummy tuck will flatten your abdomen with significant rectus diastasis. An endoscopic repair is really no less invasive and when the muscles are brought together, there will be a huge mound of extra skin piled up in the midline having been dragged in by the muscle repair. Also, a diastasis doesn't predispose you to having a hernia, so if that was your concern, don't worry and do nothing. But... more

Short scar tummy tuck will help you.

Hi. I am afraid only a good tummy tuck will help you. I don't know anyone who does endoscopic diastasis repairs anymore. There is no risk of getting a hernia. see video

Endoscopic Tummy Muscle Tightening VS Full Tummy Tuck in a Woman looking 5 months Pregnant nearly 3 years AFTER having a Baby

Regarding: "Risk of Hernia Due to Diastasis Recti/belly Fat I had a 9.6 lb baby 2.5 yrs ago, was 43 lbs over pre-baby wt for a long time; now lost 30lbs. I'm 5ft9 & currently 168lbs, aiming to loose 10 lb more. I have diastasis recti and still look 5 mths pregnant. I do not want to undergo a full tummy tuck;I am aiming to not look pregnant-nothing more- & am concerned about health. I'm considering an endoscopic diastasis repair. Would that help in lowering the risk... more

Tummy Tuck for Muscle / Diastasis repair and belly fat

It sounds like you have muscle weakness with diastasis plus excess skin and fat. Both problems can be fixed with tummy tuck. The majpority of patients in your situation would undergo a full tummy tuck. If you under repair of the diastasis without skin excision, you will not be satisfied with your outcome. I recommend that you visit with a board certified plastic surgeon to evaluate you and recommend a treatment option.

Muscle repair alone is not likely going to look great....

I would ask your surgeon to see before and after pictures of similar patients who have lost as much weight as you have and only have their muscles repaired. You likely have a significant skin excess and this procedure alone is unlikely to give you the appearance you are looking for.

Diastasis repair

If you only have muscle weakness and no skin laxity I suppose this is possible. But the majority of patients need more than the muscle tightening.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Go for the traditional tummy tuck

Good idea to optimize your weight prior to surgery, then see a plastic surgeon to determine best procedure for you. Endoscopic repair is usually only for minimal skin excess, otherwise no advantage. Diastasis is not a true hernia and the repair should hold up equally well with either type of repair.

Risk of hernia due to diastasis

Thanks for the question. Given your history I would recommend a traditional tummy tuck. I am concerned you will be unsatisfied with an endoscopic diastasis repair as it tends to cause midline skin bunching, especially if there is a considerable diastasis as it sounds to be the case with you. An endoscopic diastasis repair is not intended to reduce the risk of hernia development. My suggestion is consulting with several plastic surgeons in your region and reviewing all options, risks... more

The endocorporeal or laparacopic diastasis recti repair (Avoding a full tummy tuck)

The endocorporeal or laparacopic diastasis repair is not intended to prevent hernia formation. IT is only a minimal scar technique and is not adviseable in your case for the reasons you have indicated because it could actually lead to a higher risk adhesions or other complications.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

32 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Get a full tummy tuck for your diastasis for best appearance.

If you have a significant diastasis, you need a full tummy tuck to do the right job. You could just fix the diastasis endoscopically, but you will be unhappy with the bunching and irregularity of your abdominal wall. Do it right and get a full tummy tuck.

Not a good option

The use of the endoscope for the hernia repair is a good option but not for the Diastasis Recti repair post pregnancy . The difference is that your abdominal tissue has stretched as a whole and not just muscle separated. The problem will be the sagging tissue after the muscle repair. Please have multiple consultation with board certified plastic surgeons.

Kamran Khoobehi, MD

28 reviews

New Orleans Plastic Surgeon

Do I need more than a muscle repair with my tummy tuck?

For most patients, tightening the muscle and effectively repairing the rectus diastasis will cause even greater skin laxity since the inner circumference of the torso will be reduced. Because of this, very few patients are actually great candidates for an endoscopic approach. My recommendation would be to discuss your goals with a local Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and let them know your concerns. Then, ask them if you are a good candidate. I hope that helps!... more