Can plastic surgery fix my torn stomach muscles and umbilical hernia?

I have had 5 kids and I have an umbilical hernia and my stomach muscles are split down the middle. There is a two inch separation. I have some exess fat but not much. I weigh 118 lbs and I am not overweight, but I want my stomach fixed.

I went to a plastic surgeon and he sent me away saying " you don't have enough extra skin for a tummy tuck, and you need to talk to a general surgeon about the hernia and muscle split."

Does that sound right to you plastic surgeons? Is that a standard response in this type of situation or should I get a second opinion?

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10 answers to “Can plastic surgery fix my torn...”

A: What you likely have is what is called a "rectus...

By Shahram Salemy, MD - Seattle Plastic Surgeon

What you likely have is what is called a "rectus diastasis", where the two rectus muscles of your abdomen (the muscles that make a "six pack") have widened and moved away from the midline of your body. This is quite common after pregnancy, and certainly after 5 pregnancies. Having an umbilical hernia as well... more

A: Hybrid Tummy Tuck

By Brent Moelleken, MD - Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

For women who don't need a great deal of skin removed (and a hip to hip incision), but need their muscles tightened and an umbilical hernia repaired, they may be a candidate for a hybrid tummy tuck. The hybrid tummy tuck involves a C-section-type incision with full tightening of the deep fascia, the structure... more

A: A tummy tuck is not a tummy tuck is not a tummy tuck....

By Robin T.W. Yuan, MD - Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

A tummy tuck is not a tummy tuck is not a tummy tuck. While patients and surgeons alike use the term tummy tuck or abdominoplasty to indicate a particular procedure, in reality, it is best to analyze the anatomy of individual patients, discuss the desired results, and then design an operation to fit your... more

A: A plastic surgeon who is also a general surgeon is what you need

By Richard P. Rand, MD - Seattle Plastic Surgeon

What you have can be best repaired by a surgeon who is Board Certified in Surgery and also is Board Certified in Plastic Surgery. Wearing these 2 hats will enable the surgeon to best improve the aesthetics of your abdomen as well as repairing your hernia and tightening your rectus diastasis (the split between... more

A: A combination procedure would be best

By John LoMonaco, MD - Houston Plastic Surgeon

My preference (as a general and plastic surgeon) is to fix the hernia using your own muscle tissue and tighten/repair the msucles at the same time. After that, the tummy tuck is done as usual. I do not like to use plastic mesh to fix hernias because of problems with recurrence and infection, and my... more

A: Unless there is something else going on, you should get a tummy tuck.

By Michael A. Bogdan, MD - Dallas Plastic Surgeon

After 5 children and having a rectus diastasis, I'd be very surprised if your skin has not stretched out enough to warrant an abdominoplasty. As a matter of fact, I'd be very impressed if you did not show overt laxity. You should really get another opinion by a board certified plastic surgeon who does... more

A: It sounds as if you WOULD benefit from a tummy tuck

By York Jay Yates, MD - Ogden Plastic Surgeon

I would be surprised if after 5 children you would not benefit from some skin tightening. If you do not, you may still benefit from a tummy tuck with a shorter scar to visualize and repair the separated muscles (diastasis recti) while at the same time repairing the umbilical hernia through the same... more

A: Maybe a modified tummy tuck would be helpful

By John P. Di Saia, MD - Orange County Plastic Surgeon

A tummy tuck can include the removal of skin, fat and/or muscular repair. You don't have to have all these things done at the time of the operation. It can be modified to suit you. The condition of your tissues can be an issue at surgery. These are things to discuss at consultation. See a few surgeons to get... more

A: Tummy tuck for separated muscles and hernia

By Bahram Ghaderi, MD - Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Getting two opinions for any major surgery is a good idea. From the concerns you describe, you need a tummy tuck to address the separated muscle and umbilical hernia. If you do not have enough skin for a full tummy tuck, you can do a modified tummy tuck and still repair your separated muscles and address your... more

A: Hernia and Tummy tuck

By John Philip Connors III, MD - Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Maria- I see hernias all the time...some I (and the patient) identify prior to surgery because they are large enough to feel, others are small and I find them during a tummy tuck. Not all plastic surgeons are comfortable fixing hernias, some are. I am Board Certified in both General and Plastic Surgery and... more

Comments

Lucy Holmes
unregistered guest

27 Jan 2009

I had full abdominoplasty 7yrs ago after my second child. I am only 9stone and a size 10 (Australian). I have just been told I have a "belly button" hernia and have to have "mesh" placed in to keep it "fixed". Can you PLEASE tell me if I am able to demand from my surgeon that he still keeps my tummy muscles tight whilst he is fixing the hernia. I am very proud of my tummy after having two HUGE babies, and I don't want him to un-do what I have had done. I have asked him, but I would like a second opinion as I'm booked in for surgery next month. Please tell me what I;m supposed to actually ask for to be able to keep my firm abs etc. Regards Lucy

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