Umbilical Hernia Repair Recovery Versus Rectus Diastisis Repair and a Tummy Tuck?

asked 6 months ago by mcpaemoller in Vancouver, BC
Latest answer by Erez Sternberg, MD
Question viewed 222 times
Tags: diastasis recti, umbilical hernia

I have an umbilical/epigrastric hernia, rectus diastasis and slight lower abdominal bulge and a bit of loose skin, no extra fat. I am extremely active every day lifting weights and doing cardio at the gym. Will my recovery be easier and shorter if I just fix the hernias now with mesh by a GP? In a year or two when my kids are older I can then fix the bulge and muscles with a tummy tuck by a PS. See photos attached.

8 answers to Umbilical Hernia Repair Recovery Versus Rectus Diastisis Repair and a Tummy Tuck?

Hernia repair, Tummy Tuck

You are in great shape, congratulations. This is also a scary situation when considering cosmetic surgery, because everything can be visible through the skin that is done below- including sutures and mesh. There simply is no place to hide here! I don't see your lower bulge. I can't see your hernias on your pics, so I can't render an opinion on those either. I can tell you that if you mean general practitioner, I would say NO!. My strong advice to you... more

Scott E. Kasden, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon

Diastasis repair vs Tummy Tuck?

This is a great question, and one that I am glad you are asking before you have any procedure performed. There are multiple ways to improve the abdominal area after weight loss, pregnancy, or just aging, and if you ask 5 surgeons you will get 4 answers. This is because there is no one perfect procedure for everyone. However, in your case I don't see the need to have anything done. Surgery will only make unnecessary scars and will not improve much... more

Erez Sternberg, MD
Jacksonville Plastic Surgeon

Hernia repair with abdominoplasty

It's been a long lime since my general surgery residency (20 + years!) so make sure you take this advice knowing that I may not be up to date on hernia repair by general surgeons.. If your hernias bother you and they can be repaired via laparoscopy and mesh from the inside, go for it. If your general surgeon would need to do a vertical incision and an incision through your umbilicus (this is the way they were done when I was doing general surgery), I would have a plastic... more

Lisa L. Sowder, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

www.sowdermd.com

Umbilical hernia repair vs. tummy tuck?

Thanks for including the photos; they really make a difference in advice in your particular case--you are so thin and fit (but with virtually no fat layer to "hide" any visible parts of surgery, such as mesh, sutures, or residual bulges), that my recommendations are different than if I did not have these photos. I am leaning with my colleagues who suggest that you don't really "need" a tummy tuck. I can't examine your abdomen or hernias, but based on your... more

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS
Minneapolis Plastic Surgeon

www.mpsmn.com

Approaching issues of the abdominal wall

You have not stated it you have seen a general surgeon and a plastic surgeon. If you have not, it would be to your benefit to see both then you can make a more informed decision based on the information. Without examining you and obtaining more of your history, it would only be conjecture in determining what course of action would be best for you.

Steven Turkeltaub, MD
Scottsdale Plastic Surgeon

www.turkeltaub.com

Have it all done at once.

If the umbilical hernia is not bothering you, then i would have the plastic surgeon repair it when the tummy tuck is performed. This will be much easier on you an will be done properly. see video

Miguel Delgado, Jr., MD
San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

www.dr-delgado.com

Tummy Tuck with Hernia Repair

Based on your pictures, I'm not sure you need a tummy tuck - you look great. Consider having the hernia repair by a general surgeon for now.

Karol A. Gutowski, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Umbilical Hernia Repair or Tummy Tuck?

Thank you for the question and pictures. Giving you advice without examining you in person and/or discussing your goals is not ideal. However, based on limited information I think you may be better off undergoing repair of the hernia without tummy tuck surgery. This recommendation is made based on your description, viewing pictures, and after considering the pros/cons of each procedure as well as the potential risks and complications associated with each... more