Diastasis recti repair and removal/tightening of skin above the belly button: how do I avoid hip to hip scarring? (Photos)

Question

I have very little fat and the loose skin is above the belly button. There is not loose skin below. I also have a small vertical scar in the crease above the belly button from a laparoscopic gallbladder removal (2004). Could the plication occur through an incision using this old scar in the crease and then tightened above? I do not want a hip to hip scar. In fact I’d rather not do anything then end up with a hip to hip scar.

Sean Satey, MD, FACS · Answer

One of the biggest concerns for my patients is post-operative scaring. The length of the scar is directly proportional to the amount of redundant skin that is removed. Larger scar more skin removal tighter you will be. It is not possible to perform the muscle plication through the small scar above your belly button as you will need to undermine the tissues to have adequate view of the underlying muscles to safely perform the procedure. There are things like silicone scar management (that we offer in my practice), and IPL lasers which help lighten the scar, and camouflage it to the surrounding tissues. If this is a definite no for you, another option to address the loose skin in a minially invasive manner is Morpheus8 Body. You will likely require 6 sessions (minimum of 3), spaced 6 weeks apart. Another potential option is Renuvion J plasma skin tightening; however, to see your candidacy for it, you would need a physical examination. It is also noteworthy to mention that Morpheus8 and Renuvion will address the skin laxity - and not the diastasis recti. Best, Dr. Satey, Beverly Hills, Ca.

Lucian Ion, FRCS · Answer

When the abdominal skin has relatively good elasticity it is possible to use and endoscopic assisted approach for correction of diastasis recti. It involves creating a tunnel under the skin to allow the repair and liposuction to the central abdomen to avoid volume excess in the midline when the muscles are brought together.

The surgery can be carried out through the belly button but it can also be carried out through a different midline scar that measure at least 3 cm.

Laparoscopic correction by the general surgeons is also a possibility. Without external contour correction, this approach may leave some central abdominal fullness.

Adam Kinal, MD · Answer

Hello Anatsasia7,  I recommend consulting with several Board Certified surgeons who specialize in these procedures in person to give you their opinions and evaluations. Good luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Anatsasia7,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Thank you for submitting your photographs.Based on your photographs and what you are looking for I would suggest you consult with a Board-certified plastic surgeon for optimal results. Best of luck.

Diastasis recti repair and removal/tightening of skin above the belly button: how do I avoid hip to hip scarring? (Photos)

Answers (8)

Answer: Tummy tuck candidate

Answer: Tummy tuck candidate

Answer: Diastasis Recti

Answer: Diastasis Recti

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Diastasis Recti Repair

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Diastasis recti repair and removal/tightening of skin above the belly button: how do I avoid hip to hip scarring? (Photos)

Answers (8)

Answer: Tummy tuck candidate

Answer: Tummy tuck candidate

Answer: Diastasis Recti

Answer: Diastasis Recti

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Diastasis Recti Repair

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.