36f, 5'2, 114lbs, is laparoscopic DR repair and mini tuck viable option for me? (Photos)

Question

36f stable weight 5'2" 114lbs 5cm wide DR with small umbilical hernia. Could I get away with laparoscopic repair and mini tuck vs full abdominoplasty and still have a reasonably good aesthetic outcome?

Jerimiah Mason, MD · Answer

I would recommend a full tummy tuck. The umbilical hernia can easily be repaired at the same time, no need for two separate procedures.

Andrew Ray, DO · Answer

Yes you would be a candidate for what i call a modified mini tuck. What happens during this surgery is a small incision where a c-section scar would be, then do a long dissection up the middle of the abdomen fixing the hernia and the diastasis then remove a small amount of skin at the bottom of your abdomen making sure to not displace your bellybutton abnormally. During consults i always how patients examples of surgeries and bodies similar to theirs. So wherever you consult always ask to see current before and after pictures.

Diastasis repair can be done laparoscopically, but most insurances do not cover it.

Lucian Ion, FRCS · Answer

Thank you for your question and for sharing your photographs. In many cases, when the elasticity of the abdominal skin is good and the BMI is low, as in your situation, it is possible to correct both the umbilical hernia and the diastasis recti using endoscopic-assisted techniques through an umbilical incision. This approach allows for effective repair while minimising visible scarring.

The procedure typically includes a small amount of liposuction to the abdomen. This is because the repair of the diastasis recti gathers the soft tissues towards the midline, and liposuction helps refine the overall contour for a more balanced appearance.

Another option is a laparoscopic technique, which can also address both the diastasis recti and umbilical hernia. However, it is worth noting that this method can sometimes result in swelling in the midline of the abdomen if there is no compensation using liposuction.

With either technique, skin tightening is often unnecessary due to the good skin elasticity in cases like yours. A consultation would help to determine which approach best suits your needs and goals.

Wayne I. Yamahata, MD · Answer

I would favor a full tummy tuck. You have a relatively wide diastasis and if the repair was done without fully releasing the skin, there would be a significant risk of having gathering and wrinkling of the overlying tissue.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

I would recommend a full tummy tuck. Laparoscopic diastasis repair is possible but very few surgeons do it. That should tell you all you need to know

36f, 5'2, 114lbs, is laparoscopic DR repair and mini tuck viable option for me? (Photos)

Answers (6)

Answer: Laparoscopic DR repair and mini tuck

Answer: Laparoscopic DR repair and mini tuck

Answer: Tummy tuck

Answer: Tummy tuck

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.

36f, 5'2, 114lbs, is laparoscopic DR repair and mini tuck viable option for me? (Photos)

Answers (6)

Answer: Laparoscopic DR repair and mini tuck

Answer: Laparoscopic DR repair and mini tuck

Answer: Tummy tuck

Answer: Tummy tuck

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.