Diastatis Recti + Umbilical Hernia. Will I be left with a visible vertical scar if surgery is warranted? (Photo)

Hi CSM5309, Thanks for the question. Based on your photos the first thing I notice is you have quite a bit of visceral or intra-abdominal fat. This is the preferred location for stored fat for males. With regards to repairing the diastasis and hernia I think you first need to address the intra-abdominal fat. If you do not, the repairs will be under a tremendous amount of pressure and subsequently are likely to fail, leaving you right back where you started. I would consider addressing the visceral fat with diet and exercise as well as looking at other alternatives. Consult with your medical provider to see what options you have. There are both Surgical and medical/medicine options. Once this is improved, then I would consider addressing the Daya stasis and umbilical hernia. These can be addressed through a vertical midline incision, which is the preferred choice of the general surgeon…… or they can be addressed through a low transverse incision via an abdominoplasty. This would hide the scar and make it more cosmetically appealing. I hope this helps. Good luck!

Dear CSM5309,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

There are exercises that can help improve diastasis recti (DR), but it's important to work with a qualified physical therapist who can tailor the exercises to your specific needs and monitor your progress. These exercises can help strengthen the core muscles and improve the alignment of the abdominal muscles, potentially reducing the separation. It's important to note that while exercises can help, they may not completely reverse DR and surgery may be necessary in some cases.
It is possible that surgery for DR repair could result in a vertical scar, but this depends on the technique used by the surgeon and the extent of the repair needed. In some cases, a horizontal scar may be possible, but again, it depends on the individual case.
It may be beneficial to consult with a surgeon who specializes in DR repair, particularly for male patients. A specialist may have more experience with male anatomy and be better equipped to provide personalized care and tailored treatment options. If necessary, it may be worth traveling to find a surgeon who specializes in this type of repair.

Best of luck!