Can my hernia and separation be corrected by suturing the muscle together without needing mesh? (photos)

Hello @Bea40448, thank you for your question. Each surgeon will do what they believe is best for their patient based on their individual case and goals. Some surgeons may prefer to use mesh to reinforce the repair and provide additional support, others may prefer to rely solely on sutures.
It's important to discuss your concerns and preferences with your surgeon and work together to develop surgical plan that will achieve the best possible outcome while respecting your wishes. Your surgeon will be able to provide you with specific information and guidance based on your individual situation. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS. International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science” Member (IFATS), American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery member (SCCP)

Dear Bea40448,
based on your photos, you look like a good candidate for a TT. Full tummy tuck should tighten your abdominal muscles and remove the excess skin. Flanks liposuction would give you a better shape. I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon because 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

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs. In most cases both repairs can be done simultaneously and without the need for mesh placement. This depends on the size of your hernia, muscle laxity/separation, and quality of your tissues. Hope this helps.

Not all hernias can be repaired without mesh. Your surgeon who has examined you will be the best one to tell you what would be needed.

I encourage you to discuss your concerns with your surgeon who has had the opportunity to examine you and review your health history. Sometimes mesh is not needed for repair, but others it is recommended for the best result. Discuss the pros and cons of using the mesh and attempting to repair the hernia without it.. A second opinion may help you feel more confident in your decision as well.

I suggest you remain open to the possibility of mesh. If your surgeon can completely correct the diastasis using your muscles, he will not need to place a mesh. But if he cannot, he has to use a mesh to reinforce the abdominal wall. For encouragement, I have seen this condition before, and I didn't have to use mesh, but I asked my patient to leave the final decision to me.

There is usually only a need for mesh if the muscle cannot be brought together in the middle during the diastasis repair. This situation is rare, especially in a very fit patient like yourself. I would expect to be able to repair the diastasis which should correct the midline hernia as well. You will have to have a strict lifting limit and avoid any core straining for 6-8 weeks afterward to allow the muscle repair to heal.

Each surgeon will do things based on what they think works best for you. There have certainly been plenty of women. Who’ve had successful muscle tightening, including hernia repair, using only suture material. Some plastic surgeons believe using mesh, strengthens the repair.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD