Is it possible to have my abdominal muscles repaired through the navel without skin removal?

Question

Most of my separation is at or above the navel and causing me a lot of pain and discomfort. I do not care if I have loose skin so is skin removal necessary? I just want to be pain free and regain strength in my core without having to be cut hip to hip.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The diastasis can be repaired after other sources of pain are ruled out including hernia.  You can only use the endoscopic TT procedure in the most minimal of separations. Schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to be evaluated for a short scar TT.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear MS0204,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

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry, a picture would be helpful and an exam better to discuss your particular situation--but here are some general thoughts. For patients who extremely thin and have minimal skin-a minimally invasive muscle repair with or without a camera could be considered by a few surgeons who have experience with that technique.  But if you have any loose skin or thick skin when you try to repair the muscle, the skin will fold up in the middle like a raised ridge.  Please discuss during an in person consultation.

Sutton Graham II, MD · Answer

You describe pain associated with upper abdominal muscle separation, and want treatment to end this pain and improve muscle strength.  In my experience with muscle separation (diastasis) patients do not typically experience pain, so I would encourage you to see your personal physician to have examination and evaluate the source of the pain.  If no cause other than diastasis is found, then repair can be considered.  There are a variety of abdominoplasty procedures, including an endocsopic approach with small skin incisions placed at the belly button and upper pubic area.  Bringing the muscles together in the midline tends to increase loose skin in the same area, so it is likely that your plastic surgeon will recommend some amount of skin removal as well.  This iscertainly worth discussing during your consultation.  Best Wishes.

Is it possible to have my abdominal muscles repaired through the navel without skin removal?

Answers (4)

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