Mesh vs. Tummy Tuck Method for Laparoscopic Repair of Diastasis Recti, Which Would Be Best?

Question

I have to make a decision to have Laparoscopic repair of diastasis recti with mesh v/s tummy tuck method. My diastasis recti is not so big (2.5cm) but I have symptoms. I have a 32 inch waist now. I am 145 lbs, 5ft 5inches, male. What are the pros and cons of both methods? Does anyone have before and after photos of laparoscopic repair of diastasis recti patients? Thank you.

William Bruno, MD · Answer

This is difficult to answer without seeing your photos or examining you in person.  If you have excess skin you will benefit from a tummy tuck- which will also tighten your rectus diastasis. If you simply have a rectus diastasis with no excess skin than repair of the weakness (with or without mesh) may be sufficient. You can ask your health insurance carrier if this will be covered as well.

	You should consult with a board certified surgeon to see if you are a good candidate for either procedure.

	Best wishes,

	Dr.Bruno

Gloria de Olarte, MD · Answer

We don't have your picture. But if you want the skin and the muscles to be tight you need a tummy tuck, a mesh is to cover a hernia but will not make your tummy tight or flatter. You have a hernia or diastasis??

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Great question, very hard to answer. If as other posters state no excess skin than a Lap mesh repair might solve the issue. But I would bet most boarded OSs would recommend exposure of the diatasis via an open incision like a TT .

Tiffany McCormack, MD · Answer

It comletely depends on whether or not you have skin excess and laxity that needs to be removed. We also will often remove some excess fat around the sides for contouring purposes with a tummy tuck. Your surgeon should be able to assess whether you are a candidate for a tummy tuck or not. Insurance will probably not cover a tummy tuck. I'm not sure if your insurance will cover a diastasis repair with mesh. If you do not have a very wide diastasis and no actual defect in the fascia then you may not even need mesh- just a plication. Good luck!

Chen Lee, MD · Answer

If you do not have excess of abdominal skin (pannus) - a laparoscopic mesh repair from the internal abdomen (peritoneal) side of the abdominal wall should yield excellent results. However, if you do have an abdominal pannus, a traditional abdominoplasty with rectus plication will yield excellent results.

Robert M. Grenley, MD (retired) · Answer

It is difficult to tell without examining you. If you are one of those relatively rare patients who have diastasis recti or fascial stretching from pregnancy WITHOUT skin stretching, then perhaps a diastasis repair without any skin excision as would be performed laparoscopically would be appropriate. Most of the patients I see with fascial laxity also have skin laxity and belly button stretching that of course would only be helped by a tummy tuck technique with excision of the excess skin. Some times the skin laxity is not as severe and is "masked" by the underlying bulging fascia, and if the fascia is corrected and pushed back the skin laxity becomes apparent. You can usually tell this if you stand and suck in your tummy...if the skin starts to look wrinkled, you have loose skin. When you lie down and your fascia moves back, if the skin feels loose, then it is and a tummy tuck approach would give you a better result.

Mesh vs. Tummy Tuck Method for Laparoscopic Repair of Diastasis Recti, Which Would Be Best?

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