Do I have loose skin? Is endoscopic repair of diastasis recti the wrong treatment and should I be considering a tummy tuck?

Question

On Saturday sept 15th 2018 I am scheduled to have plication of diastasis recti via endoscopy while also repairing a small umbilical hernia. My worry is will I get loose skin once the muscles have plicated? I noticed when I am on hands and knees position on all fours that my skin near my belly button scrunches. I exercise every day HIIT training. If I do have endoscopic repair could I then have a mini tummy tuck for any remaining loose skin?

Lucian Ion, FRCS · Answer

Endoscopic assisted repair of diastasis recti is generally carried out by plastic surgeons or plastic surgeons and general surgeons if a hernia repair is also involved. It is combined with liposuction to the abdomen to minimise the chance of bunching the skin when the muscles are tightened together.Laparoscopic repair of diastasis recti is carried out by general surgeons and does not involve any work on the front of the muscles.The endoscopic assisted repair can involve repositioning of the umbilicus attachment to the abdominal wall after repair of the hernia and closure of the space between the muscles. This also allows removal of a small amount of skin in the lower abdomen.If your procedure is booked with a general surgeon, it will be a laparoscopic repair. It is likely that further surgery would be necessary if you wish to achieve a tighter appearance of the abdomen.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear self2066,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. Based on your photo, it looks like you might have some loose skin after diastasis recti repair. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to discuss this with your 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

David E. Morales, MD · Answer

Good Morning,
From the pictures you submitted it appears that you will likely have loose skin after the endoscopic diastasis repair.  Remember that repairing the muscles will not tighten the skin.  If the skin above your umbilicus is not loose enough, then not all the skin below your belly button can be removed with a tummy tuck. This will then leave a small vertical scar below your new belly button.  The scar is how far your old belly button hole moved down when your tummy skin was pulled down and tightened.  You'll have to decide which may bother you more, the loose skin left after an endoscopic procedure, or a small vertical scar below you belly button.  Talk with your surgeon about your concerns and your goals after surgery.
Best Wishes.

Do I have loose skin? Is endoscopic repair of diastasis recti the wrong treatment and should I be considering a tummy tuck?

Answers (3)

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