Will a laparoscopic or tummy tuck procedure deliver better results while correcting a hernia and Diastasis recti? (photos)

Thank you for your question and photos. The most important decision you will make is to find a highly skilled board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon who is a diastasis recti expert. If it's determined that you have an umblicial hernia, both the umbilical hernia and diastasis recti can be corrected simultaneously which is ideal to lower the chances of hernia re-occurrence. Both functionally and aesthetically this procedure is highly rewarding.

It's not uncommon for there to be some extra skin once the abdomen is plicated. For the best aesthetic result, I would highly recommend scheduling and in-person consultation to come up with a customized plan for your individual needs.

Please refer to the provided links for additional information on Tummy Tucks, Diastasis, and Hernia Repair. You can also visit my podcast, Plastic Surgery Uncensored where you'll find valuable information before undergoing surgery.

I now do solely cosmetic surgery but previously i was a general surgeon that focused on hernia repair and abdominal wall reconstruction. In my experience there is some bunching after a laparoscopic repair that flattens over time. Additionally if your results are not what you are looking for you can still go down the road of a tummy tuck to remove excess skin and just not repair the muscles. Cost should be slightly cheaper and you give yourself a chance to repair the muscle separation with insurance only.

Thank you for your question and photos.

There is a third option for patients with your features: the endoscopic assisted abdominoplasty. It represents a correction of the diastasis without entering the abdomen but without skin tightening, It involves releasing the central abdominal skin either via the belly button or via a C-section scar. It is suitable for diastasis repair when the skin is reasonably elastic so it is suitable for both women and men.

From my experience, it can deliver considerable improvement without the scars related to typical tummy tuck procedures.

If you live in the US, Dr Felmont Eaves III in Atlanta used to offer this treatment so it would be worth checking with his office.

Laparoscopic repair can leave some skin excess in the midline but it depends on the size of the diastasis.

In my opinion, a tummy tuck will give you a better outcome because the rectus diastasis is directly repaired, brining you muscle edges back together while redraping and removing extra skin. The laparoscopic option uses mesh to provide internal support, but does not physically change the position of the muscle edges.
For women how have had multiple births with delicate fascia, I will reinforce the rectus diastasis repair with an underlay mesh to ensure that I achieve long-lasting contour.

Dear Girlmamax3,
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, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery