I am having laparoscopic umbilical hernia and diastasis recti repair surgery. Will my stomach look flat after?

Question

I am 5'3" and I feel like my belly looks barrel like. Will I lose inches around my waist?

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding results after a laparoscopic procedure.

It might be helpful if you included photos for reference. The laparoscopic procedure will correctly hernia and muscles; however, it will not get rid of any excess skin.

I recommend that you have an in person consultation with two or more experienced board-certified plastic surgeons in your area to talk about options and realistic expectations.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The laparoscopic umbilical hernia and diastasis recti repair surgery does not address skin laxity or fat. If the waist was smaller at one time, the waist can likely be reduced through liposuction to those same measurements or smaller provided the muscular and fascial integrity has remained the same.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear tracy7bird1,it is unlikely that your waist will significantly reduce in size after laparoscopic surgery. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment. Only after thorough examination you can get proper recommendations and advice.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Sean Satey, MD, FACS · Answer

The short answer is yes- you will lose inches around your waist. A diastasis recti (DR) repair involves tightening the midline muscles. Depending on how much muscle weakness you have, and how aggressive your surgeon is, you can lose several inches from your waistline. I let my patients know that a DR acts like an internal corset and pulls your waistline inward. It helps get rid of the bulge appearance of the abdomen. I have pictures of this on my page. Best, Dr. Satey.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

you will not appreciate any change in your overall appearances.  You are getting your hernia and diastasis fixed, nothing else.  If you are wanting more, you should check with your surgeons if your contours should be improved with this procedure or not.

John Dean, MD · Answer

If you have a very wide distasis recti, then you can expect your abdomen to look flatter after a repair. If your abdomen has a lot of excess fat and skin, which is not being addressed with the laparoscopic surgery, then you will likely see little difference.

Ronald V. DeMars, MD (Retired) · Answer

Repairing a significant diastasis can help to make an abdomen flatter if that is the cause of the roundness. We have no idea of your anatomy so cannot make any comments on what it would take to get the best results.

I am having laparoscopic umbilical hernia and diastasis recti repair surgery. Will my stomach look flat after?

Answers (7)

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