Should I have a diastasis recti and umbilical hernia repair before or after my next pregnancy?

Hello and thank you for your question.  If you are definitely planning on having another pregnancy in the future, then I would recommend waiting until after you are done having children before having a tummy tuck and hernia repair.  At the right time, this can be done through a low and short
incision, all completely below the bikini line. 
The belly button can be designed to look natural and have no scars on
the exterior.   Your muscles can also be
plicated resulting in a flat abdomen and hernia repair can be done at the same time. 
Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of
real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate
their results.  The most important aspect is to find a surgeon you are
comfortable with. I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified
board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Thank you for your question. Most plastic surgeons recommend waiting until you are finished having children before getting a tummy tuck, as your results might be undone by a future pregnancy. However, if your hernia is causing symptoms, you should have it treated separately. If the hernia is not causing any symptoms or discomfort, waiting until after your final pregnancy to have the tummy tuck with hernia correction can ensure that you have long-lasting results. Good luck.
 

Thank you for your question.For patients who know that they would like to have children in the near future I would recommend waiting to have a tummy tuck.  The recommendation to wait is based upon the fact that a future pregnancy can affect the cosmetic result obtained with a tummy tuck and potentially stretch out the skin and muscles that had been tightened surgically.  It is important to note however that a tummy tuck will not affect a future pregnancy.As for your hernia, if it is symptomatic and causing discomfort I would recommend treatment now but if it is asymptomatic and your concern is strictly cosmetic is nature I would recommend waiting until you are finished having children.I hope that you find this helpful and I wish you all of the best.