Is the only way to fix a 5.5 cm diastasis recti with abdominoplasty?

Thank you for sharing your question. Unfortunately the only way to correct either/both the diastasis and umbilical hernia is through surgery.  Whether or not skin removal needs to take place can only be assessed with an in-person examination of your abdominal tissues.  Hope this helps.

Vibella.   Photographs and or examination would be helpful to fully evaluate your particular situation. Unfortunately, there is no other way to correct diastases recti other than abdominoplasty. However if you do not have enough redundant skin, then that would be an issue. You can certainly elect to not treat for diastases, however A general surgeon should evaluate your umbilical hernia and need for repair. I recommend that you see me or another board-certified plastic surgeon in the area to explore all options for your other abdominal issues. Good luck.

The only way to repair a wide diastasis recti and an umbilical hernia is with surgery. Umbilical
hernias are frequently repaired at the time of the tummy tuck. Some plastic
surgeons will have a general surgeon perform the umbilical repair, but most
will repair the hernia themselves.Most patients prefer undergoing one
anesthesia and one recovery period which is usually more cost effective.
The  additional
risk is delayed or non-healing of the umbilicus because of compromise of the
blood supply to the belly button from the dissection. 
Keep
in mind that following advice from a surgeon on this or any other website who
proposes to tell you what to do without examining you, physically feeling your
tissue, assessing your desired outcome, taking a full medical history and
discussing the pros and cons of each operative procedure would not be in your
best interest. I would suggest that you find a surgeon certified by the
American Board of American Plastic Surgery and one who is ideally a member of
The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) that you trust and
are comfortable with. If you live outside of the United States, the surgeon should
ideally be a member of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
(ISAPS). You should discuss your concerns with that surgeon in
person.
Robert
Singer, M.D., FACS
La
Jolla, California