Fixing Post Pregnancy Belly After Hernia Repair?

Thank you for your question regarding your post-pregnancy belly after hernia repair. Based on your description and photos, it sounds like your abdominal muscles have separated (a condition known as rectus diastasis) and no amount of diet or exercise is able to correct it. This is a common issue for many women after pregnancy, and it often requires surgical intervention.

A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) would be the most effective way to address your concerns. It not only removes excess skin and fat but also tightens the abdominal muscles, which can restore a flatter and more toned appearance. While you mentioned being afraid of a tummy tuck, it is important to know that many patients in your situation experience life-changing results from this procedure, and it can help improve both the appearance and function of your abdominal muscles.

Since you’ve just had hernia repair surgery two weeks ago, you’ll need to allow your body adequate time to heal before undergoing another surgery. Most plastic surgeons recommend waiting 3 to 6 months after a hernia repair to ensure your body is fully recovered before considering a tummy tuck. This gives your tissues enough time to heal and lowers the risk of complications.

If you're not ready for a full tummy tuck, you could also discuss the option of a mini tummy tuck with your plastic surgeon. This is less invasive but still addresses the lower abdomen, although it may not provide the muscle tightening you need.

Please consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options. They can help you determine the best approach and timeframe for achieving your desired results.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

It’s not unusual for women to develop redundant saggy skin,
weakened abdominal muscles, diastasis recti, stretch marks and fat accumulation
following pregnancy. In many cases these problems are refractory to diet and
exercise and for this reason correction usually requires abdominoplasty
surgery.Although
it’s impossible to make a specific recommendation without a physical
examination, your history and pictures suggest the presence of significant skin
sag with associated laxity of the abdominal wall muscles. Under these
circumstances, correction will usually require a full abdominoplasty with
muscle tightening. This
procedure should be delayed for at least three to six months. This delay will
allow adequate time for additional weight loss and further recovery from your
hernia repair.Unfortunately
abdominoplasty is the only treatment option that can effectively address this
problem. It’s therefore important to consult a board certified plastic surgeon
with experience performing this type of surgery. This surgeon should be able to
formulate a treatment plan that addresses both your anatomic findings and
aesthetic goals.

The most common reason is laxity of the abdominal fascia or weakness/separation of the abdominal muscles.  Another reason is that some people store fat around internal organs and the only solution would be weight loss followed by a tummy tuck.  Without examining you it is difficult to say how much of an improvement you would get with surgery alone.