Possible to correct umbilical hernia w/o doing Tummy Tuck to correct full Diastasis recti? I just want my inny back! (photo)

Question

I don't really have much loose skin for tummy tuck, and it has been tightening a lot over time, but I feel that my belly button is unsightly and I want it corrected. Please advise!

Yily De Los Santos, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.To repair the umbilical hernia you don't need a TT. But the hernia and muscle wall can be repaired together with a tummy tuck or other procedure. Make an appointment with a certified board plastic surgeon for a full examination and see which type of treatment fix you best.Have a nice day!

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Umbilical hernias are quite common and occur in the setting of a previous surgery, pregnancy, or diastasis recti. We treat umbilical hernias with or without correction of diastasis recti using a combination approach that corrects redundant skin in the lower abdomen and around the belly button. If there is a lot of skin, we would use a tummy tuck scar whereas smaller corrections can be performed using just the belly button incision which is well hidden inside your belly button.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Daniel A. Medalie, MD · Answer

HI,It may be possible to perform a "mini" tummy tuck with umbilical float on you. This would involve removing some of the lower skin, lifting the belly button off of the abdominal wall and correcting the hernia and diastasis. The belly button would then be lowered a little to tighten some of that upper skin. In this way the scar could stay very low on the abdominal wall and the muscle laxity could also be corrected.All my best,Daniel A. Medalie, MD

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

It is  possible to repair an umbilical hernia without a full tummy tuck, however repairing the muscle separation usually does require an abdominoplasty. Best of luck

Adam Tattelbaum, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions and for your photographs.It is certainly possible to repair an umbilical hernia without a full tummy tuck, but generally repair of the muscle separation or diastasis does require an abdominoplasty.From the photos that you have sent you have significant skin laxity above the bellybutton.  You also have significant separation of the abdominal muscles.  By performing a pinch test your plastic surgeon could guide you as to which type of procedure would be best to accomplish your goals.I have included the link to the different types of tummy tucks that can be performed.  I hope that this helps.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Assuming post pregnancy??? Unfortunately the excess skin supre=a umbilical is very hard to correct without leaving a significant scar....

Brent Birely, MD · Answer

When it comes to the tummy area, almost anything you can think of is possible. You can get an umbilical hernia repair alone, a procedure covered by insurance. You can also get it done with muscle tightening, with liposuction, with lower tummy tuck, with full tummy tuck. Or you can get any combination of the above procedures. It all depends upon your physical exam and your goals/desires.

Emily J. Kirby, MD · Answer

Yes! It is possible to have your umbilical hernia repaired, along with rectus diastasis during a full tummy tuck.  Ask your board certified plastic surgeon if he/she feels comfortable repairing this or if a general surgeon needs to be involved.  Most plastic surgeons will repair a small hernia for you.  Be sure you choose a surgeon board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery for the best results.  Best of luck to you!

James R. Benjamin, MD (retired) · Answer

Umbilical hernia repair is possible without performing a formal tummy tuck. Repair of diastasis recti is accomplished with a tummy tuck. This is correct but very simplistic advise. Please be examined and counseled by a Plastic Surgeon to be sure of what you want. Then and only then make the decision regarding the surgical procedure.

Kevin L. Smith, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Thanks for your question and photos. It looks like you might be a candidate for an "umbilical float" abdominoplasty. You have abdominal "roundness" from your muscle stretch (diastasis) and this has also led to your umbilical hernia. An "umbilical float" abdominoplasty uses the same bikini line incision but does not make an incisionaround your belly button. The skin is elevated off the muscles and the diastasis and hernia are repaired and the belly button is reattached to your muscles with the removal of only a little skin from your lower abdomen.You might be pleased to know that abdominoplasty surgery has been revolutionized over the past few years by techniques that eliminate the use of drains (Progressive Tension Suture Technique) and by the use of EXPAREL. EXPAREL is an injectable numbing medicine that we inject into the muscles and incisions at the time of surgery that makes recovery much easier. We have found in our patients that narcotic usage is decreased 50-60% post-operatively when we us EXPAREL and patients are up and about much more quickly than before.Seek consultation from an experienced board certified plastic surgeon (or two) to learn about your options. Good luck.

Possible to correct umbilical hernia w/o doing Tummy Tuck to correct full Diastasis recti? I just want my inny back! (photo)

Answers (10)

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