Will my stomach go down after hernia surgery? (Photo)

Question

I had my first child in May 2014. I ended up getting a hernia above my belly button from pushing him out. I am very small built, only 5ft about 125lb but my stomach pokes a lot. I was told to not work out because it could cause it to burst. So I do light work outs to try to tighten my stomach but not strain on it too much, but I see no results at all. Is it because of my hernia? And will the removal of the hernia cause my stomach to go down a bit?

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. It is difficult to give advise based on these photographs alone.   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

Shlomo Widder, MD · Answer

Dear J,   Thanks for submitting your pictures, though the left one is not showing much and the right one is too dark. But if I see correctly, you have significant muscles laxity with additional bulge.    From my 29 years of practice and performing over 1000 tummy tucks, I can tell you that most likely you have diasthesis recti (muscles separation) due to the stretching during the pregnancy. It is possible that you have epigastric (upper abdomen) hernia , but it is unlikely.    Any experienced board certified plastic surgeon can easily tell you what condition you have.   In any event, only tummy tuck surgery will give you flat stomach. If you have epigastric hernia, it can be repaired during the tummy tuck surgery by your plastic surgeon.    You have to realize that not all results are the same, because experience, skills and aesthetic eye are critical for good and safe outcome.   So do your due diligence and choose wisely. Check the before and after pictures in the photo gallery to make sure that they are numerous, consistent and attractive.          Best of luck,                               Dr Widder

Christian Subbio, MD · Answer

If this is an isolated hernia, without any other concerns as far as abdominal contour and cosmetics, your best resource would be a general surgeon.  It is difficult to assess with your photos whether or not this is a true "hernia", or simply a bulge.  Either way, I think your first step should be an assessment with a general surgeon, who can discuss whether or not this is a true hernia, requiring a mesh repair.Best of luck!Dr. SubbioBoard-Certified Plastic SurgeonNewtown Square/Philadelphia, PA

Will my stomach go down after hernia surgery? (Photo)

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Will my stomach go down after hernia surgery? (Photo)

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.