Would a tummy tuck enhance the cosmetic result of my stomach after hernia and diastasis recti repair? (photos)

Question

I had a hernia repair done laparoscopically and while the surgeon was in there is closed up the middle part of my diastasis recti. The cosmetic result is unfortunate. I was proud of the way my stomach looked after having 3 babies but now looking at it makes me so sad. I don’t have a lot of excess skin, just a little above my belly button so I don’t know what my options are.

Ramin Behmand, MD, FACS · Answer

It seems the surgeon had good intentions, but closing a gap between the muscles without releasing the overlying skin from the muscle separation can lead to issues like skin bunching. The good news is that this problem can be fixed.  You have two options, and these are both based on the fact that the skin needs to be separated from the underlying muscle to heal smoothly without bunching.

1. Endoscopic Approach: This involves a small incision above the belly button. The endoscope would be used to release the skin from the muscles that were brought together in the first surgery, resolving the skin bunching. This approach is less invasive.

Tummy Tuck: If you have enough skin laxity, a tummy tuck would provide the smoothest and most refined results. It would also allow for the repair of the residual muscle separation that is visible in the photos.  However, it does involve more recovery time and the tummy tuck incision.

Dr. B.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and for sharing your photos. By examining them, I can confirm that a tummy tuck would indeed enhance the cosmetic appearance of your stomach following your hernia and diastasis recti repair. While your hernia repair successfully addressed the functional issues, it did not address the excess skin and creases that are now present. This is a common concern for patients in similar situations.

A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) will smooth out the creases and remove the small amount of excess skin above your belly button. Additionally, this procedure will refine the contour of your abdomen, giving it a flatter and more aesthetically pleasing appearance. Since your diastasis recti has already been partially repaired, your surgeon can further enhance the muscle tightening if necessary during the tummy tuck.

Even though you don't have significant excess skin, a tummy tuck would still be the ideal procedure to restore a more youthful and toned look to your abdomen. I encourage you to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and determine the best surgical plan to achieve the results you desire.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear ginvan02,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Ajaya Kashyap, MD · Answer

Thank you for your query. You do not have enough loose skin to have a tummy tuck. In this situation I usually do a subcision, where the skin is stuck, to release it and add some autologous fat as a spacer and also  to improve the contours. It usually works very well. Please find an experienced board certified Plastic surgeon who can examine you and help you with all your concerns

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

It's unclear from the photos if you have enough excess skin for a tummy tuck.  If you do it would be a more minimal approach tummy tuck as only skin needs to be addressed.  It may be that just an umbilicoplasty would be sufficient.  Visit with a board certified plastic surgeon near you to learn more.

Joel Patrick Maier, MD · Answer

Indeed, it looks like your excess skin will need attention. Lower skin excision with umbilical transposition will be needed to help tighten and clean up the appearance of your tummy. This will be a skin-only procedure as the muscles are already tight so the recovery will not be as extensive as a traditional tummy tuck.

Would a tummy tuck enhance the cosmetic result of my stomach after hernia and diastasis recti repair? (photos)

Answers (12)

Answer: Tummy tuck after hernia and diastasis repair with little loose skin

Answer: Tummy tuck after hernia and diastasis repair with little loose skin

Answer: Tummy tuck?

Answer: Tummy tuck?

Answer: Diastasis repair

Answer: Diastasis repair

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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

Would a tummy tuck enhance the cosmetic result of my stomach after hernia and diastasis recti repair? (photos)

Answers (12)

Answer: Tummy tuck after hernia and diastasis repair with little loose skin

Answer: Tummy tuck after hernia and diastasis repair with little loose skin

Answer: Tummy tuck?

Answer: Tummy tuck?

Answer: Diastasis repair

Answer: Diastasis repair

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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