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

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.

You would probably do well with minimally invasive radiofrequency skin tightening like Renuvion. the mid scar could be improved with micro-needling or even with Morpheus done at the same time.

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