Hernia, diastasis recti - is there a way to repair it without a tummy tuck? (Photo)

Question

46yo female with 2 abdominal hernias and diastastis recti. I need the hernias repaired and would like to get the diastasis recti repaired as well. I went to a general surgeon and he said he could only repair the hernias and couldn’t do anything for the diastasis recti. He recommended I seek out a plastic surgeon for the DR repair. In my research, I’ve only seen the repair done in tandem with a tummy tuck. Is there a way to repair it with out the tummy tuck? My DR is measured 5.8cm wide.

Kyle Summers, DO · Answer

The two best ways to fix a DR is either in conjunction with a tummy tuck or via laparoscopic means. Keep in mind, you might get a better result doing a tummy tuck as they can also remove any excess skin that might potentially be there. Also, you can do a tummy tuck incision, fix the diastasis, and not have to redo or move the belly button or even remove any skin, depending on the skill and comfort level of your surgeon.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear RrueNew,

it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. You can get hernia repair and diastasis recti repair without skin removal. 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, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Andrew Ray, DO · Answer

My suggestion would be to have a general surgeon experienced in laparoscopic or robotic hernia surgery repair the hernias. Then seek out a cosmetic or plastic surgeons to repair the diastasis.

Can the surgery be done without a tummy tuck? Yes.

However if you are having your diastasis repaired electively there is almost no downside to doing a tummy tuck especially considering the amount of laxity your have around your belly button and lower abdomen. That being said it’s’ not an obligation.

Additional once your hernia’s are repaired, there is not necessarily a need to fix the diastasis unless it’s causing back pain, or functional issues.

Daniel Careaga, MD · Answer

A diastasis is a weakening of the abdominal muscles usually caused by pregnancies. It is considered a cosmetic issue. When a general surgeon repairs a hernia with a mesh as yours most likely would, they are repairing the hole of these hernia only. In order to repair a diastasis the surgeon has to lift essentially all the skin off of the abdominal muscles to be able to have access to the length of the entire muscle&hellip; this can really only be done with a tummy tuck.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Your hernia and diastasis is almost always symptomatic, negating the need for surgical repair. If you are wanting to repair them for cosmetic reasons, then there is every reason to also want a tummy tuck.

Hernia, diastasis recti - is there a way to repair it without a tummy tuck? (Photo)

Answers (5)