What should I be asking surgeons for correction of diastasis recti and umbilical hernia? What answers do I want to hear? (Photo)

Hello,There is no specific questions to ask that will help you distinguish between surgeons regarding hernia repair and rectus repair. Most surgeons use a permanent stitch that is used to repair both the hernia and the diastasis. However, you should ask you surgeon if he uses progressive tension sutures and avoids the use of drains. This is the state of the art of tummy tucks, and repeated data shows that abdominoplasties performed without drains have a lower incidence of seromas, the most common complication of tummy tucks.  This is part of what I call a comprehensive abdominoplasty.Best of luck!

For you I will sugest doing tummy tuck and hernia repare at same moment of Surgery. You will look amazing!! Try to get some waist and flank liposuction to take a great shape!!Dr Silvia Aviles Dominican certified plastic surgeon hand and microsurgery. Louisville ky

are routinely repaired when I do tummy tuck.  If your surgeon is a participating provider and your total costs in the end will be less (make sure they do the math and you won't be asked to pay more later) when involving insurance, then go with that surgeon, simply to save dollars.  Otherwise, if your other surgeon is willing to repair both without any additional costs to the tummy tuck procedure, you could go with him/her.  Choose well so you are not surprised by more costs later as often happens with insurance cases.

You should ask how many of these procedures he or she has performed.  What are the risks and possible complications.  How long is the recovery and what are the restrictions.

For the layperson it is difficult to select the right Plastic Surgeon.  So it is best to go to someone who has been in practice a long time and has a great reputation in the community.  Don't forget safety, you might to ask him/her if they have a 100% safety record.

Thanks for your question.  I don't have the magic answer (or question) but would suggest that you select by a combination of receiving a sense of confidence and trust and reviewing reputation, personality, empathy and before and after photos.Most patients with umb. hernias and a rectus diastasis have had one or more pregnancies and usually do very well if they're at a healthy and maintainable weight.  One consideration for you would be if you have too much stored internal belly fat (visceral fat) that will work against good tightening of your stomach muscles.  If so (based on an exam in person) you would be better off losing some of that weight before proceeding.Good luck and enjoy what should be dramatic results.
Jon A Perlman MD FACS
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Extreme Makeover Surgeon ABC TV

Best of Los Angeles Award 2015, 2016
Beverly Hills, Ca