Tummy Still Bulges After Umbilical Hernia Repair

Question

After the birth of my son 4 years ago (delivered by c-section) I was told during my pregnancy my baby had torn my stomach muscles in two. I was advised I had a ventral hernia but had to decide if we were going to have more children before having it repaired. I recently saw a different Dr who advised of umbilical hernia & carried out a repair. I still have a very 'bulbous' stomach, and wonder if I need further surgery? Will exercise sort it? I get very unhappy with my tummy.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

You may want to undertake a 3 month course of core strengthening exercises using a Pilates type regimen. If this fails I would consider consultation with 3 different plastic surgeons to discover your candidacy for a tummy tuck.

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

An umbilical hernia is a bulge directly in the belly button, so repairing it would not fix a problem of separated muscles. Although both conditions can be related to pregnancy, a tummy tuck is usually necessary for a complete repair and contour correction.

Scott E. Kasden, MD, FACS · Answer

It sonds to me like you have two issues.  You had a "true" hernia in your navel, and it was repaired.  You need to follow with your doctor to be sure you don't have a recurrence however.

	The second problem is a "separation" of the two muscle sheets in the front of the abdomen, the recti.  This is called a diastasis (or separation) recti, and is not a true hernia.The second problem is treated with a tummy tuck, and is best to wait until after you are finished having children.

Tummy Still Bulges After Umbilical Hernia Repair

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