Can Plastic Surgery Fix my Torn Stomach Muscles and Umbilical Hernia?

For women who don't need a great deal of skin removed (and a hip to hip incision), but need their muscles tightened and an umbilical hernia repaired, they may be a candidate for a hybrid tummy tuck.
The hybrid tummy tuck involves a C-section-type incision with full tightening of the deep fascia, the structure that holds the muscles. Although doctors often refer to tightening the muscles, it is in fact the fascia that is tightened.
The hybrid tummy tuck is not for women who have a great excess of skin and fat. Good candidates are typically fit moms. But for women who have only been offered a full tummy tuck and in fact have primarily a problem of the fascia, the hybrid tummy tuck is just the right thing.

The tummy tuck is a very powerful tool to repair the muscles weakened by pregnancy.  An umbilical hernia can be repaired at the same time as a tummy tuck, but it has to be done very carefully in order to preserve the blood supply to the belly button.  If you do not have enough skin to perform a tummy tuck, it does become a more difficult question.  The general surgeon certainly can repair the umbilical hernia, but it is definitely not typical for them to reconstruct the abdominal wall musculature for your diathesis recti.

Yes, plastic surgery can indeed help address torn stomach muscles (diastasis recti) and an umbilical hernia. It is common for these conditions, especially after pregnancy, to be addressed simultaneously during a tummy tuck procedure. A tummy tuck can repair the abdominal muscles by bringing them back together and also fix an umbilical hernia.
While the standard approach to a tummy tuck often involves removing excess skin, the surgery can be tailored to focus on muscle repair and hernia repair, even if there's not much extra skin. In some cases, a "mini tummy tuck" can be performed with a smaller incision if there is not a significant amount of excess skin. The umbilical hernia can be repaired at the same time, sometimes using a general surgeon for more complex hernia cases.
It is advisable to seek another opinion from an experienced plastic surgeon to explore the best options for your specific case.
Krishna Vyas, MD, PhD, MHSHarvard, Hopkins, & Mayo Clinic Trained Aesthetic Plastic SurgeonNew York, New York

Hello maria7474,

Thank you for reaching out with your concerns. It's not uncommon for individuals, especially mothers who have had multiple pregnancies, to experience muscle separation and umbilical hernias. Fortunately, these issues can often be addressed through plastic surgery procedures like a tummy tuck.

During a tummy tuck, it's quite common for plastic surgeons to repair muscle separation, also known as diastasis recti, and hernias. Some plastic surgeons, like myself, are trained in general surgery techniques and can perform these repairs simultaneously with the tummy tuck procedure.

Muscle separation and umbilical hernias can indeed be valid reasons for considering a tummy tuck, especially if they are causing discomfort or aesthetic concerns. I don't see any issue with addressing both issues during the same surgery, as it can streamline the process and provide comprehensive results.

However, it's always wise to seek a second opinion if you have any doubts or concerns about the initial recommendation. Consulting with another plastic surgeon experienced in abdominal wall reconstruction can provide you with additional insight and options for addressing your specific needs.

I hope this information helps, and I wish you all the best on your journey to a more comfortable and confident abdomen.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

The Mommy Makeover is a combination of procedures to bring a woman’s body back to the way she looked prior to pregnancy. Most commonly some variation of a #TummyTuck and #BreastSurgery are performed. Additional procedures can include liposuction, umbilical hernia repair.  The most common #breastprocedures include #mastopexy or #breastlift, #breastaugmentation, or #breastreduction.    Healing after a  #tummytuck will require time. Some patients are out of bed and walking the night of surgery and every hour while awake. I allow my patients to return to work at one to two weeks with 14 days preferred.  However, no lifting or straining.  At three weeks, increased level of activity and full with no restrictions, at 6 weeks. #MummyTummy is a term given to modified tummy tucks which can use liposuction and skin tightening with radiofrequency such Vanquish, Vela3, thermage, thermiRF and others.  The actual fat contouring can be done non-surgically as well with #UltraShape or Cool-Sculpting.The costs of a #Mommy Makeover will depend on several factors. Such include the geographic location, the skill and experience of the surgeon, and operating room and anesthesia fees.  Also, such #combined operations are often performed with our Gynecology colleagues. Tubal ligation is a common post pregnancy procedure which is done at the time of many of the surgeries included with Mommy Makeovers. Therefore, if you require a gynecologic operation or study (laparoscopy) and are considering a plastic surgery procedure, discuss these issues with your doctor. If your surgeon feels you are a candidate, it may be possible to add additional procedures such as those you mention. #Combining these procedures decreases anesthetics, costs, and recovery time.  Most importantly, your procedures should be performed by a #PlasticSurgeon who is board-certified and has a great deal of experience specializing in cosmetic #surgery. You will then greatly improve your chances of getting the result you desire, and, without the need for a revision surgery. It is suggested that you look at before and after photos of the surgeons actual patients, and read patient reviews. Gathering all of this information will help you make a well-informed decision.

An abdominoplasty can be tailored to address some or all of the problems that a patient may have, as long as it is not intraabdominal.  Hernias can be repaired, some lower abdominal scars removed, muscles tightened, and skin and fat removed, within certain limits.  From your description, I suspect you would probably need an abdominoplasty type incision with abdominal wall tightening (full undermining would be necessary) and probably a limited skin excision.  Of course, a formal consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon is going to be necessary to determine what you can/should have.