Is a Vertical Incision Required for Repair of Diastasis Recti with Umbilical Hernia?

Unless there is something else about your situation that we don't know, most Board Certified plastic surgeons should be able to repair your umbilical hernia, correct the rectus diastasis and remove your loose skin through a horizontal incision in your bikini line.

However, it is possible that the surgeon you saw meant that there may be a small vertical scar (between your pubic area and your belly button) in the skin where your belly button used to be after the loose skin is pulled down and a new opening is made for your belly button. If that is the case (which is likely based on your picture), then this type of scar tends to heal very well.

It may be a good idea to go back to your plastic surgeon and ask for a clarification on this.

Thank you for your question and photograph. A formal consultation and exam is required to to fully answer your question.From your photographs however it appears that your umbilical hernia repair and tummy Tuck may be able to be done through a horizontal incision in the lower abdomen and not require a vertical incision.Be sure to consult a plastic surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, experienced in tummy Tuck, and has an excellent reputation in your community. In my practice I operate with a general surgeon who does the hernia repair and I limited myself to the abdominoplasty.

I obviously have not examined you but by your picture I would not consider a vertical incision for your abdominoplasty.  You would probably end up with standard horizontal incision with a small vertical closure of your old belly button site.

Dr. ES