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

Looking at your picture, I would guess that you would not need a vertical incision and that you would see very nice improvement with a traditional low transverse abdominal incision.  The main reason for the vertical incision is to address significant mid-abdominal laxity that simply cannot be addressed with the traditional incision.  That being said, I generally reserve these incisions for my massive weight loss patients who present with not only significant excess skin but also poor tissue quality.

I hope that helps!

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

An umbilical hernia is easily repaired at the time of rectus diastasis repair. This can all be done through a low horizontal incision as with tummy tuck. There is no reason for vertical incision in this setting

It is not necessary to have a vertical scar to repair your umbilical hernia.

If you undergo a tummy tuck to remove extra skin, the incision will be horizontal.  Most plastic surgeons will repair the umbilical hernia at the time of the tummy tuck.

You may be a candidate for a limited incision tummy tuck. 

From the appearance of your abdomen, it appears that a vertical is not the only solution, Therefore, I would get other opinions prior to proceeding.