American Society of Plastic Surgeons
For Medical Professionals
 
DawnImpermanent
2 years ago
Answered

Fix diastasis recti and umbilical hernia in one operation please?

I have up to a 4 finger width abdominal separation under my belly button as well as an umbilical hernia, with a bit of skin laxity below and above my belly button, with little/no fat present. Is there a surgeon out there that can tell me if they are able to fix these three things in one operation? If so, will a FAB or extended mini abdominoplasty be possible? Or is a full abdominoplasty needed?

Procedure: Tummy Tuck
Location: weaverville, NC

Replies 5

Gary Culbertson
ASPS Surgeon
Add to Favorites

Yes, your issue is not that uncommon. Groin & belly button hernia's are usually fixed at the time of a patients cosmetic surgical procedure. Please take a look at the Before & After/ Body Plastic Surgery/ Girth- LipoAbdominoplasty at out Web Site: Patient #10 (https://garyculbertson.com/body-plastic-surgery-before-and-after/ ).

Tummy Tuck's or LipoAbdominoplasty's are not a service covered by your insurance carrier. Hernia repair can be and is usually done as a seperate procedure at a different sitting.

Best,

Gary R Culbertson, MD, FACS

More
Ellis Tavin
ASPS Surgeon
Add to Favorites

Just to add to Dr. Culbertson’s response-hernia repair can be done at the same time as a tummy tuck. In my group we often coordinate with a hernia surgeon who is able to get insurance coverage for his part of the surgery.

More
Chao-Chuan Wu
ASPS Int. Surgeon

The problems produced due to pregnancy of laxed abdominal skin, rectus abdominis muscle separation, and umbilical hernia, there is only the full abdominoplasty can deal with all these three problems in one operation.

More
Nelson Castillo

Thank you for sharing your question. Yes, all three portions of concern can be fixed with a single operation. In most cases for patients having excess/loose skin above and below the belly button a full tummy tuck will be needed.

More
 Show more Replies  Replies 2 less
Michelle Copeland
ASPS Surgeon
Add to Favorites

Thank you for sharing! The main difference between the 2 procedures is that the mini-tummy tuck doesn't require moving or reconstructing the navel and the incision is shorter than the one made in a full tummy tuck. Pregnancy induced rectus diastasis can cause a significant shape change to the abdominal wall, even for very slender patients. Because the tissue between the muscles has been permanently stretched, no amount of exercise will restore the shape of the abdomen. Rectus diastasis is repaired through the surgical technique of an abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck. This skin is lifted near the pubic hair, and elevated to the level of the breast bone. The muscles are tightened in the midline where the tissue had been stretched by pregnancy. Permanent stitches are often used. In the most severe cases, mesh is used to reinforce the central repair area. A hernia repair can also be done at the same time. I suggest making an appt. with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss options.

More
Logo

Patient Care Center