Abdomen After 2 Children
A gap between the abdominal muscles is called rectus diastasis and is not a true hernia. it is important to distinguish between diastasis and hernia. If you have a true hernia (an opening in the strong fascia of the abdominal wall), then a general surgeon can recommend if and when it needs to be repaired.A rectus diastasis is best repaired by full abdominoplasty.
The muscles that have widened during pregnancy are brought back together, which not only flattens the upper and lower abdominal wall, but allows the abdominal muscles to function appropriately in the anatomic position they are meant to be in. There are no non-invasive or minimally invasive procedures that can fix a rectus diastasis.
A consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon will help you to understand abdominoplasty surgery as well as the expected recovery period. Be sure to ask about options such as the on-Q pain pump that can expedite your recovery. (Emily J. Kirby, MD, Fort Worth Plastic Surgeon)
LTA, diastasis and hernia repair
It seems you have loose skin in the abdominal region I may have fascial diastasis or even a hernia. The best way to address all these in one operation to undergo the lateral tension abdominoplasty tummy tuck, repair of the diastasis recti and hernia repair. It would have to be seen in person and examined for precise advice. Your recovery from me a repair would not be much shorter than the tummy tuck. (Kevin Tehrani, MD, FACS, New York Plastic Surgeon)
Stretched skin and loss of muscle support after pregnancy require a tummy tuck for improvement. I am sorry you had all these changes from your pregnancy and hope your children are doing well. Although a photo is needed to be sure, your description very strongly suggests that you will need a tummy tuck to improve your tummy.
The hernia can be repaired at the same time. Hernia repair alone is unlikely to be enough. Always consult a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. (Elizabeth Morgan, MD, PhD, Atlanta Plastic Surgeon)
Rectus diastasis repair
From what you describe you probably have a rectus diastasis and possibly an umbilical hernia. A rectus diastasis is where the fibrous tube that the rectus muscle is encased stretches apart, usually due to pregnancy. Lying down and lifting your legs and head off the ground you will see an often 5 to15 cm bulge that runs down the middle of the abdomen from the breastbone (sternum) to pubis. An umbilical hernia is a bulge that occurs at the bellybutton when you strain and feels like you can push tissue back in with your finger.
A consult with a plastic surgeon would confirm this. If you have these, situps will not normally correct the problem and usually a mini or full abdominoplasty is required. Both can be repaired at the same time.The length of the scar is dependent upon the amount of skin required to be removed to tighten the abdomen. If you don’t have a lot of excess skin a mini-abdominoplasty is a good option. (Ross Horton, MD, FRCSC, British Columbia Plastic Surgeon)
Is tummy tuck the best option for me? What other options are out there for me?
You may be a good candidate for a tummy tuck, but additional information and an exam are always helpful to assess candidacy. (Kenneth B. Hughes, MD, Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon)
Surgical options after children
An in-person exam would be very helpful to determine if you have a hernia vs. a rectus diastasis (muscle separation). If there is a true hernia, with bulge of abdominal contents (intestines) through the abdominal muscle wall, then you will likely require a consultation with a general surgeon. It is likely from your description that you may have an umbilical hernia with a muscle separation. Unfortunately, no amount of exercise will bring the muscles back together, lessen any hernia, or decrease the excess skin with stretch marks. Best to see a board certified plastic surgeon in your area for an in-person exam. Good luck. (Matthew H. Steele, MD, Fort Worth Plastic Surgeon)