Tummy Tuck: Prices, Photos, Reviews, Info, Q&A

Diastasis Recti and Umbilical Hernia Repair During Tummy Tuck

The separation of the muscles of the abdomen is common after having children. This diastasis recti can be repaired at the time of surgery. Umbilical hernias can be repaired at this time as well. See your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and together you will come up with a plan. (Jeffrey Roth, MD, Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon)

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

The torn muscles leave a midline defect of variable width. This is known as diastasis recti and can be repaired during a tummy tuck. If there is an umbilical hernia present it can be repaired at the same time with local muscle tissue. (Thomas Guillot, MD, Baton Rouge Plastic Surgeon)

Abdominoplasty and hernia repair

The separation between the abdominal muscles is called diastasis recti. This can be repaired during a tummy tuck. In addition, an umbilical hernia can be repaired at the same time usually with local muscle tissue. Most surgeons do not use mesh for the umbilical hernia repair. (Paul Vitenas, Jr., MD, Houston Plastic Surgeon)

I would recommend that you get a second opinion for a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. I think it would be highly unusual to not have loose skin following 5 pregnancies. Make certain the Surgeon you choose is reputable and experienced. Best wishes! (Christine Sullivan, MD, Columbus Plastic Surgeon)

The simple answer to your question is NO, this does NOT sound right to me. You seem like the PERFECT candidate for abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) because of your multiple pregnancies, ideal body weight, and diastasis recti (muscles spread apart). The umbilical hernia will be corrected as part of the procedure. Tummy tuck was designed for women like you.

Tummy tuck and hernia repair photo

You are welcome to come to San Diego, non-stop from Boise, but would need to stay a while after the procedure. (Steve Laverson, MD, San Diego Plastic Surgeon)

Tummy Tuck after childbirth

Definitely get a second opinion. The umbilical hernia can be repaired during the surgical procedure. If the hernia is too big sometimes a general surgeon can assist in the operating room. The split can definitely be fixed by suturing the fascia surrounding the muscle.

Tummy tuck surgery and hernia repair

Usually after having that many children you would be an ideal candidate for the tummy tuck procedure. (Miguel Delgado, Jr., MD, San Francisco Plastic Surgeon)

Loose muscles tightened with tummy tuck

We regularly tighten loose abdominal muscles with a tummy tuck. Most often we will remove excess skin as well, though I have seen patients who have such elastic skin, that they do not have a lot of excess. Still, in those cases, we can treat the muscle looseness and just trim a small amount of skin, doing what used to be called an endoscopic abdominoplasty. It never hurts to get a second opinion. (Mario Loomis, MD, Middletown Plastic Surgeon)

Full correction with a tummy tuck

Tummy tuck and hernia repair image

It seems to me that you are an ideal candidate for a tummy tuck. An experienced and talented surgeon should be able to assess your abdominal wall anatomy and decide what needs to be fixed. Even if you don’t have enough skin, the entire muscle diastasis (splitting) can be fixed. There is not one “cookie cutter” approach to a tummy tuck. In my practice we tailor each tummy tuck for every patient, only in this fashion one can obtain an ideal result. (Boris M. Ackerman, MD, Newport Beach Plastic Surgeon)

Get a second opinion for your tummy tuck

Tummy tuck operation and hernia repair

It sounds like you would be an excellent candidate for an umbilical hernia repair, a repair of the diastasis recti, and most definitely a tummy tuck. In your case, you would benefit from lifting up the skin and underlying fact and an assessment of the muscles. The plastic surgeon at that time can repair the umbilical hernia and the diastasis recti.

Excess skin and fat can then be removed at that time as well as any stretch marks or extra skin. If the hernia is particularly complicated, the plastic surgeon may choose to perform additional studies such as a CT scan before surgery or enlist the help of a general surgeon at the time of tummy tuck.

Definitely get a second opinion as after five children, an umbilical hernia, and separated muscles, you’ve earned your tummy tuck! (Pat Pazmino, MD, Miami Plastic Surgeon)

Tummy tuck and hernia repair and split muscle after pregnancy

Abdominoplasty and hernia repair

I agree that you should seek a second opinion. Even if all you needed was the hernia repair and repair of the widened abdominal muscles, this would be best accomplished through a tummy tuck type of incision to avoid a more visible scar. However, it would be unusual to not have any loose skin after 5 pregnancies, even in women who are thin.

The umbilical hernia and widening of the muscles is a common complaint after pregnancy, and can easily be addressed at the time of the tummy tuck. It’s possible for this to be done through a mini tummy tuck incision, but I cannot speak for your case in particular without examining you. Another benefit of removing excess skin is getting rid of some stretch marks.

As for what type of surgeon repairs the hernia, it can be done by a plastic surgeon or general surgeon, depending on the surgeon’s preference. (Anita Patel, MD, Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon)

Tummy tuck and hernia

WIthout examining you, I couldn’t be sure, but many women who have had several pregnancies usually have enough skin laxity to performe a tummy tuck surgery. Sometimes, plastic surgeons combine the umbilical hernia repair with a tummy tuck and get the asisstance of a general surgeon. (Steven Wallach, MD, Manhattan Plastic Surgeon)