Plastic surgery assessment
Functional and aesthetic planning for diastasis: when a plastic surgery approach complements the minimally invasive repair of the abdominal wall.
Indications
- Excess skin or abdominal laxity after pregnancy or weight loss
- Extensive stretch marks
- Need for skin re-draping after midline reconstruction
- Aesthetic goals requiring abdominoplasty
- Functional repair with midline hernia or diastasis
How we assess it
The abdominal wall surgeon and plastic surgeon assess the patient together. They evaluate the linea alba, hernias, skin quality, fat distribution, scars and the patient's expectations.
A shared surgical plan is then defined, which may include a single-stage or staged procedure depending on the complexity and the patient's priorities.
Functional first
The priority is to reconstruct the abdominal wall and treat any hernia. Aesthetic procedures are added only when they are safe and appropriate for the patient.
Recovery
Recovery after combined surgery is longer than after minimally invasive repair alone. Drain management, wound care and progressive rehabilitation are planned individually.
