Integrating Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery: A Case Report on Abdominoplasty with Polypropylene Mesh for Rectus Diastasis and Ventral Hernia Repair

Background: Rectus abdominis diastasis (RAD) is the excessive widening of the midline separation between rectus abdominis muscles, commonly seen in postpartum women and middle-aged men with central obesity. Severe cases can cause abdominal wall dysfunction and ventral hernias, necessitating surgical intervention. This report highlights a collaborative approach integrating aesthetic and functional reconstruction.Case Report: A 41-year-old woman presented with persistent abdominal bulging after her third vaginal delivery. A CT scan confirmed a 7 cm RAD with a ventral hernia. Given the need for both functional repair and cosmetic enhancement, a multidisciplinary team performed the surgery. The plastic surgery team began with an abdominoplasty incision, followed by the digestive surgeon’s laparotomy for abdominal wall reconstruction with polypropylene mesh. The procedure concluded with aesthetic refinement by the plastic surgeon. The patient recovered well, with significant symptomatic improvement and no complications. Discussion: This case emphasizes the value of an interdisciplinary approach in managing RAD with ventral hernias. Combining abdominoplasty with mesh-reinforced repair offers both functional and aesthetic benefits. Mesh reinforcement ensures durability and prevents recurrence, making it superior to suture plication alone. Collaboration between plastic and digestive surgeons enables comprehensive restoration of abdominal wall integrity while achieving optimal cosmetic outcomes.Conclusion: A combined surgical approach using abdominoplasty and polypropylene mesh reinforcement effectively addresses both functional and aesthetic concerns in RAD with ventral hernia, ensuring long-term structural integrity and enhanced patient satisfaction.