Welcome to PLASTICS and LYMPHATICS
Fulham Palace Road, London, UK

Rebuilding Strength: What Abdominal Wall Reconstruction Can Do for You

If you’re living with a hernia, muscle weakness, or a complex abdominal wall defect, you may feel limited — physically, emotionally, and even socially. Abdominal wall reconstruction isn’t just about repair. It’s about restoring strength, function, and confidence.

At Plastics & Lymphatics, we offer advanced abdominal wall reconstruction techniques designed to help you move more freely, feel more supported, and get back to living life on your terms.


🧠 What Is Abdominal Wall Reconstruction?

Abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR) is a surgical procedure that restores the structure and function of your abdominal muscles. It’s often recommended if you’ve had:

  • A large or recurrent hernia
  • Previous failed hernia repairs
  • Muscle separation or weakness
  • Divarication of the rectus sheath — a condition where the abdominal muscles separate along the midline, often after pregnancy or weight changes
  • Complex wounds or infections after surgery

AWR helps rebuild your core, reduce pain, and prevent future complications — especially if your condition affects movement, digestion, or posture.


Techniques We Use

Depending on your anatomy and goals, we may use:

Component Separation

This technique allows us to close large defects by gently releasing muscle layers and repositioning them for a tension-free repair.

Mesh Reinforcement

We use biologic or synthetic mesh to strengthen your abdominal wall and reduce recurrence risk — especially in cases of hernia or divarication.

Layered Closure

We reconstruct each layer of your abdominal wall to restore natural tension, support, and contour.

Abdominal Wall Botox

In selected cases, we use ultrasound guided Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections to temporarily relax the abdominal muscles before surgery.

This technique can:

  • Reduce tension during closure
  • Improve outcomes in large or complex reconstructions
  • Minimize the need for extensive muscle release

Botox is typically administered 2–4 weeks before surgery, and its effects last long enough to support healing during the critical early phase.

We’ll discuss your options, always prioritizing safety, durability, and recovery.


Who Might Benefit

You might be a candidate for AWR if:

  • You’ve had multiple hernia surgeries that didn’t hold
  • You’re experiencing divarication of the rectus sheath with core instability or bulging
  • You feel unsupported in your abdomen or lower back
  • You experience pain, digestive issues, or difficulty with movement
  • You’ve lost confidence in your body’s strength

We’ll assess your scans, medical history, and lifestyle to create a plan that’s tailored to you.


What Results Can You Expect?

Abdominal wall reconstruction can help you:

  • Regain core strength and stability
  • Reduce pain and improve posture
  • Fit better in clothing
  • Return to physical activity with confidence

Recovery varies depending on the complexity of your case, but most people begin walking within days and feel significantly stronger within weeks. We’ll guide you through every step — from pre-op preparation to long-term healing.


Questions You Might Be Asking

  • Will my hernia or divarication come back?
  • What’s the difference between mesh types?
  • How long will I be in hospital?

We’ll answer each with clarity and visuals — helping you feel informed, supported, and ready.


If your abdominal wall feels weak, unstable, or compromised, reconstruction might be the solution.

Let’s rebuild your strength — and help you move through life with confidence and ease.