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Michael A. Bogdan, MD answers: Is a tummy tuck required to fix diastasis recti?

After having twins and another child, my abdominal muscles have stretched apart, causing about a 3 inch space between the two. Can I get the diastasis recti repaired without having a full tummy tuck? 

If this can be done, how would a surgeon go about doing it? And will it create more excess skin? Perhaps a mini tummy tuck would be better?


Michael A. Bogdan, MD
13 months ago

Bringing the muscles back together is a major component of a "standard" tummy tuck, the other part being removal of excess skin. There are different versions of "mini" tummy tucks, one of which would fix your diastasis. When people refer to a mini tummy tuck, they are talking about the visible scar being shorter than a standard tummy tuck. With a mini, the scar is the length of a c-section scar, and standard is hip-bone to hip-bone. If your surgeon uses the endoscope, your diastasis can be repaired through a mini scar. Although this is possible, most patients would still really benefit from the major change afforded by resetting skin tone that is possible with the standard incision length. There are many excellent Board Certified plastic surgeons in NYC - visit with one and discuss your goals, and get their opinions regarding your options.

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