Can my Diastasis Recti Be Repaired Without Too Many Scars?

I have a bad case of DR, after two children. Am thinking of having one more before getting the surgery. However, I would like to know if I will have really bad scars afterwards. It would be so nice to actually wear a two piece, something I have not done since I was a teenager. Thanks.

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11 Doctor Answers | Asked by 783466anon in New Jersey

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Diastasis Rectus Repair

Dear Ms. Diastasis New Jersey, Virtually all tummy tucks repair the laxity in the abdominal wall musculature. This always includes repairing the widening between the two central muscles call a diastasis rectus repair. It is part of a normal tummy tuck. By the way, I would guesstimate that at least half the women I perform an abdominoplasty on have an undiagnosed umbilical hernia which I routinely repair at no charge while I am there. Yes, wait till you are done having children... more

Yes, there are excellent procedures available for repair of diastasis recti.

Dear 783466anon: Yes, there are excellent procedures available for repair of diastasis recti. You are correct to finish having children before you consider surgery. Abdominal muscle toning may be worthwhile in the meantime. Plastic surgeons strive to minimize scarring. The abdominoplasty procedure is now done in a variety of ways to address individual patient's conditions and concerns. Your photograph appears to show very lax abdominal muscle... more

Diastasis Recti Be Repaired

Thanks for the photo. Yes you need a DR repair and maybe even with mesh reinforcement. The scar is in the bikini area so I feel your concern is unfounded. It is a trade off of a flat abdomen with a scar in the pubic area vs what you have now. I think it should be a very easy decision.

Two scars

A tummy tuck has 2 main scars. One small one around the belly button and another low one in the bikini area. They usually fade well and fix the diastasis recti. Have your next child first.

Treatment of Rectus Diastasis

Definitely finish childbearing before considering surgery! You likely need a full tummy tuck, as most women do, after multiple pregnancies and a resulting bulging abdominal wall. Scarring results low, hip to hip, and around the belly-button. Goals are definitely to wear a bikini with the scar hidden in normal full coverage bikini briefs. It is usually worth the trade off of scarring, in situations like yours.

The disadvantage of limited scar diastasis recti abdominal muscle repair

Yes a diastasis recti repair can be completed with minimal scarring. However, given the amount of skin distention, I would srongly discuourage you from thiis because I strongly believe you would be left with excessive skin laxity and redundancy which you would find unacceptable.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

33 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Diastasis Recti after 2 pregnancies

I think you would get a wonderful result with a traditional tummy tuck and diastasis recti repair. I would recommend waiting 6 months after your final delivery to ensure the best repair and recovery. In regards to scars, everyone heals differently and your best predictor may be your previous scars. Consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon can educate you on the various scar treatment modalities available to you. I wish you... more

Two Piece Bathing Suits are Possible after a Well-Done Tummy Tuck

Hi there- You would basically need a tummy tuck. A quick review of the photos in the Tummy Tuck or Mommy Makeover galleries on this site I think will make you very comfortable that with a well executed procedure, you will be pleased with your improvement and garment choices... The most important thing is for you to choose your surgeon very carefully, and for the right reasons... Here is some advice on how to do so:

Diastasis repair with both full and mini tummy tuck

Repair of a diastasis or separation of the sit-up muscles after pregnancy is a common step in both full and mini tummy tuck. Each will allow enough exposure to repair the muscle and correct abdominal tone top to bottom. The scar is shorter with mini tummy tuck, and the scar around the belly button is avoided. But if the skin laxity can only be resolved with the full tummy tuck its will be best not to opt for less. Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd

Scarring with Diastasis Repair

Especially if you do have another pregnancy, I think you would be happy with a full tummy tuck at which time your diastasis repair could be performed. Although there is a sigificant scar, it can be hidden in your bikini line (except for the periumbilical scar) where it will be well hidden. I think you would be pleased with the trade-off.