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Is This Diastasis Recti?

asked 10 months ago by newmeat30 in Charlotte, NC
Latest answer by Rodger Wade Pielet, MD
Question viewed 1,024 times
Tags: after pregnancy, diastasis recti

I can feel and see an large mound/lump on my abdomen when I lean back slightly while sitting or standing. Is it diastasis recti? I first noticed this lump while pregnant with my first child (gained 20 lbs, 5 lb baby). I was so huge with my second child that I didn't notice it (gained 50 lbs, 8.6 lb baby). I've lost 30 lbs since Jan. but I notice that the area just above my belly button continues to protrude.

12 answers to Is This Diastasis Recti?

+1

Weakness of the abdominal wall (rectus diastasis)

Based on your photo it does appear that you have rectus diastasis, which is a weakness of the abdominal wall. This does not represent a hernia, which is a defect or hole in the abdominal wall. This weakness would be repaired and tightened at the time of a tummy tuck. A board certified plastic surgeon can examine you and determine the extent of your abdominal wall weakness. Best wishes, Dr.Bruno
William Bruno, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

www.williambrunomd.com

+1

Diastasis recti

The photos you sent and the description of your post partum abdomen sounds like a clinical diastase's recti. There is also the possibility of a hernia. This would be evaluated while in the surgeons office, to discuss options. It is important to know a diastasis is not a medical treat to you.
Rodger Wade Pielet, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Diastasis Rectus Example

It certainly looks that way. An examination will confirm it and a general surgeon or plastic surgeon should be able to let you know for sure. If you are considering repair, obtain a consult from a board certified plastic surgeon. This can be repaired at the same time as a tummy tuck.
Albert Dabbah, MD

Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon
+1

Looks Like a Diastasis Recti

Your phots and history are consistent with a diastasis recti. This can easily be repaired with a min-tummy tuck, no need for the more involved scarring of a full tummy tuck.
Robert M. Freund, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Is This Diastasis Recti?

As all the expert previous poster have stated, "it is a CLASSIC diastasis recti" BUT (there is always a but!) you need an ultrasound or sonogram evaluation of the area just to follow a diagnostic algorithm for diastasis vs hernia.
Darryl J. Blinski, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon
+1

Is This Diastasis Recti?

Dear newmeat30, Yes, it appears that you have diastasis recti, which results from separation of the rectus abdominal muscles and is very common after pregnancy. The bulging can be fixed during a tummy tuck. Warmest wishes, Larry Fan, MD
Larry Fan, MD

San Francisco Plastic Surgeon
+1

Diastasis recti

Yes. This is a diastasis recti as is very common, and not surprising in your case. It is not serious and is not a hernis. A tummy tuck procedure may be performed along with repairing this.
David Nicholas Csikai, MD

Jacksonville Plastic Surgeon
+1

Is This Diastasis Recti?

U betcha. notice that as you lean back and tighten your abdominal muscles the central mound actually gets higher (worse). this is why situps don't help a diastasis regardless of what your personal trainer or crazy workout friend says. in fact situps may actually make it worse. good luck
Rafael C. Cabrera, MD

Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon
+1

Is this diastasis recti?

I agree that this appears to be a good example of diastasis. Women often ask if they can fix this problem through exercise and sit-ups. Unfortunately, it cannot be corrected with exercise as the problem is not the muscles, but the fascia connection between the muscles. There is no non-surgical method to correct this problem. The good news is that it can easily be corrected with a tummy tuck which will also tighten your skin and give you a great contour. more
Jeffrey E. Kyllo, MD

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+1

Diastasis Rectii

Yes it appears that you do have diastasis rectii. It is not a hernia and does not require repair, though if you plan on having a tummy tuck your PS should repair it as it will vastly improve your contour.
Delio Ortegon, MD

San Antonio Plastic Surgeon

www.sacs-sa.com

+1

Diasatasis Recti?

Yes. This appears to be a diastasis recti, which is very common after pregnancy. It persists no matter how many sit-ups and crunches you do, because the rectus muscles have been separated at the midline. It can make some women continue to look pregnant, even when they've lost all their baby weight. (Not fair!) It is easily treated, however, with an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and repair. It looks like you're a good candidate for the procedure... more
Diane L. Gerber, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Yes, it is a rectus diastasis

The manuver you are doing demonstrates a rectus diastasis which is nothing dangerous nor does it require surgery to be fixed. If if are having a tummy tuck, it is repaired in the process though.
Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS

Seattle Plastic Surgeon

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