Tummy Tuck: Q&A

Ask a Question

How to Fix Diastasis Recti?

i am 5'7" 125lbs (also have 2 kids) and i have a weird buldge that goes from my sternum almost to my belly button and it sticks out enough that you can notice it under shirts. i have a 4 finger width (easily) between my ab muscles all the way down i was just wondering what could be done about this? the budged up area also bothers me when i am exercising or lifting heavy things.. but any other time it doesnt bother me besides the fact it sticks out.. and even sticks out farther after i eat.

Tags:

Comment on this

9 Doctor Answers | Asked by E777 in Madison, Wi

Doctor Answers (9)
Community Comments (1)

Some of these large diastasis problems are not surgically correctable

While a moderate amount of "physiologic diastasis" may be produced by pregnancy, there are certain degress of this that are not easily corrected. Generally speaking, if you have a fairly tense abdominal wall and a substancial diastasis, repair can be difficult with high rates of recurrence and morbidity, irrespective of how it's fixed. Most current literature on abdominal wall surgery would not endorse surgical repair of that type of condition. The types of... more

Tummy wall separation

It sounds like you're describing diastasis recti, or separation of the abdominal muscles. The classic fix for this is the tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty. I would encourage you to do some research on the procedure and meet with a board certified plastic surgeon in your area for a personal consultation. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at just how much improvement you'll enjoy from a tummy tuck!

Mennen T. Gallas, MD

8 reviews

Houston Plastic Surgeon

Bulgy stomach muscles - Diastasis recti

You have a diastatis recti. No worries, it means separation of the core abdomen muscles. It is common after pregnancy which stretches these muscles apart. Exercise will rarely correct this but try 10 crunches every evening x 14 days. If no improvement or crunches hurt too much to do - consider surgery. It sews the muscle edges back together. It should restore your abdominal shape and will often improve posture and relieve the sway back and back pain caused by weakened... more

You might also like...

Real Stories

Tummy Tuck No Liposuction / Hoping for the Best! - Doylestown, PA

In March 2013 I started having pain in my left ovary. After much confusion and a no...

Before + After Photos

View 4315 Tummy Tuck photos

Repair of Diastasis Recti?

Thank you for the question. Your description is classic for separation of the abdominal wall muscles (diastasis recti) and/or abdominal wall hernia. It ls it is most likely that you will benefit from tummy tuck surgery. This operation will serve to remove a significant amount of stretch marks if present, remove significant skin and subcutaneous tissue, and “tighten up” abdominal wall muscles. I would suggest in person consultation with... more

Blame your Babies!

What you are describing is most probably what is called a rectus diastasis. It is a separation of the abdominal muscles that occurs in over 90% of woman after pregnancy. No matter how many abdominal crunches you perform this separation will almost never return to normal. A Tummy Tuck which involves a repair of this muscle separation will restore your pre-baby abdominal appearance. I encourage you to seek out a board certified plastic surgeon in your area to discuss your condition... more

Tummy Tuck to the rescue...

You are classically describing a separation of your abdominal wall muscles - also known as a rectus diastasis. A tummy tuck (also called abdominoplasty) is a very popular cosmetic surgery procedure. A tummy tuck can be an effective tool for shaping and sculpting the body for better body appearance and improved self esteem. Sometimes no amount of diet and exercise can create a flat tummy. Tummy tuck plastic surgery actually tightens abdominal muscles (ie your rectus... more

Diastasis or hernia

It sounds like you have either a significant rectus diastasis, or perhaps a ventral hernia. Either way, it can be repaired with surgery. An in-person consultation will help to sort out your diagnosis & best treatment options. All the best!

How to Fix Diastasis Recti?

It sounds like you have un upper herniae by diastasis rectus, you are in good shape, i council to go to a certified plastic surgeon to do repair trough a TT

Bulging rectus diastasis

Your description sounds like a very significant diastasis, bordering on a ventral hernia. In either case I would certainly recommend repair. Consult with a local Board certified plastic surgeon concerning this problem. This person should have years of experience dealing with a problem like yours.

Doctors will not see your comments on their answers. If you'd like to follow up, please go here to ask another question.

Comments (1)

mtnmiss
15 days ago

Of course all these surgeons are going to say that surgery is the only option. Yes, it sounds like you have diastasis recti. I do too, as a mom about to have my fourth child. I've been looking into this a lot, because I have learned that it can be corrected without surgery. For heaven's sake, DON'T do crunches or sit ups (as recommended by at least one MD)! That will put pressure on the muscles and can make it worse! I've found a couple different programs to help. Most well-known rehab is the Tupler Program (also Lose Your Mummy Tummy), but MuTu System looks good as well. You can also wear a splint for a while along with the exercises, which pushes the muscles together so they can heal. Livestrong.com also has a short article with different exercises. Just type in Diastasis Recti. Good luck! As soon as this baby is born I'm starting one of the programs. Leaning toward splinting at night, and using the MuTu one for core strength.

Ask a Question

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.