At What Point is Surgery Necessary for Split Abdominal Muscles?

asked 1 year ago by hroth
Latest answer by Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Question viewed 891 times
Tags: female, c-section, diastasis recti

after my last c-section i noticed my stomach always sticks out to the point where i look about 3 months pregnant. As it turns out, my muscles are split from the top of my stomach to my incision scar. It is really uncomfortable and my insides feel sore at times. It also seems like i may have a herniated belly button. At what point is it necessary to have surgery to fix this?

6 answers to At What Point is Surgery Necessary for Split Abdominal Muscles?

Surgery Necessary for Split Abdominal Muscles

If you mean by the word "necessary" insurance coverage, than it could be a covered benefit. It really depends upon the severity of the split, in other words causing a hernia or painful, and the health insurance plan you may have. If you meant as a necessary cosmetic surgery than that is very personal. More up to you and your wishes. Seek in person opinions from boarded plastic surgeons. Best of luck.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

Elective vs Emergency Diasatsis Repair

Most of the time, a diastasis of the rectus muscles is not a medical issue. It may be unpleaseant in terms of appearance and possible discomfort, but rarely is it medically indicated. However, in some cases,the pressure of the intraabdominal contents pushing on the weakened abdominal wall can cause it to thin out so much where it could become a true hernia. The best thing to do would be to see a surgeon and let them feel your abdomen and possibly image it with a CT scan... more

Christopher V. Pelletiere, MD
Barrington Plastic Surgeon

Hernia versus Diastasis Repair with Tummy Tuck

An incarcerated hernia is an absolute indication for repair. However, a diastasis is NOT an indication for repair and is considered cosmetic

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Abdominal muscle split or spread? Diastasis recti and the treatment options

Diastasis recti is very common after having multiple pregnancies. It does not represent a "split in the muscle, but only a spread in the central area of the 2 abdominal muscles. A true split in the muscles is referred to as a hernia and it is common to have a small umbilical hernia (belly button hernia) in combination with a diastasis recti. You can elect to repair the umbilical hernia separately if it is large which can be covered with insurance. If the belly button hernia is small... more

Andrew P. Trussler, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon

Emergency VS. Elective VS. Necessary VS. Unnecessary Surgery - Made Easy

Regarding: " At What Point is Surgery Necessary for Split Abdominal Muscles? after my last c-section i noticed my stomach always sticks out to the point where i look about 3 months pregnant. As it turns out, my muscles are split from the top of my stomach to my incision scar. It is really uncomfortable and my insides feel sore at times. It also seems like i may have a herniated belly button. At what point is it necessary to have surgery to fix this?" A FEW... more

Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon

There is no must

This is cosmetic surgery, yes it helps a bit with the abdominal protrusion, but no one must have it -- it is elective and will help improve the way you look.

William B. Rosenblatt, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

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