Distasis recti repair during C-section, compromise or complicate future TT?

Question

I had my 2nd C-section (1st - twins each over 7lbs, 2nd - singleton ~10lbs) less than 2 weeks ago. My OB informed me the day after surgery that I may have soreness or pain in my lower abdominal area as the muscles were very thin so he stitched them together. I was not close to my goal weight pre-pregnancy and have known I needed a TT and full abdominal wall repair after we were done having kids due to excess skin and hernia. Did this potentially compromise my future TT results?

Scott Reis, MD · Answer

Fantastic question. OB-Gyn's will often perform rectus muscle separation/diastasis repair below the belly button while closing and repairing the tissues after a C-section. They do not however, repair the muscle above the belly button which is a very important part of a tummy tuck. This will not affect your ability to safely undergo a full tummy tuck in the future. Best of luck and congratulations

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

After your family is complete, the TT can be performed.  Having had two or more previous C-sections will not prevent the performance of a TT.  You would need to wait at least 3 months following your final C-section before considering a TT.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Lawrence Iteld, MD · Answer

Many women have a diastasis, or weakness between the rectus (six pack) muscles after pregnancy. When a cesarean section is perfomed, is is common to repair the separation below the belly button. This does not in any way impair our ability to perform a tummy tuck in the future. Good luck!

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your excellent question.  At times ob/gyn surgeons will repair the separation in your stomach muscles after a C-section and this will not compromise your eventual TT results.  Hope this helps.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

No, your c-section should  not have compromised your future desire to undergo a tummy tuck. I have treated many women who have had c-sections.

Nicholas Tarola, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Your c-section procedure will not cause any difficulty with a future tummy tuck.  Congratulations on your new addition!

Erez Sternberg, MD · Answer

Good question, the answer is absolutely yes. My wife is an OB/GYN and whenever she repairs mild diastases/weak muscles during C-sections this is performed on only the very lowest part of the abdomen. This is not a complete diastasis repair. Also, once you lose additional weight and you get back your prepregnancy body, you will need additional tigthening performed anyway. For this reason, I usually encourage  my patients not to worry about these issues during a C-section or any delivery. Have a healthy baby and when you're ready, perform the proper procedure at that time. Hope this helps.

Jon A. Perlman, MD (retired) · Answer

Have no concern over the fact that a rectus repair was performed during your C section.  Sounds like your doctor was trying to help you.  If necessary the repair can be tightened when you do undergo your tummy tuck.  This will probably be desirable since the repair probably didn't include the upper stomach area above your belly button.Please watch the attached video for additional information that should be helpful.Best wishes,Jon A Perlman MD FACS 
  
Certified, Am Board of Plastic Surgery 
  
Member, Am. Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) 
  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
  
Beverly Hills, Ca

Distasis recti repair during C-section, compromise or complicate future TT?

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