Repair of male diastasis recti above navel?

Question

I am a male with a protruding diastasis recti immediately ABOVE my navel. Can this be repaired laparoscopically? I consulted with a surgeon who recommended a tummy tuck and said this is the only way to fix the diastasis recti. I wasn't planning on getting a TT, but if that lower abdomen incision must be made to fix the DR, I might as well get the TT done too. Thanks

Amy Simon, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question about diastasis
recti above the navel.  This absolutely has to be resolved via an
in-person exam and discussion with a board-certified plastic surgeon.  It
is possible that what you are describing may be a hernia rather than diastasis
recti and therefore, that would need to be determined first.  Your surgeon
can help determine the ultimate diagnosis and then recommend a treatment. 
I hope this is helpful to you.  Best of luck!

Shirin Towfigh, MD · Answer

Yes! And you are absolutely on the right track.

Most men have an upper abdominal diastasis and look barrel or rounded. I have had excellent success in men with Robotically-assisted Laparoscopic Diastasis closure. They lose a good 3 inches around.

It involves 3 scars, 8mm each, on your left side. Since most men don't have extra skin (like postpartum women), this is the perfect procedure. There is no bunching upnof skin in the mid abdomen. And you won't need a formal Tummy Tuck with large scar.

Robert D. Wilcox, MD · Answer

Dear Junigatsu,

Although the muscle can be repaired laparoscopically, the problem is you are not going to be able to redrape the skin properly, and you will have bunching of the skin in the midline. That is the reason why the tummy tuck is necessary to elevate this widely in order to redrape the skin smoothly.

I hope this has been helpful.

Robert D. Wilcox, MD

Fara Movagharnia, DO, FACOS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  My advice on how to treat your diastasis recti would be best given after a face-to-face consultation.  There are different options to be discussed based on examination and full discussion.  Typically a tummy tuck would be the way to go to get you the best result.

Sheldon Lincenberg, MD · Answer

Tightening of the linea alba to eliminate the diastasis can be performed either laparoscopically or during an open procedure. The laparoscopic procedure is preferred if you have tight skin over your abdomen and the open procedure is preferred if skin removal will give you a better outcome.

Repair of male diastasis recti above navel?

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Repair of male diastasis recti above navel?

Answers (9)

Answer: Repair of male diastasis recti above navel?

Answer: Repair of male diastasis recti above navel?

Answer: Male with diastasis

Answer: Male with diastasis

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Diastasis Recti Repair

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.