2 Cm Diastasis and Thickening of Fascia Around the Abdominal Wall

Question

I am getting mixed opinions from surgeons.(General and Plastic) I have weakening in my stomach, small bulge in the middle when standing or doing sit-ups. The MRI shows I have approximately 2cm diastasis recti without herniation. I was told 2 cm diastasis recti is nothing. But what causes the small bulge? Is the thickening of fascia causing the pain and weakness? I am very active. I have not been able to do 100% of my workouts since September 2010. I am a Male, 5ft 5inches, 147 lbs.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

It is in your best interest to seek consultation with a well trained&ndash;experienced board-certified plastic surgeon. Based on your history and physical examination you will be given good advice. As mentioned before, the radiographic findings are of secondary importance.

	Having said that, you should be aware that abdominoplasty is a major operation with significant potential risks and complications and should only be undertaken if clear indications exist.

	I may be able to be more helpful if you're able to send pictures in the upright and bent forward (flexed)  positions. Best wishes.

Thomas Fiala, MD, FACS, FRCSC · Answer

Clinical exam is really the key here.  If you have a bulge that shows up in the sit-up position, then I would recommend repairing it at surgery, regardless of what the MRI (taken at rest) shows.  It could also represent fat, as other surgeons here have mentioned.

	The repair does not make the operation significantly longer, and it does make the result look better - so "do it if you need it" is our approach.

	 

	Hope that helps!

Steve Laverson, MD, FACS · Answer

It is impossible to tell without examining you.  Diastasis recti is usually associated with pregnancy, which you obviously have not endured.  You may have a localized weakening of the abdominal wall.  Any history of trauma or surgery in the area?  If not, and there is a bulge on examination that becomes worse with increased abdominal pressure, and this is symptomatic (e.g. interfering with your activities), either this represents a hernia or an abdominal fascial attenuation.  The good news is that it should be amenable to surgical repair.  The approach to these problems can be controversial, so it is not surprising you have heard different opinions from different physicians.

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

To answer you question we really need before pictures and also to examine you.  It sounds like you had imaging studies which identified a diastasis recti.  You did not mention any other findings.  However, if it really bothers you, they you may want to consider diastasis repair.  With photos and more information, we may be able to give you more specific advice.  

	 

	Good Luck.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Without an exam it is difficult to say what can ot can not be done for you.  If you have a true hernia( which should show up on MRI) it shoudl be fixed.  If just a weakeness, difficult to say without an exam.

2 Cm Diastasis and Thickening of Fascia Around the Abdominal Wall

Answers (8)

Answer: Abdominal Buldge

Answer: Abdominal Buldge

Answer: Diastasis

Answer: Diastasis

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Everything you need to know about Diastasis Recti Repair

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2 Cm Diastasis and Thickening of Fascia Around the Abdominal Wall

Answers (8)

Answer: Abdominal Buldge

Answer: Abdominal Buldge

Answer: Diastasis

Answer: Diastasis

Browse related questions

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.