Will my diastasis recti heal on its own? (Photo)

Question

I am 37 and have an 18 month old and 3 year old. I have a 2.5 finger width diastasis recti that I have been working with a pelvic floor physical therapist to heal but have had little improvement. Is a tummy tuck my only option?

Rady Rahban, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and photo!  Diastasis recti is a condition that is a result of internal pressure leading to the stretching of the connective tissue responsible for holding the left and right abdominal muscles in the midline. Circumstances such as weight gain, and pregnancy are culprits to the development of diastasis recti. The good news, there are treatment options. However, the most sustainable treatment option is surgery to manually plicate the abdominal wall. Although it's always a good idea to strengthen the accessory muscles as much as possible pre-surgery, diet and exercise alone will not be able to "cure" the damaged fascia.  Surgery becomes the most viable option to address the root of the issue.
I highly recommend seeking a Board Certified Plastic and Reconstructive surgeon and schedule an in person consultation. I have extensive experience with diastasis recti repair ranging from mild to severe with excellent results. I've attached a link with some information pertaining to diastasis recti repair that can be helpful as you navigate this process.
Hope this helps!

Chad Deal, MD · Answer

I applaud you on trying to fix the diastasis with hard work, but after no result, and especially with a physical therapist helping you, I would agree that an abdominoplasty with repair is probably your only option. I know this may be frustrating to hear, but consider it almost as a pseudo hernia that does require surgical intervention, and you should feel no shame for wanting to fix it. ❤️

George Marosan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photo. Your diastasis recti will not improve with exercise. You are a great candidate for a full modified tummy tuck via a short pubic bone level incision and muscle repair and VASER Hi Def Lipo 360 degrees. This will give you an hourglass figure.See a board certified plastic surgeon experienced in advanced body sculpting techniques for an in person consultation/evaluation. Good luck.

Frank Agullo, MD · Answer

The rectus muscles are held together by a thin sheet of fascia. During pregnancy or with weight gain the muscles are separated as the fascia stretches. No matter how much physical therapy or exercise you undergo the fascia will not contract. So far, the only way to put the muscles back together is with plication during a tummy tuck.#StayBeautiful #RealDrWorldWide

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear denvermom37,exercises won't help you heal your diastasis. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Liana M. Lugo, MD · Answer

Hi! Thank you for your question and for your picture. Unfortunately you can't fix diastasis recti with exercise. You will need a tummy tuck. Seek a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. He or she will describe to you what this procedure entails and you'll have the best possible outcome. Best of luck!

S. Tyler Elkins-Williams, MD · Answer

The rectus abdominis muscles are separated by a layer of fascia. In rectus diastatis, often occuring after pregnancies, the rectus muscles have separated. There is no exercise or physical therapy you can do that will bring them back together. Surgery is the only way to repair this. 
Exactly which operation is best for you (full tummy tuck vs mini, etc) can be determined after in person consultation with a Plastic Surgeon. Good luck!

Ralph M. Rosato, MD · Answer

The separation of your abdominal muscle can be repaired without a tummy tuck.  An incision can be made in the pubic area and one by the umbilicus. If you have excess skin an tummy tuck may be indicated.  I would schedule a consultation with a Board certified PS.

John Squires, MD (retired) · Answer

Although strengthening your abdominal muscles is always a good thing, the separation between the muscles will not heal and will require surgery. Abdominoplasty will repair the muscle separation and also remove any excess skin and fat. Abdominoplasty is accomplished as an outpatient procedure and most people are driving in 5-7 days and return to work in 10 days to two weeks. Seek a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon.

Will my diastasis recti heal on its own? (Photo)

Answers (9)

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