Diastasis Recti Repair in an Adult Male

Question

I am a 36, male and I have had diastatis recti since 2007. It is the result of having a ventral hernia repair and consequently getting an infection. They left me open to drain and my muscles never lined up again. My muscles seperate about 2.5 finger wide and 3 inches top to bottom. Because I am thin, I feel my stomach always looks like it's protruding. It is taking quite a toll psychologically in terms of body image etc... I am wondering if I am stuck with this or if there is help out there. Please let me know!

David Stoker, MD · Answer

You may be a candidate for a tummy tuck and diastasis repair.  Definitely consult with an expert plastic surgeon to understand your best options.  Your case is unusual because it is a complication from a hernia repair.Also, make sure you are at your ideal weight for best results.

Sergio Alvarez, MD · Answer

I do believe you would benefit from an tummy tuck and repair of the abdominal wall. Because of your history, any board certified plastic surgeon would be concerned and prepared to deal with the repair that has been done in the past. I would consult with a surgeon to get a thorough history and physical as your case is not straight forward, but you definitely have options!

Steven J. Rottman, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. It appears that you have significant abdominal wall laxity. Given the history of ventral hernia repair and complicated post-operative course, I think an abdominal CT scan would be a smart first step to evaluate if you have a hernia recurrence or simply rectus diastasis. If it is a diastasis with no hernia recurrence, a mini or full tummy tuck should be considered to repair the muscles and remove excess skin. If you have a hernia recurrence, a component separation procedure may be necessary to restore the integrity of the abdominal wall. Good luck.“This answer has been solicited without seeing the patient
and cannot be held as true medical advice, but only opinion. Seek in-person
treatment with a board certified plastic surgeon for appropriate care."

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photographs, and I am sorry to hear about the psychological toll that your diastasis has caused you.  Based on a physical exam, I think you are an excellent candidate for a muscle repair.  The first step is diagnosis, to ensure that your muscle separation is a diastasis and not a hernia.  Once determined, the decision as to the best approach needs to be done.  If you have vertical skin laxity, using a lower tummy tuck incision will allow for repair of your diastasis while removing any excess skin to help with your abdominal contour.  If you have skin excess in both a vertical and horizontal excess, use of your vertical scar may permit a more powerful removal of skin that can transform your stomach.  Be sure to see a board certified plastic surgeon who can walk you through the important steps of the various tummy tuck procedures.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Repair of the abdominal muscles may be indicated if the muscles are loose. This is performed in men who have loose muscles. Raffy Karamanoukian Los Angeles

Armando Soto, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi there-

	Provided that a careful examination showed a diastasis, and not a recurrent hernia, I do think that an abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck technique would help you achieve the look you want.

	Find a surgeon certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery you like and can trust and visit for a consultation.

	Here's a bit of advice on how to find one:

Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello - It appears as though you may need tightening of your rectus muscles. This can be done right through your existing scars, and the recovery is about 1-2 weeks off of work and 6 weeks from working out. It's hard to give you an exact answer without actually seeing you, but things do look promising from your photo.

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

Based on your description it is possible that you would benefit from surgery. If you had a forward facing photo it may help us give you more specific advice. Additionally, no determination can be made without examining you in person to determine the extent of surgery necessary. Good luck.

Myles Goldflies, MD · Answer

Yes, men can have a diastasis repair. With your history, it would be best to find out if anything on the inside is adherent to the inside of the area of diastasis. If this is cleared and you do not have loose skin and fat or a recurrent hernia, there are variations on tummy tucks that include muscle repair with a very limited skin incision and no excision. I hope you found someone that is experienced with these variations.

Francesco Campanile, MD · Answer

Of course a physical exam would be needed to say for sure, but from your description of the muscle separation, I think a tummy tuck would help. During surgery, the muscles can be joined back together and sutured to repair the separation. This provides a firmer framework for the skin and overlying tissue. If there’s any excess, it can be removed so your belly is firm and flat again. You’ll want to be sure to work with a board certified plastic surgeon who’s very well-versed in abdominoplasty. Since you had a previous surgery, be sure you have complete medical records on hand for reference if needed.

Diastasis Recti Repair in an Adult Male

Answers (17)

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