Can my Diastasis Recti Be Repaired Without Too Many Scars?

Question

I have a bad case of DR, after two children. Am thinking of having one more before getting the surgery. However, I would like to know if I will have really bad scars afterwards. It would be so nice to actually wear a two piece, something I have not done since I was a teenager. Thanks.

Hayley Brown, MD, FACS · Answer

Definitely finish childbearing before considering surgery! You likely need a full tummy tuck, as most women do, after multiple pregnancies and a resulting bulging abdominal wall. Scarring results low, hip to hip, and around the belly-button. Goals are definitely to wear a bikini with the scar hidden in normal full coverage bikini briefs. It is usually worth the trade off of scarring, in situations like yours.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Floating abdominoplasty uses a small incision in the lower abdomen to allow for the tummy to be tightened and shaped. No incision around the belly button is needed. Through the incision, excess skin is removed and muscles can be tightened. The belly button is temporarily detached during the surgery to allow for this. You experience muscle tightening from sternum to pubic area. After the belly button is reattached (and moved down if necessary) the incisions are sutured. Liposuction can be performed if necessary to eliminate excess fat.  Please see an experienced board certified plastic surgeon for a physical examination to determine which treatment would be most suitable. A floating abdominoplasty may help you. Good luck.

Armando Soto, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi there-

	You would basically need a tummy tuck. A quick review of the photos in the Tummy Tuck or Mommy Makeover galleries on this site I think will make you very comfortable that with a well executed procedure, you will be pleased with your improvement and garment choices...

	The most important thing is for you to choose your surgeon very carefully, and for the right reasons...

	Here is some advice on how to do so:

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

Yes a diastasis recti repair can be completed with minimal scarring. However, given the amount of skin distention, I would srongly discuourage you from thiis because I strongly believe you would be left with excessive skin laxity and redundancy which you would find unacceptable.

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

Strictly speaking, you do not need a long incision in order to repair a separation of the rectus muscles that reults from pregnancy. However, most of the time there is some excess skin associated with this condition so at least a mini-tummy tuck is required for good results. See a board-certified plastic surgeon for an opinion since you will need to be examined in order to see wht is best in your specific case.

Raj S. Ambay, MD · Answer

A tummy tuck would truly help you in this situation. Your diastasis would be repaired and the incision would be the same as a tummy tuck (in your bikini line)

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

You do have a prominent abdominal bulge from your pregnancies. I think you would get a satisfactory result wth a standard abdominoplasty and diastasis recti repair. I would recommend waiting 6 months after your final delivery to ensure the best repair and recovery. There is always a possibility of making a bad scar but attention to detail and using standard plastic surgical techniques can keep this to a minimum.

Paul Gill, MD · Answer

I think you would get a wonderful result with a traditional tummy tuck and diastasis recti repair.   I would recommend waiting 6 months after your final delivery to ensure the best repair and recovery.

	 

	In regards to scars, everyone heals differently and your best predictor may be your previous scars.  Consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon can educate you on the various scar treatment modalities available to you.

	 

	I wish you a safe and healthy recovery!!

Clayton L. Moliver, MD · Answer

Dear Ms. Diastasis New Jersey,

	Virtually all tummy tucks repair the laxity in the abdominal wall musculature. This always includes repairing the widening between the two central muscles call a diastasis rectus repair. It is part of a normal tummy tuck. By the way, I would guesstimate that at least half the women I perform an abdominoplasty on have an undiagnosed umbilical hernia which I routinely repair at no charge while I am there. Yes, wait till you are done having children.

	Good Luck!

Sutton Graham II, MD · Answer

Dear 783466anon:  Yes, there are excellent procedures available for repair of diastasis recti.  You are correct to finish having children before you consider surgery.  Abdominal muscle toning may be worthwhile in the meantime. 

	Plastic surgeons strive to minimize scarring.  The abdominoplasty procedure is now done in a variety of ways to address individual patient's conditions and concerns.  Your photograph appears to show very lax abdominal muscle and fibrous support, which can improve with fascial plication, done during abdominplasty. 

	I suspect by your question that you would like a very small scar.  You should consult an experienced plastic surgeon for evaluation in-person, but from the photo I suspect that plication alone will leave a large amount of loose skin that will be addressed by removal low across the pubic and hip areas (under most bikinis).  A mini- or short-scar abdominoplasty may not be sufficient for you, but a well placed scar should allow you to consider a two-piece bathing suit looking much better than the current photograph.  Best wishes.

Can my Diastasis Recti Be Repaired Without Too Many Scars?

Answers (14)

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