Is This Diastasis Recti?

Hello, it can be diastasis recti , possible hernia or a mass. This should be examined to tell for sure. To me it looks like a diastasis recti but a in person consultation is required. With a diastasis while doing a situp you can see this bulge protrude in the midline running down towards the belly button. However, this should be examined by a surgeon to know for sure. Thanks.

Judging from your photos and the info provided, you probably have diastasis recti, which is separation of the abdominal muscles. A tummy tuck can repair this.

Based on your photo it does appear that you have rectus diastasis, which is a weakness of the abdominal wall. This does not represent a hernia, which is a defect or hole in the abdominal wall. This weakness would be repaired and tightened at the time of a tummy tuck. A board certified plastic surgeon can examine you and determine the extent of your abdominal wall weakness.

Best wishes,

Dr.Bruno

Your clinical story and photographs seem to be consistent with a diagnosis of diastasis recti.  Diastasis recti is separation of the 6-pack abdominal muscles, which is very common during pregnancy to accommodate the expanding uterus.  After giving birth, the muscles do not return correctly to their pre-pregnancy and there is a space remaining between them that causes a bulge.  To be sure you have diastasis recti, I would recommend consulting with a plastic surgeon in your area to allow for a thorough physical examination and to make more specific recommendations.  Best of luck.
Ziyad Hammoudeh, MD

It certainly looks that way.  An examination will confirm it and a general surgeon or plastic surgeon should be able to let you know for sure.  If you are considering repair, obtain a consult from a board certified plastic surgeon.  This can be repaired at the same time as a tummy tuck.

Your phots and history are consistent with a diastasis recti. This can easily be repaired with a min-tummy tuck, no need for the more involved scarring of a full tummy tuck.

As all the expert previous poster have stated, "it is a CLASSIC diastasis recti" BUT (there is always a but!) you need an ultrasound or sonogram evaluation of the area just to follow a diagnostic algorithm for diastasis vs hernia. 

Dear newmeat30,

Yes, it appears that you have diastasis recti, which results from separation of the rectus abdominal muscles and is very common after pregnancy. The bulging can be fixed during a tummy tuck.

Warmest wishes,

Larry Fan, MD

Yes.  This is a diastasis recti as is very common, and not surprising in your case.  It is not serious and is not a hernis.  A tummy tuck procedure may be performed along with repairing this.

u betcha. notice that as you lean back and tighten your abdominal muscles the central mound actually gets higher (worse). this is why situps don't help a diastasis regardless of what your personal trainer or crazy workout friend says. in fact situps may actually make it worse. good luck