Diastasis Recti - Should I have surgery or let it heal on its own?

Question

I noticed a large abdominal bulge stretching from naval to sternum, roughly 3 inches wide- 2 inches in height. Discomfort at both extremes of bulge, reaching into the pelvic/pubic area where it feels like a burning sensation. GP diagnosed as ventral hernia. MS diagnosed as diastasis recti. He indicated no surgery necessary, Solution: weight loss/exercise would heal abnormality. In reviewing other posts, opinions varied from surgery to diet and exercise. Should I get another opinion?

Jose M. Soler-Baillo, MD, MS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  You should have this fixed by a surgeon, as it will not heal from weight loss and exercise.All the best,Dr. ResultsMiami, FL

Khashayar Mohebali, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question. If you've truly been diagnosed with a diastasis recti, it will not heal on its own. This is a condition where the fascia of the abdominal muscles has stretched causing a bulge.  This only can be fixed with surgery.  Best to lose weight with diet and exercise and then undergo an abdominoplasty. At that time the diastasis is fixed with tightening of the fascial and muscles along with removal of the extra skin and fat of lower abdomen. Good luck.

Adolfo Sesto, MD · Answer

The ideal is for you to lose weight by diet and exercise, and then get a Tummy Tuck to the tightening or plication of the transverse rectus abdominal muscles (TRAM).

Sheldon Lincenberg, MD · Answer

Hello Michael,The diastasis recti is a stretching of the fascia or tough grizzle-type tissue between the rectus muscles and it does not heal or tighten up with exercise or weight loss. Only a surgical tightening of this tissue will strengthen and flatten it. This is very similar to the operation that is done to repair a ventral hernia although it is generally not covered by insurance. On the other hand, exercise and/or weight loss may reduce the burning sensation that you experience.

Richard M. Levin, MD (retired) · Answer

Men who lose weight, in their abdominal cavity and around their organs, are often much like a pregnant women who have their rectus muscles move apart and stay apart. With weight loss then, the muscles move apart and stay apart and weight loss will help but never place them together because you have stretched the connecting "scar or fascia: that connects the muscle. Surgery puts the muscles back together and if their is not extra skin, I would recommend an endoscopic approach to avoid scarring.

Vincent D. Lepore, MD (retired) · Answer

If you have a true diastasis of your rectus abdominus muscles and/or a ventral hernia, no amount of exercise or dieting will correct this problem.  If there is a separation between the muscles - either diastasis or a true hernia - only a surgery can repair this problem.  Seek out a board certified plastic surgeon in your area they should be able to make the diagnosis and give you an idea of your options.  Best wishes, Dr Lepore.

Diastasis Recti - Should I have surgery or let it heal on its own?

Answers (6)