I had a diastasis recti repair last June. Has my repair failed? (Photo)

Question

Hi - I had a tummy tuck with a diastasis recti repair and a breast reduction last June. I allowed for all of the healing time, didn't push it and tried to really take care of myself. After I got out of surgery, I weighed 219, my husband died in November so I had a lot of stress. I went to go see the surgeon in Jan to ask about how I looked, now I look like I have a basketball on my front, and it looks like I have my hump back. I weigh 223.

Vincent Gardner, MD · Answer

Hi AlwaysEvolving, First I’m sorry to hear about your husband. That is a terrible loss. With regards to whether or not the diastasis has returned. It appears based on the one photo and your description of having a basketball on your abdomen that your diastasis most likely has returned. Without examining you it would be hard to say for sure, but based on the limited information, that’s what I would say. This can happen. I discuss this with all my patients preoperatively. I’m not sure exactly what has happened. Occasionally, these repairs will fail even though there are three layers of suture. You said you went back to see your surgeon, but didn’t say what they thought about your results. I would consider getting another opinion. Unfortunately, if you have to have more surgery, it’s going to be more cost-effective in most situations to stay with the surgeon you have as long as you have confidence they can do the job. I hope this helps. Good luck!

Andrew Ray, DO · Answer

Yes that is recurrence of the diastasis repair. When you have what appears to be a ridge when you flex during a sit-up that is usually because of the muscle seperation. If it is not causing any pain or discomfort you don't have to do anything. Sometimes through no fault of the surgeon or you the diastasis can come back. 
Options are repeat surgery, or let it be. No matter what i always recommend focusing on core strengthening as this will help the full core muscles stabalize and strengthen.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear AlwaysEvolving,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Jerimiah Mason, MD · Answer

Looks like either the repair came apart or it was never pulled tight enough at the initial surgery. If you have a large amount of intra-abdominal fat that could certainly or you at risk for this complication.

Edgar Serrano, MD · Answer

because it looks like a bulgeThe Endoscopic lipoabdominoplasty (ELAP) is a good option to repair that .ELAP is the surgical technique utilizing endoscopy to repair acquired abdominal wall defects, such as diastasis recti or ventral hernias.An internal corset (muscle plication) is performed .Only three mini incisions are used, a large wound is not made as in conventional abdominoplasty.

I had a diastasis recti repair last June. Has my repair failed? (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Suboptimal results

Answer: Suboptimal results

Answer: Probably, your repair has failed

Answer: Probably, your repair has failed

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Everything you need to know about Diastasis Recti Repair

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I had a diastasis recti repair last June. Has my repair failed? (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Suboptimal results

Answer: Suboptimal results

Answer: Probably, your repair has failed

Answer: Probably, your repair has failed

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Diastasis Recti Repair

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.