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

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.

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

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.

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.

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!

Hi there! I understand your concerns. It seems from the photo that you do have some bulging at the rectus area indicative of diastasis rectus. Are you certain your diastasis was repaired at the time of surgery? Your weight is high and sometimes above a certain BMI board-certified plastic surgeons will not plicate due to the added risk. I would recommend visiting in person with a US board-certified plastic surgeon for an evaluation. Good luck!

Only 1 posted photo? Appar you might have a ventral hernia. Best to seek ultrasound examination to see if you have split recti or hernia. Either way only re operation and repair can effectively improve. Best to virtual consult with...