What are the pros and cons of absorbable Mesh for diastasis recti/TT surgery? Would you recommend it?

Hello,

Thank you for your great question. I have worked on many women who suffer from severe diastasis recti who have had excellent outcomes without the use of mesh. I use a meshless approach to repairing even the most severe DR cases as there are various potential issues surrounding the use of mesh. It is absolutely crucial to seek out and consult with a Board-Certified Plastic and Reconstructive surgeon who has extensive experience with severe cases of diastasis recti repair.

I come from a background of general surgery for five years before transitioning to cosmetic surgery. In that time i primarily focused on abdominal wall reconstruction. Absorbable mesh does not provide any long term benefit of recurrence. The scar tissue at the end when the mesh is dissolved is not better than what regular scar tissue would be with suturing only. There is a lot of good data to support this. I do not recommend absorbable mesh with diastasis repair it’s expensive with no benefit to long term results.

Mesh would be considered when the diastasis is very wide and the tissue are weakened by stretching, usually from multiple pregnancies or pregnancy with multiples (twins, triplets.) The mesh adds strength, giving the body time to build in tissue as the material dissolves. I use one of two products for this: Galaflex mesh and Durasorb. Several examples on my website.

Dear needsurgeryasap3,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. Generally speaking, mesh is not needed for diastasis recti repair. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Absorbable mesh may be used in maintaining the rectus diastasis repair. The results depend on the type of mesh being used and how bad the diastasis is. Since there are no long-term studies that show it provides better results, it is not recommended for most repairs. However, in cases with large diastasis, weak abdominal walls, revisions, hernias, and other problems, it may be useful. Have a discussion with your surgeon on why it is recommended in your case.