Diastasis recti repair revision - Is it possible for the fascia to be tightened too much if Diastasis is not severe?

Question

Im having a revision surgery, as the previous tightened my fascia only to my bellybutton, this has left the bottom tight and the top stomach very full! If I have my fascia tightened all the way up, will this make a significant difference? Also can it be pulled to tight if I dont have severe diastasis? I know my stomach can be improved, I just want to make sure this is the way to go, as its a big surgery!

Lucian Ion, FRCS · Answer

Thank you for your question. It sounds like your first intervention was based on a degree of underestimation of the diastasis of the recti muscles above the belly button. This was revealed when the lower part of the abdomen did not stretch as much as the upper part.

It is quite unlikely that the fascia would be tightened too much in the absence of a severe diastasis. It sounds like your surgeon did a good correction in the lower part of the abdomen, so there is every reason to assume that the revision will achieve the goals you have set out without creating difficulties.

Vincent Gardner, MD · Answer

Hi sweetgrace, 
I have tightened the fascia from the pubic bone to the belly button on a few select cases. On one of them exactly what you are describing happened. Below the belly button looked great and there was quite a bit of fullness above the umbilicus. I went back and revised the procedure by tightening the upper abdomen. I would recommend you do the same if you are unhappy with your current results. Every patient is different and must be treated as an individual. I would not be worried about tightening the DR too much.....yes this can happen but is rare. Have a conversation with your surgeon and express your desires. I hope this helps. Good luck!

Adam Kinal, MD · Answer

Hello Sweetgrace,  I recommend consulting with several Board Certified surgeons who specialize in these procedures in person to give you their opinions and evaluations. Good luck.

Leland Webb, MD · Answer

Good question. Not typically. The repair of Diastasis usually only involves moving the abdominal muscles to the midline. Your surgeon doesn’t overlap the abdominal muscles, and therefore, only the distance between the two edges can be approximated or closed. Your issue is a common one for people, trying to undergo a mini abdominoplasty, where in the upper abdomen is not addressed. It sounds like you are on the right track to have this improved upon. I think that you will find your results will be much more superior with the full abdominaoplasty. We are happy to help in anyway we can.

Diastasis recti repair revision - Is it possible for the fascia to be tightened too much if Diastasis is not severe?

Answers (4)

Answer: Too tight?

Answer: Too tight?

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Everything you need to know about Diastasis Recti Repair

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Diastasis recti repair revision - Is it possible for the fascia to be tightened too much if Diastasis is not severe?

Answers (4)

Answer: Too tight?

Answer: Too tight?

Browse related questions

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.