Stitching diastasis recti vs. mesh repair - Is it safe enough?

suture repair of the diastasis, or plication is typically all that is needed.  Without another pregnancy having the diastasis recur would be uncommon.

     Suture plication is appropriate in primary diastasis repair without hernia.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Dear Pennym, after pregnancy it is common to have diastasis of the abdominal wall. Having a TT always involve the repair of the abdominal wall with stitches. This procedure is a gold standard protocol, it is safe and the results are very good on most of the cases. I have patients with 15cms of separation and they came out really good. I wont recommend the use of a mesh just because it not necessary needed and it adds complications. After the procedure if you don`t want to have diastasis again you would need to keep a balance diet and exercise routine.

Mesh is usually not used when performing diastasis recti repair and it is effective without it.   Mesh is reserved for true hernias of the abdominal wall.  Hope this helps and best of luck.

We as surgeons will prefer to use your own tissues to fix a diastasis. And avoid a mesh to prevent any additional risk of complications. Only when it is absolutely necessary (large abdominal wall hernias or reconstruction) we use them. So be sure your doctor will do the best for you. You will be loving your new flat abdomen and tapered waist. I have done 8 inches muscle repair after multiple pregnancies with awesome outcome. Be encouraged. Dr. Cardenas 

no need for mesh, even in repair of very large separation of the rectus muscles in the  midline (rectus diastasis)  Mesh is often used in repair of abdominal wall hernias, which is a defect (hole) in the muscles and fibrous tissue enveloping the muscles (fascia), not for the tightening of the abdominal wall performed by plastic surgeons during an abdominoplasty.  

I have seen a number of questions recently about mesh and diastasis leading me to wonder if mesh is being used in parts of the world for repair.  Mesh is not utilized to repair rectus diastasis by most surgeons in the US.  It is unnecessary, expensive and full of added risk.  Your own tissue can be repaired reliably which pulls the muscles back to the middle and fixes the bulge in most cases. Best,Dr. Pyle

A rectus diastasis repair can be performed safely without the use of mesh. I think it would be bettervto avoid a foreign body, like mesh when performing the surgery. A board certified plastic surgeon can perform the operation. You will require a tummy tuck at the same time, to reduce the excess skin. 

Most plastic surgeons will just recommend use of sutures to correct your muscle separation.  This is called a muscle plication.  Mesh is sometimes reserved if you have a true anatomic hernia.   Remember, mesh is a foreign body and there can be issues with healing or infection, although this is extremely rare.Please visit with a board certified plastic surgeon to learn more about your options.  Best wishes