Why would I have diastasis? I have never been pregnant or really overweight.

Question

I have been told I have diastasis. I am 32, 5'7 145lbs. I have never been pregnant, or really been overweight. My weight has only fluctuated within a range of 10lbs. I have had multiple laparoscopic surgeries for endometriosis as well as a TAH/BSO. Could these surgeries be the cause of my weak fascia?

Christian Subbio, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, some people are born with a tendency towards diastases.  If it truly is diastases, the muscles are separated and this allows the abdomen to bulge forward.  No amount of diet or exercise can help this.  Fortunately, there is a solution.  The solution is a tummy tuck which allows the surgeon to stitch these muscles back together and thereby reinforce the abdomen and tighten and narrow it.  It is unlikely that your laparoscopic surgeries caused to this.  Typically, open surgeries that resulted in a large scar and incision through the midline can surgically weaken this area, or if there is a large incision along the flank or side it can damage the nerves which cause muscle weakness.  However, laparoscopic surgery is unlikely to do this.  I hope this helps he will understand your condition. Best of luck!Dr. SubbioBoard-Certified Plastic SurgeonNewtown Square/Philadelphia, PA

Ram Kalus, MD, FACS · Answer

As my colleagues have indicated, we all have a unique biological make up with skin type, skin and hair color, and tightness or looseness of our internal tissues and skin. Your prior surgery might have indeed contributed to some loosing of your abdominal wall integrity. In order to determine how you might be able to be helped it would be necessary to be evaluated in person by a board certified plastic surgeon who can advise you on both surgical and non-surgical (non-invasive) options for body contouring. Best of luck to you.

Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD, FACS · Answer

I have seen this before in women who have not had children.  When you are ready, a tummy tuck involves tightening the muscles that can help correct the diastasis.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your excellent question.  Unfortunately it is impossible to truly know the reason for the separation of your abdominal muscles, or diastasis.  Though pregnancy and significant weight gain are the most commonly associated risk factors, you may have a propensity towards looser skin and tissues or weakening of the tissues from the laparoscopic port sites.  See an ASPS board certified plastic surgeon in consultation to discuss your available treatment options.

Richard Wellington Swift, MD · Answer

Thank you for posting your interesting question.  Diastasis or separation of the abdominal muscles usually is the result of pregnancy; however, diastasis can occur on its own like belly button and abdominal hernias. If you feel that your abdomen sticks out when you stand up, due to this diastasis of your rectus abdominal muscles, then you may be a candidate for a tummy tuck. If your abdomen does not bother you and the diastasis was only found on routine examination by your physician then I would not do anything about it. Only hernias have to be surgically corrected. I recommend that if you are concerned about your abdominal contour, have a consultation with an experienced Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who can examine you, answer your questions and offer a treatment plan. Best wishes, Dr. Richard Swift

J. Garrett Harper, MD · Answer

Everyone has a different musculature and there are varying degrees of muscle separation (or diastasis) in all of us- it's why we have different physiques and shapes.  Just take a look at some people's "six-packs"- they can look different and one of the factors involved is how their fascia is designed between their muscles.  I am assuming it has led to some abdominal contour issues that you may not be excited about?  If you want, send a picture and we might be able to give you a better explanation or educated guess on what's happening or going on.  Hope this helps.-JGH

Victor Ferrari, MD, FACS · Answer

Sorry to hear about your diastasis.  Though pregnancy and weight gain/weight loss are the most common causes of diastasis recti, there are also  genetic and nutritional components.  In other words, some people just have weaker connective tissue than others.  About 70% of the quality of your tissues is genetic and 30% is nutritional.  Some studies show that 97% of Americans have some sort of nutritional deficiency (either vitamin or mineral).  If you don't take any vitamins or minerals, I would strongly suggest that you go to a natural food store to buy your supplements.  Never go to a pharmacy or super market because they tend to have synthetic vitamins which are often times not good for you.

Why would I have diastasis? I have never been pregnant or really overweight.

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