Could laughter ruin diastasis recti repair surgery? I'm about 2 weeks post-op.

Question

My sister has been making me laugh. I have reminded her to stop, but unfortunately have had several episodes. I have felt them flex/seize with a few bursts of hard laughter that i quickly try to stop. I haven't felt any "pops", but definately significant tugging and a burning sensation. Now i feel like i have constant burning and things seem less tight. Could i have torn? I had a very wide diastasis (five fingers) and paper thin fascia, according to PC. Worried.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear kellymae,
it is unlikely that laughing will cause failure of diastasis recti repair. However, if you continue to have discomfort, then it might be best to consult your plastic surgeon and get an examination. 
Daniel Barrett, MD

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Jarred McDaniel, MD · Answer

Laughter is unlikely to disrupt diastasis recti repair. This will depend on the strength of the repair, which is determined by surgical factors (e.g. number of layers in the repair, type of sutures used), and tissue factors (thickness of the fascia, width of the diastasis, internal abdominal pressure after repair). Perhaps have your sister take her comedy routine on the road and let yourself heal!

Could laughter ruin diastasis recti repair surgery? I'm about 2 weeks post-op.

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