How Serious is the Operation for Male Diastasis Recti?

Hello, thank you for your questions regarding how serious is the operation for male diastasis recti? Every surgery is serious. Some surgeries are more “serious” than others. All surgeries carry risks and potential complications. The risks of diastasis recti surgery include bleeding, infection, blood clots, emboli, scarring, and pain. You and your chosen plastic surgeon should discuss these risks and others when considering diastasis recti surgery. Diastasis recti is the separation of the rectus abdominis muscle, which is a paired muscle on the anterior abdomen. Usually, diastasis recti surgery is performed with an abdominoplasty or tummy tuck. Correction of diastasis recti is often performed to correct or reconstruct the anterior abdominal wall. Diastasis recti surgery helps to flatten the abdomen, especially on profile view. For other opinions, schedule a consultation. Most plastic surgeons offer free virtual or in-office physical consultations.  Therefore, explore what other plastic surgeons have to say. I hope that I have answered your questions regarding how serious the operation is for male diastasis recti. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen, MD, MBA, FACS, FICS. ( Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, and International College of Surgery and  member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, RealSelf Hall of Fame, and RealSelf Doctor Advisory Board for Medical Review and Consumer Panel.)

A male tummy tuck can be performed to remove excess skin and fat, or simultaneously with a muscle tightening procedure. Raffy Karamanoukian Los Angeles

Hello,

Thank you for the question.  If abdominal muscle tightening is needed without the need to remove excess skin then a small incision or endoscopic tummy tuck can be performed.  In doing so, the abdominal wall is tightened through very small incisions at the pubic symphysis and belly button.  A drain is still used for about 5-7 days and an abdominal binder must be worn for the better part of 4 weeks.  The link below shows one of my patients before and after photos with lower abdominal wall tightening.

All the best,

Dr Remus Repta

Thank you, for your interest in this procedure. Any surgery has risks and should be taken seriously. This procedure involves repairing the muscle, loose skin, and excess fat, so organs are not being impeded in anyway. I suggest making an appointment with a board certified plastic surgeon's office to discuss the risks of the procedure and whether or not you are a candidate.

Hi.

The main drawback of repair of male diastasis recti is the scar.  It needs to be kept very low above the groins so it doesn't show.

The repair of diastasis recti is not as common in men as in women for the simple reason that most times in women the diastasis is due to pregnancy. In men it would be mostly due to excessive weight loss. That being the case, the repair is performed as part of a tummy tuck. It involves the reapproximation of the recti muscles which have separated.When performed by a Board Certified plastic surgeon in an accredited outpatien setting it is considered safe. But you need to seek consultation by a Board Certified plastic surgeon to examine your abdomen and discuss the post-op course as wellas potential complications.Good luck!