Can diastasis recti be corrected after 20 years?

Question

I had a c-section 21 yrs ago. I workout 5-6 days/week and am conscious of what I eat but my belly seems to be getting worse. Can diastasis recti be corrected at my age?

Sacha Obaid, MD · Answer

A diastasis recti is a separation that occurs between your six pack muscles, essentially separating your "six pack" into two "three packs". This weakness will cause your intestines to pouch forward giving you that early "baby bump" look all the time. Unfortunately, no amount of exercise or diet will fix this. This can be corrected surgically. For all of my tummy tuck patients, I like to tighten up the rectus muscles to help narrow the waist. You certainly could have your diastasis recti repaired without a tummy tuck; however, if you are going to have the anesthesia and the incision, I think you would be much happier having the tummy tuck. Good luck.

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Kelvin Eusebio, MD · Answer

Dear Aquabrown,Yes you could have fix the diastasis recti after a long time from your last pregnancy. Just keep in mind you will need to proceed after having pre-op labs and a cardiologist evaluation. No matter how much exercise you do, if you have a diastasis you need to fix it in order to achieve a flatter abdomen.   Best wishes

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Yes, diastasis can be repaired at your age, but it's important to see a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss the procedure and have a physical exam to make sure that you don't have a hernia which changes the operation but does not preclude it.

Thomas P. Sterry, MD · Answer

Diastasis Recti is a loosening of the connective tissue between the two central muscles of the abdominal wall.  It can many times present much like a hernia (which is essentially a hole in the abdominal wall) and can be repaired at any age - just like a hernia or any other operation.I would not hesitate to fix this problem if it is something that bothers you.Good Luck!

Jeanne A. Scanland, MD · Answer

Pregnancy and weight gain can cause muscles to be stretched.  You can eat right, work out and be in tip top shape, but that will not correct the problem.  The only way to correct this is by surgery. Muscles are tightened back together with sutures,  known as a Diastais Repair.  The diastatis is one of the components of  a Tummy Tuck ( Abdominoplasty). During a Tummy Tuck often  the abdominal area, breast and hip areas are contoured by liposuction, the muscles are tightened and loose skin is removed. This is known as a traditional Tummy Tuck ( Abdominoplasty).Sometimes patients are slim and do not need liposuction or may not have excess skin and only need the muscle repaired.This can  be done thru a small incision along the pubic hairline.  Some patients may also need a small amount of skin removed.

Walter D. Gracia, MD · Answer

The separation of the rectus muscles created by pregnacy can be corrected at any time after the pregnancy. Hopefully it would be after the last pregnancy of your life.The oldest patient I did an abdominoplasty on was age 74, this week I just saw here and she is doing well at age 79.

David Finkle, MD · Answer

A tummy tuck is a procedure to contour the abdomen.  It consists of 3 essential steps:Removing loose abdominal skinTightening abdominal musclesRemoving subcutaneous fatEvery tummy tuck is customized to each individual; the incision length will vary, the amount of skin removal is different, the muscle repair will vary also.  The two main vertical muscles of the abdomen are the Rectus Abdominis muscles (the six pack muscles!).  They originate from under the ribs and insert on to the pubic bone, they are broad strong muscles that are usually "kissing" in the mid-line (middle).  With large weight gain & loss, pregnancy, surgery including C-Sections, the muscles will separate in the mid-line and pull apart from each other.  This leaves a noticeable pooch in the lower abdomen which is referred to as a diastasis recti.Part of the tummy tuck procedure includes repairing the rectus muscles with tight, strong sutures that will be permanent.  We like to refer to this as a "permanent sit-up", there is no need to perform sit-ups ever again!!To make sure this is a lasting and life long correction, all childbearing must be finished and your weight must be stable.  The amount of time a person has a diastasis before the repair is immaterial, the results are just as good if the diastasis is 1 month old or 20 years old.Good Luck!

Luis E. Redondo, MD · Answer

I have performed tummy tucks in patients with more than 40 years from their last son birth. This is not a problem at all. I,
like a few other colleagues offer online consultations where you send us your
photos and we can estimate the cost. Find a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and
discuss what will be the proper treatment to achieve the result you desires.

Regards,

Dr. Luis Redondo

Robert Singer, MD · Answer

A diastasis recti can be repaired at any time, assuming you are a good medical candidate.I would
suggest you find a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic
Surgery and ideally a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic
Surgery (ASAPS) that you trust and are comfortable with. You should discuss
your concerns with that surgeon in person.

Robert Singer, MD FACS

La Jolla, California

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

A diastasis can be repaired at any time. Good luck with your decision to move forward and getting it fixed

Can diastasis recti be corrected after 20 years?

Answers (12)