Diastasis After Tummy Tuck 2 Years Ago?

Almost every patient can have a flat abdomen with an abdominoplasty.  It requires repair of the fascia of the abdomen that is painful but necessary for the best result.  Only rarely will these repairs fail.

Thank you for your question regarding diastasis recti after your tummy tuck. It’s understandable that you’re concerned, especially since your surgeon specifically repaired your abdominal muscles during the procedure.

While it’s uncommon for diastasis recti (the separation of the abdominal muscles) to reoccur after a tummy tuck, it is possible. Several factors could contribute to this, including physical strain, genetics, or significant changes in weight. Even though muscle plication (repairing the muscles) is a standard part of a tummy tuck, if excessive stress is placed on the abdomen during recovery or in the years following, the muscles could stretch or separate again.

The statement that it’s "almost impossible" to repair the muscles permanently is not accurate. Muscle plication during a tummy tuck, when done properly, should hold the muscles together. However, in rare cases, the sutures used in the repair could fail, or the muscles could separate again due to lifestyle factors or inadequate healing.

Since you’ve been diagnosed with abdominal diastasis again, I recommend consulting a board-certified plastic surgeon for a second opinion. A revision procedure may be necessary to re-tighten the muscles. This time, you and your surgeon can discuss specific steps to ensure long-term results, such as strengthening your core muscles gradually and avoiding activities that could strain the area post-surgery.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

A full Tummy tuck should not have Diastasis and that is a result of errors in the procedure or even negligence, it would be dangerous to speculate on this without seeing your case but I would seek out a second opinion on the subject.

This is a common sentiment shared by several general surgeons and one of the more common reasons that they refer the patients to plastic surgeons. Generally, I have had over 15 years experience with this procedure and it is extremely rare for the diastasis to recur.
I also encourage patients to undertake a Pilates style exercise regimen which strengthen and reinforces the core muscles and the repair. However, I have had occasion to see a few recurrences. Some of these are related to early postop activity damaging the repair (one from exercise and one from severe nausea and vomiting) and weight gain.
If the diastasis is repaired, the use of supporting materials such as mesh can be utilized to reinforce the repair and minimize recurrence. I do not routinely use mesh on the first attempt but I do use a double layer repair of permanent sutures.
To see one example, view the above video.
Otto Placik

PrinDeb77,
Your surgeon should have fixed your diastasis at the time of your abdominoplasty - this is an inherent component of the procedure. Whether you had an umbilical hernia or not, the diastasis can be repaired. Diastasis is a weakening of the muscles. During the repair, the edges are sewn back together. If you still have a diastasis, then I would recommend going back to your plastic surgeon and have them explain what they did during your original surgery. Good luck.