How big can diastasis recti get?

Following pregnancy, it is normal for the separation to be as large as 1.5 to 2 cm at the belly button level (ref2). More than 50% of women have pathological levels of diastasis recti immediately following delivery (ref3), and for many of these women post-partum recovery of the separation is incomplete.

How wide is severe diastasis recti?

An abdominal gap wider than 2 centimeters is considered diastasis recti. Diastasis recti is also measured in finger widths, for example, two or three fingers' separation. Your healthcare provider may recommend movements for diastasis recti or they may refer you to a specialist for additional treatment.

What is considered a large diastasis recti?

If you feel a gap of at least two finger widths between the muscles as they contract, you have a diastasis. A gap as wide as four or five fingers is considered severe. Repeat the procedure below and above your belly button because the separation may be wider in different places.

How many cm is severe diastasis recti?

An observed separation of <3. cm between the rectus muscles is labeled mild diastasis, 3–5 cm separation of the rectus muscles moderate diastasis and more than 5 cm severe diastasis (25).

Does diastasis recti cause big belly?

This leaves a 'bulge', which is a sign of the place where those muscles have separated. The good news is that diastasis Recti can be fixed. Although if your muscles are actually split to the level where they have left a gap, a rounded tummy and a persistent post-baby belly bulge, this will often involve surgery.

How To Check Diastasis Recti Abdominal Separation

Does losing weight fix diastasis recti?

“My skin kept getting saggier.” As Dr. Brown explains, no amount of weight loss can fix the physical problem of having two muscles stretched apart. They must be sewn back together, which is why diastasis recti repair is best performed by a board certified plastic surgeon.

Can diastasis recti turn into a hernia?

When the abdominal wall is excessively stretched, the muscles may not recover properly, causing a bulge that looks like a hernia or a permanent pregnant belly (diastasis recti). This condition can lead to poor self-esteem and back or joint pain.

How do I know if my diastasis recti needs surgery?

According to the Mayo Clinic, surgery might be considered for women whose abdominal muscle weakness is interfering with their daily activities. Other than that, if women are “bothered by the bulge,” surgery might simply be for cosmetic reasons.

What happens if I don't fix my diastasis recti?

If left untreated, diastasis recti can potentially lead to poor core stabilization, pelvic floor dysfunction, and back or pelvic pain.

Is diastasis recti surgery worth it?

Surgery to diastasis recti can help you feel better physically. It can also help you feel better about the way your abdomen looks. Sometimes, diastasis recti will get better on its own. It might also get a little better if you do exercises to make your core muscles strong.

How do you fix severe diastasis recti?

How do you treat severe diastasis recti?

The key to healing diastasis recti is rebuilding your core from the inside out. You need to strengthen the transverse abdominis (TVA) muscle, which is the deepest abdominal muscle and can provide support for those muscles that have been stretched.

Is diastasis recti serious?

For most people, diastasis recti is not an inherently dangerous or harmful condition. However, many men and women experience frustrating side effects of diastasis recti, which can be cosmetic, functional, or both. Some of the most frequently occurring complications and signs of diastasis recti include: Belly pooch.

What gap is considered diastasis recti?

Diastasis recti = a muscle separation or gap between the rectus abdominis muscles of 2 or more finger spaces or a distance of 25 mm (just less than 1 inch). This means the tissues joining the rectus abdominis muscles have stretched apart. The wider the gap, the larger the separation of these two muscles.

Will insurance cover diastasis recti?

Diastasis recti repair is not covered by insurance and cannot be submitted to Medicare. The hernia repair can be submitted for insurance coverage, so you will have part cosmetic, part insurance for billing purposes.

Can diastasis recti be permanent?

Yes, sometimes. If you've had a baby within the past 6 to 12 months, be patient! It takes time for the body to readjust. A diastasis is more likely to close on its own if you had minimal weight gain during pregnancy, or if this was your first pregnancy.

How much does it cost to repair diastasis recti?

A diastasis recti repair can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $19,000. The actual cost of a diastasis recti repair is dependent upon location, board certified plastic surgeon, and length and involvement of the plastic surgery.

What problems can diastasis recti cause?

Diastasis recti can lead to side effects like lower back pain, constipation and urine leaking. It can also cause difficulty with both breathing and movement. In some rare cases, tissue may tear and form a hernia, where organs poke out of the opening.

How painful is diastasis recti surgery?

Since diastasis recti surgery involves muscle repair, you should expect some muscle soreness and pain for the first few days after your surgery. Your wounds will also show some swelling and bruising. These symptoms might take up to 2 weeks to subside.

Can you get a tummy tuck if you have diastasis recti?

Absolutely! In fact, the majority of tummy tuck cases include some element of liposuction fat removal to remove stubborn bulges and create a smoother, slimmer, more even look.

Can a mini tummy tuck fix diastasis recti?

A mini tummy tuck differs from a traditional tummy tuck in that it does not address the entire abdomen nor does it correct a diastasis recti, the separation of abdominal wall muscles most commonly experienced post-pregnancy and/or weight loss.

Can your abdominal wall collapse?

The muscles of the abdominal wall stabilize the torso and aid in vital functions such as respiration and urination. Sometimes, the wall can become weakened due to the formation of complex hernias and the return of a previously repaired hernia.

Can a general surgeon repair diastasis recti?

Diastasis recti repair is usually performed by a general surgeon to strengthen a hernia repair and decrease hernia recurrence.

What is the bulge in my abdomen?

Most often, a lump in the abdomen is caused by a hernia. An abdominal hernia occurs when there is a weak spot in the abdominal wall. This allows the internal organs to bulge through the muscles of the abdomen. A hernia may appear after you strain, or lift something heavy, or after a long period of coughing.