Photos from Before, During, and (soon to come) After Recovery from Diastasis Recti Surgery
This is a collection of photos from my recent diastasis recti surgery experience. I apologize for the poor photo quality, I was taking them with the camera on my phone and the lighting is not so great in some places. I didn’t even know I would be writing about all this at the time. I must warn you, the photos are VERY GRAPHIC. They’re gross. Please, only look if you really want to. You’ve been warned. 🙂
If you do happen to want a better look, you can click on the photos for a larger version.
The Night Before
This is my stomach the night before the surgery. Note the myriad stretch marks, the double hernia. The big gaping hole that is (was) my belly button. Sorry about the weird shadows from my arms.
48 Hours After Surgery
This was before my first shower, which was allowed 48 hours after the surgery. This was when I was allowed to take off the bandages, although I had to keep on the Steri-strips for several more weeks.
And here I am without the bandages. There is a hole in me with a tube sticking out which drained blood and fluid. Gross. My abdomen was swollen for quite a while after the surgery.
Four Days After Surgery
Here is a little more of a close-up. The drain was actually stitched to my skin, and I thought that was weird. Let me stop and say something here. Yes, I realize that the incision is crooked. I want to remind you that this was not a plastic surgery; I was never very concerned about how the scar was going to look. I mean, ANYTHING would have been an improvement, don’t you agree? I also have to stick up for my surgeon here and tell you how difficult it must have been to take all that stretched out skin and cut it out and tighten me up without being able to hide the scar under a panty line. I was very pleased that she took the extra effort to try and tighten up the sagginess and make me look a bit more normal. Even though, it’s true, I have no more belly button.
One Week Post-Op
The doctor removed the drain at my one week appointment. Belly still very swollen.
Two Weeks Post-Op
Here you can see my stomach is looking a little cleaner. There is a little dimple there to this day from the drain. Interesting.
One month post-op – Infection Photos
I started taking photos less frequently because there was not really much change from day to day. Until this day. This is where I had just removed my Steri-strips and taken a good look at my inflamed, very PAINFUL belly. Looking back on this, I can’t believe I couldn’t tell this was infected. I must have been in serious denial. Although, in my defense, the Steri-strips were covering a good deal of the redness. I can still remember how much pain I was in and how sick I felt. 🙁
It’s worth noting that the bottom of the incision was healing up nicely.
Here I look like a stab wound victim. This is what I woke up to after my nap; I removed my binder to see blood everywhere. And it stunk, sooooo bad.
I had to put pressure on my stomach and a lot of stinky junk came out. Ugh, this is so gross.
A hole in my incision. 🙁 Total sadness.
As part of my treatment at home, in addition to serious antibiotics, I had to pour hydrogen peroxide into the now-widened hole in my incision. The cavity caused by the hematoma was much larger underneath the skin. I had to stuff gauze into the cavity twice, and eventually three times a day so it would soak up the infection. Disgusting. This was about seven weeks after the surgery and about three weeks after the explosion.
Here is my wound, two weeks later, after the cavity had healed and closed up a great deal. This is about what it looks like at the time of writing. There is still a hole in the middle of the wound that leads to a cavity that I just cannot seem to stop draining junk.
Here is the wound, all closed in, six months(!) post-op. Infection gone! The scar is a dark pink because it’s actually a stretch mark! My new incision stretched so much from the buildup that my scar turned dark-colored and shiny. Weird. I will take more pictures in several months to show how the scar is healing.
Here’s my 2 year update, if you’re interested to see how this all turned out.
Love,
Danielle
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I just read your ordeal & am scared to death now to have my recti repaired. My surgeon promised me no netting or mesh. He said he could sew me up from, then he ran his finger from my belly button to the top of my abdomen, but 1st. I’m having bariatric surgery as I’m 5′ tall & weigh 240lbs., so no one can see it now but they will when the weight comes falling off, so why have the 1st. surgery if I’m going to have to walk around with this thing sticking out of my belly. I will make him sign something promising not to use the net or any mesh as I believe that’s what gave way in your situation. I can’t believe they let you keep it clean and empty all on your own. I guess I’m glad I live in Mi. where we have one of the best medical schools, hospitals in the country. I’ll be following you. Please keep us posted & thanks for sharing.
Hi Tracy! I hope your surgery goes well!! In my case, it wasn’t the mesh that caused the problem. It was when I received a large bruise on my surgery site. It was basically like a hematoma – the blood pooled in the site and eventually became infected. 🙁 Thank goodness it’s healed now!!
Thanks for the follow! 🙂 Sometimes I can’t believe they made me clean it all myself, but I guess it is what it is. Thanks for stopping by. <3
Hello! I am having my surgery tomorrow. My insurance would not cover a tummy tuck so I’ve opted to just have the muscles and umbilical hernia repaired. I am very nervous and haven’t found much information. I have a question for you: Is your abdomen noticeably slimmer? I am over being asked if I’m expecting. My third child is now seven months old. lol.
Hi Felicia! I’m sorry it took me several days to get back to you; I’ve been away from the computer. My abdomen is noticeably slimmer. My surgeon must have removed a lot of skin. My baby was seven months or so when I had the surgery too. The only problem was, I had the surgery before I lost all my baby weight, so after losing my baby weight, my skin is a little baggy again. I think it would have been best to wait but hey, what’s done is done. 🙂
Hi!! I’m in your exact boat!! No tummy tuck. It umbilical hernia and recti repair! I go in 2 weeks! I’m really nervous and an REALLY curious how yours went??!! I know it was 2yrs ago that you wrote this and are fully healed!:) how did it all go?? Did your abdomen go down a lot? Any advice??
Hi Emily, I saw both your comments and just wanted to say, if you haven’t read the posts, I have a series I’ve written on my surgery and recovery. You can find that here. Also, here is the latest update, just in case you hadn’t read it yet. <3
Hi Emily, can I ask how you got on, as I think I am heading for the same procedure, did your insurance cover it and where did you get it done
thanks a mil
Sonya
Omg I know how hat is. My Dr, wont do mine because they said it wouldn’t last. I’m so depressed
Keep trying!!! Especially if you cannot function properly like me
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I'd never heard of this in my life and am now speaking to a surgeon in a week to get the ball rolling on stitching my abs up as well. It's great to hear your story from beginning to end and see photos. I'd love to see more pictures of how things are healing up if you're willing to post them. Someone else mentioned this below as well– but I am also tired of being asked when I'm due!
Thanks Megan!! I have been meaning to add more pictures of how things have healed up. Thank you for reminding me! Good luck with meeting with your surgeon – I hope you can find some relief. It has really made a difference in my day-to-day life. And yes – no more pregnancy inquiries, is very nice. 🙂
Omg!!!! I am so curious if all of you who had surgery have belly buttons or not after surgery???? I too have diastasis and am horrified over it!! My fourth baby with a c section did me in!!! I never new either!!! I’m more than devastated!!!! I want to get a laparoscopic surgery to repair mine if insurance allows!!! I’ll take any repair they will give me,, but I really would want to keep my belly button bcuz it’s still an innie;) help…….
I kept my belly button, ive seen women at the beach who don’t have one and it kind of looks like an alien, but that’s just an opinion, I’m happy that I got a tummy tuck because I had so much flappy skin from pregnancy, so for the appearance it’s good, but I still don’t have feeling in my stomach skin ( 3 years later) and just a little under my boobs I always feel bloated
You are very brave to share your experience and I am glad you did. I just had this surgery, however, my hernia wasn’t as stretched out as yours. Personally speaking (as an RN) I would have some serious doubts about this doctor. The drain was removed too soon – obviously! I just saw my surgeon yesterday (one wk post-op) and he left the drain in bcs it was draining too much. I’m very sorry you had such a bad experience and would like to see it healed up completely. Good luck and be careful with your tummy. Google about strengthening those muscles! It says not to do crunches! Look it up – ok. Good luck and be careful!
Thank you for your comment. I can’t believe with all this, I never realized the drain was taken out too soon. Duh! How could I have missed that. LOL. Thanks for pointing that out. My tummy does feel great these days – there is a lot of saggy skin left over from the operation but as far as my muscles go, I feel so much better. I don’t really do anything to stress them too much, just like to play it safe. But it sure beats having them separated like they were! Best wishes on your recovery!!!
Hello! I came across your page when searching for information on the surgery. I was walking my boys to my son’s preschool and suddenly had some sharp pain that continued and spread. I went to the ER for the second time and they told me all my organs are good but I have constipation and that my abdomen is really seperated from the abdominal wall. I hurt so bad. I cannot bed, squat, move to fast, or breathe for that matter. I want to feel better, but I am fearful of the surgery. I was grateful you shared your story and I am wondering how are you doing now? I don’t have a hernia, just a lot of pain. They think I have the large amount of constipation because i don’t have the stomach strength to actually poop. I am hoping my insurance will cover it. Any info, advice, you could give to me I woukd so appreciate. Thank you again
Hi Destiny! Wow, I am so sorry to hear about your stomach! I will be praying for you. <3 I am doing very well these days. I sometimes have a little pinch from where the infection was, when I sit too long or wear pants that are too tight. But other than that, I am doing very well. I am finally able to work out a little using my stomach muscles, something I couldn't do for a long time. (I'm not huge on working out or anything, but it is nice to be able to do a little bit more.) I can stand up straight now, I can do all normal things I couldn't do. The recovery was hard, even without the infection it was hard. It seems to me you are already having a hard time! I can't give recommendations to you. All I can tell you is my story and if I would do it all over again, I would. Now that I'm over the hard part, the rewards are very great for me. Please let me know if you have any more questions. I know exactly how you feel in regards to the surgery, I can remember those feelings like it was yesterday. Prayers for you Destiny! Love your name, by the way! <3
Hi I’m getting surgery in a few weeks and my baby will be 7 months also and ATM I’m feeding him 8 times a day what I’m worried about is when will I be able to pick him up after surgery he will be 8kg. I have 3 other babies that are 3yr 4.5 yrs and 7 yrs so my main concern is apart from being able to feed him which I see you did ok is when can I pick him up myself to feed him? Helppppp
Hi Hayley, I was feeding my daughter several times a day at that age too, when I had surgery. I wasn’t able to pick her up after surgery for several weeks, but that was just me. I had to have her handed to me by family members. Do you have help? I would definitely try to arrange help for the first week or two, at the very least. We use our stomach muscles for so much, and it is quite difficult to be without them while heading is taking place. I hope that helps you. <3 Be sure to check out my diastase recti posts in the sidebar, they might help you too!
I know exactly what your going through!!! How did yours turn out???? I just came across all you wonderful ladies today.. I know it’s years later!! I need this surgery soooooo bad!!! Help!! Where to start?? Anyone!????!!!!!
Hello, I was wondering did you experience hair loss 2-4 months after this surgery? I heard from the shock of surgery and or the general used during surgery, you can experience hair loss several months later…. Thanks! I'm a homeschool Mama of 5 🙂
Hi there. I have DR. I had my first baby 81/2 months ago. I feel defeated and broken. I’ve done a little physical therapy but have not seen much improvement. Did you try physical therapy and ended up with surgery? When did you get DR? Is it normal to have this condition after only one. Should i just let it be until I’m done having babies? Thank you in advance.
Alicia
Hi Alicia! Found your other comment and see you got your answers! <3
Hi my name is Kendall.
I have four little munchkins myself. 7,4,2,2!!!
My last pregnancy was twins and I was left with the the same thing! Hernias and the muscle separation. I am one week after my surgery! Pretty sore big coping! Can’t wait to be able to pick up and play with my kids feels like it’s forever away.
I could send you pics of my tummy. My surgion did it one hip to the other hip and went under the skin to pull together the separation from my breast bone to my belly button.
I was on the internet tonight looking to see if there was any info. I was a little little buldge just under my belly button that I don’t think was there two days ago. Wondered if it was fluid building under the skin.
You scared me when I seen the blood picture. Ahhh
Scared I am going to tear by doing to much and not know that my muscles have seperated.
Anyways thanks for your post really nice of you to take the time to help others. You seem like a lovely person!
Hi Kendall! Thank you for the super sweet comment! How are you doing?? I’m sorry if my pics scared you!! Have you recovered fully?
I had a separation repair, hernia repair, tummy tuck yesterday morning. Took my pain meds and promethazine for nausea at 11pm last night, woke at 3am nearly screaming! Today I get to take the compression band off, shower (only letting soap run over, I can't directly wash), and then apply fresh gauze. It hurts much more than I imagined it would (I've had 3 cesareans, medically indicated breast reduction & gallbladder removal). This pain is a whole new level! I'm glad you're feeling better. My doctor never advised me that I can't have any more babies. I'm 40, with4 sons. I had a m/c the day before I turned 40 in June. I had very much hoped we'd conceive again. My post-op follow up is in ten days. I have staples, but no drains. I'm very nervous to see everything when I change my bandages later!
How did everything go?
I used to hunch due to large breasts. Then had reduction. After baby #4, we discovered 2 huge hernias on CT scan, after running to the ER for right side agony. The dr ordered the scan for suspected appendicitis, but found hernias instead. I really am praying the pain eases because this is brutal, even with 2mg hydromorphone prescribed!
Mine is vertical, as well. But I have staples, no drain & still have my belly button attached.
Hello my name is Corrina Granger. Thanks so much for sharing your story. I am rather petitie 5’0 110 pds. I have 3 Children 2 Previous C-Sections. I was doing sit-ups with a friend after my last child and we noticed a bump in my stomach. She said it looked like a Hernia. I ignored it because it did not hurt. I exercise quiet a bit and noticed my tummy was not getting smaller. I have looked 5 months pregnant for years. I finally went into the Dr and she said I had 2 Hernia’s but that they were not that large. One umbilical one Ventral. She did refer me to a Surgeon. Do you know when you get a hernia such as ours that it is because of a Diastasis Recti? I have been trying to do a lot of research before I meet with the surgeon next week. I have read all over the internet Diastasis Recti is considered cosmetic because it does not qualify as a harmful diagnosis. However I do not want a Tummy Tuck but to my understanding if you have Hernia and your muscles are split then the chances of the hernia “or your intestines” pushing through are more likely. Not sure if you discussed this with your Doctor? I would like to have both repaired if I can but do not have the money for a Tummy Tuck or think I need one. When you were diagnosed with Diastasis Recti could you tell? I just have always wondered why my tummy pops out like a beer belly and would love to have this corrected if I can. Also last question “Sorry” why did you not go the laparoscopic route? Can they not correct Diastasis Recti that way? Thanks so much again for sharing your information. It’s nice to know women dealing with this issue are not alone. I hope my questions are not to intruding!
Hi Corrina! I absolutely don’t mind the questions at all! I love to help people. The reason I didn’t go laparoscopic are because that wasn’t an option for me according to my surgeon, and also, she was inserting mesh underneath my muscles, so that they would adhere to the mesh, and that would drastically lessen the chances of a re-separation. A tummy tuck would not have been covered by insurance, and my doctor told me they have a high chance of separation recurring. I didn’t want that anyway. It would have looked much cleaner for sure, and they would have been able to recreate a belly button, but I just wanted something that would be covered by insurance and fix my stomach permanently. However, now it has been almost three years since my surgery, and I have no clue if things like this are covered anymore. Fortunately mine was, but I don’t have any idea now if that’s still the case.
I could totally tell I had DR. When I was pregnant with my children, when I would try to get up from a laying position, my stomach would make this weird tent shape, and when I asked my doctor what that was he explained. I love that doctor to bits, but he did tell me situps would reverse this and of course that’s incorrect. And yes, my stomach definitely protruded. It bugged me for sure.
What else bugs me is that DR reversal is not usually deemed harmful or worthy of insurance, because it really affected me. My back hurt constantly and I couldn’t even stand up straight. My hernias were painful. I feel like since it affected my core, it affected my whole body. I’m just so glad it’s fixed! Best wishes with your surgeon consultation. I hope you can find what works best for you.<3
Danielle thanks so much for sharing! I am having the same surgery in two weeks at Duke in NC. I did not feel prepared until I saw your post. Of course now I’m really scared of infection! I’m glad though I will be getting rid of this huge hard abdomen that makes me feel and look pregnant.
Hi Melissa! I’m sorry to scare you about infection. I completely didn’t expect all that to happen and the instances are rare, it seems. Best wishes for your surgery and recovery!!! <3
Hi Danielle, I am now currently 5 days Postop and I’m feeling better and better. I’m actually trying to sleep in a recliner tonight because it’s easier to get comfortable. I don’t see my surgeon until next week and the drain will come out at that time.
I’m so glad to hear you’re feeling better!! I second the recliner sleeping!! I used one of those armchair pillow things to recline while I slept too. Good luck with the drain removal and the rest of your recovery!!! <3
Melissa! I found this blog and saw Duke, NC! I am looking into this and would LOVE your feedback!!!
Thank you so much for sharing this. I have 1 very large and 2 smaller hernias from a liver Transplant surgery. I have been told hernia surgery is an elective procedure. Did you have and use your health insurance for this procedure?
I did have and use health insurance for my surgery. You can read more about the whole story here, if you are interested: <3
Danielle,
Thank you for taking the time and energy to share your story. I am childless but I do have a Dr. A as I termed it so I don’t forget how to say it. And I’m an MRI tech. I had a breast deformity at birth and one thing led to another that brought me to getting a DIEP flap done. No more implants, no more second stomach;however I developed this. I have seen a plastic surgeon and when I get to his desired weight, I will eventually get rid of my “alien”. I hope to eventually come to like my body if not love it in time. Thanks for sharing. I can relate to your explosion- that happened on my breast.
Regards
Tamara
Thanks for sharing Tamara. I’m not familiar with a DIEP flap, but I’m sorry to hear about all of that. I am especially sorry you had to deal with an explosion on your breast – I can’t imagine what that would be like!!!! It is such a journey to like/love our bodies – at least it has been for me. <3
I’m getting the mesh done by laproscopy. because I’m only 108lbs. I have no stretch marks and the doc said that a tummy Tuck would be to evasive because i have no b extra fat. I’m really nervous. Any advice you can give me? The last abdominal surgery I had by laparoscopy was from my appendectomy several years ago and I know this one is more complicated. 🙁
Hi Chrystal, I understand the nervous feelings!! I am not familiar with the laporoscopic method so I can’t give any advice on that specifically, but I guess my best advice would be to have help!! Have someone to watch your kid(s), for at least a week. You will not be able to lift much, if your surgery is similar to mine. Have someone to drive you there and back from the surgery. Rest, rest, rest!! Prayer really helped me during this time. Let me know if you have more questions! <3
how did you find a doctor? I’m also in Michigan and am looking for someone to help me with my condition. thanks!
Hi Kristen, I was referred to a general surgeon by my midwife who prompted me to get it checked out. <3
This is so neat to see you still maintaining this after two years!! You are amazing!! Helping all these women like this! 🙂
I am having my surgery in 2 weeks.. just doing DR and umbilical hernia repair and no tummy tuck.. I’m curious as to how you got your dr. to remove skin?? I’m curious to see if this is something I could ask my dr about doing too?? Not sure if possible though as he said he’s doing it laperscopically with a robot I guess! Anyone have any info?? I’m super freaked and nervious! I had my last little one 16mos ago and am SOOOO DONE with looking 8 mo pregnant!lol I had twins 7yrs ago too so that just set the ball rolling to do it’s final bounce on me with this last little bundle of joy!!;) I hope it can get rid of that ball once and for all!!;)
Thank you for your kind comments, Emily. 🙂 My surgery wasn’t laparoscopically done, so that allowed for skin to be removed, but if I remember correctly, my surgeon offered to take out extra skin. I don’t think it would hurt to ask for what you are wanting and see what happens. I understand being nervous!! I was nervous too. Best wishes on your surgery!! <3
Thank you for sharing
Thank you for sharing your story and the pictures. I am having my surgery on 12/12/16 the day of my anniversary I am super nervous… my surgeon will said he will cut along my section scar. do you have any recent picture I would love to see the end results
Hi Jennett, I do have more recent pictures, you can read more here: I hope these help you. Best wishes on your surgery!!
Hi Danielle,
I’m so glad to have found your story. I am scheduled to meet with the GS in a couple days and this has been of great help. I have 4 kids, 3 by csection and an unexpected hysterectomy hours after my last section. That being said I DON’T want additional surgeries after this. Correct me if I’m wrong but if DR isn’t corrected the hernias (I have 2) can come back? My ins will cover surgery and I found a Dr. that is a GS/plastic surgeon and I could pay diff for tummy tuck but he has been difficult to get a consult with. If you would’ve had the option for tummy tuck too would you have done it…knowing how well you feel now even after your infection? You are so brave and I’m grateful you have healed so well…it gives me hope either way. <3 God bless you
Hi Jen,
Thank you so much for your blessings and your kind comment. I’m so glad to hear my story could help you. I definitely feel that if not corrected, either naturally or by surgery, that hernias can and will happen again. 🙁
The tummy tuck aspect is difficult for me to answer. There are times I wish I would have had or could have a tummy tuck. The GS who performed my surgery actually took in some skin for me and for that I am very thankful. At the time, I just wanted relief and didn’t care how anything looked. However, I still have sort of a “pucker” where she took the skin in, and some loose skin. It would be really nice to have had a tummy tuck. I’ve also read in some forums that women who had tummy tucks regret them because of the way it changed their fascia in their tummy, making it lumpy later on and causing alignment problems, since our fascia is all connected throughout our body. Still, fascial work can be done to help those things, in my personal opinion. My thinking now is that I mainly do wish I would have or could have the extra skin taken in and have an actual, if still fake, belly button. But I do not want to go through surgery again. 🙂 Sigh.
Any recent pics? I’d like to see how it looks now after a few years have passed.
Sure, you can see more recent pics here: It still looks the same as these pics.
Hi, just saw your blog, and I hope you don’t mind my bluntness but this surgery doesn’t look like the typical diastasis recti surgeries I’ve seen on other sites like realself.com or research I’ve done. They normally are done in conjunction to a “mommy makeover – tummy tuck” on top of a diastasis recti repair and the incisions are done smiliar to a c-section. Can I ask who your doctor is (I would want to avoid him for my own future surgery)? Honestly, I would get a second opinion and/or speak to a medical malpractice lawyer. Please see realself.com reviews on similar surgery you’ve had. Seems like you went through a lot. I hope you’ve healed and ok.
Hello MsBanana. You’re right, this surgery wasn’t the typical repair, it was done more out of necessity and not necessarily aesthetics. I can understand wanting to know who the doctor is(!) but I’m not going to divulge the information. Thanks for your advice though – it was a lot to go through and I pray no one else has to endure something like that!! I’m feeling great these days, for which I am very thankful. <3 Thank you for your comment.
hi you will probally realise that I am a male who had a divarication of recti in l 2017 due to my walls coming apart and one of my organs popping out to see this world,excuse pun,the the operation was successful as they had to put the largest mesh inside,ive kept my belly button,but 2 on ive still got a very hard pocket of unknown substance and its protruding out like a small fist.I have since seen the surgical team twice now in the last 2 years and all they are saying is that im not to worry as it should dispurse in time,long is that maybe 5 or 10 or 20 years great.
Hi John, I’m sorry to hear about your separation. As far as the hard pocket, I’m not sure what that could be. I don’t think I had a hard pocket with mine, and I don’t know how long it should take to disperse for you. I hope it clears up soon, or that you are able to find out more about what it could be. Best wishes.
One of my patients directed me to this post. I should clarify that a repair of a rectus diastasis does not need a vertical scar. It can be achieved via a very low horizontal scar. Either a short c-section type scar where the diastasis is repair using assistance with an endoscope ( telescopic repair) or it can be comibined if necessary with a tummy tuck.
A vertical scar is completely unnecesary
She also removed excess stomach skin, my belly button which was stretched beyond repair, and inserted mesh beneath the abdominal wall, so it seemed the vertical scar was warranted in this case, as she explained. But I’m sure in more minor cases a horizontal scar would perfectly suffice.