Diastasis Recti vs. Hernia: How to Tell the Difference

Abdominal hernias and diastasis recti can both cause a noticeable abdominal bulge. However, they are not the same condition, and the way they are treated can be very different. In this video, double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brian Bassiri-Tehrani explains the key differences between an abdominal/umbilical hernia and diastasis recti, including what causes each condition, how they affect the abdominal wall, and how to tell them apart. We’ll cover: • What an abdominal or umbilical hernia is • What diastasis recti is • Why diastasis recti is not a true hernia • How pregnancy, weight changes, and increased abdominal pressure can contribute • Common symptoms and physical exam findings • When imaging such as ultrasound or CT may be helpful • When a hernia may require surgical repair • How diastasis recti can be repaired during an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) • What happens when a patient has both a hernia and diastasis recti • When a plastic surgeon and general surgeon may work together Understanding the difference is especially important for patients considering a tummy tuck or abdominal contouring, because correcting excess skin alone may not address an underlying abdominal wall problem. This video is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for an individualized medical evaluation. Dr. Brian Bassiri-Tehrani, MD Double Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon New York City #DiastasisRecti #Hernia #UmbilicalHernia #AbdominalHernia #TummyTuck #Abdominoplasty #PlasticSurgery #AbdominalWall #PostPregnancyBody #BodyContouring