Diastasis Recti (Abdominal Separation) Repair
Restore A Flat Tummy With Diastasis Recti Treatment In Beverly Hills
Diastasis Recti (Abdominal Separation) Repair
Restore A Flat Tummy With Diastasis Recti Treatment In Beverly Hills
If you are at a healthy weight but still have a “pooch” in your stomach, it may be due to separated abdominal muscles. This condition is called Diastasis Recti, and it is very common in women who have been pregnant—studies show that up to 60% of women who have given birth experience abdominal muscle separation. Many women are told that abdominoplasty surgery (tummy tuck) is the only way to fix post-pregnancy Diastasis Recti, but a tummy tuck isn’t right for everyone. At Cassileth Plastic Surgery we offer minimally invasive procedures that can fix separated ab muscles without tummy tuck surgery and without creating new scars.
Diastasis Recti Repair Topics on this Page
What Is Diastasis Recti?
Dealing with a persistent belly bulge months or even years after pregnancy can leave many women feeling frustrated. This condition, known as Diastasis Recti, happens when the connective tissue called the linea alba stretches and separates the “six-pack” muscles (rectus abdominis).
Pregnancy commonly causes this separation, but heavy lifting, sudden weight changes, and certain incorrect abdominal exercises may also contribute.
Women with Diastasis Recti often notice their belly looks flat early in the day but starts bulging after routine activities. Besides changing the appearance of the stomach, this condition can lead to weaker core muscles, ongoing lower back pain, and poor posture.
Physical therapy and specialized exercises can help regain some strength and reduce discomfort. However, these methods alone might not fully correct the separation.
For those who don’t see enough improvement through exercise alone, diastasis recti surgery offers a practical solution. This procedure repairs and tightens separated abdominal muscles, helping restore a flatter, stronger core.
The good news is that not everyone needs a full tummy tuck. Depending on your specific situation, less extensive surgical options can help you regain your pre-pregnancy shape effectively. Consulting an experienced surgeon can help determine the best path to regaining your core strength, appearance, and confidence.
Is Diastasis Recti Surgery Right for You?
Many women, especially after pregnancy, wonder if their abdominal separation might require additional help beyond physical therapy or exercises.
Diastasis recti surgery can be beneficial if your abdominal muscles remain significantly separated long after childbirth or if you experience persistent weakness, back pain, or a noticeable belly bulge despite regular exercise.
However, surgery isn’t always necessary for everyone. Non-surgical treatments, including specialized physical therapy, targeted exercises, and lifestyle adjustments, may sufficiently improve the condition for many individuals. If you’ve diligently tried non-surgical approaches and haven’t achieved the results you desire, considering diastasis recti surgery may be the next step.
When exploring surgical options, it’s essential to find a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon.
Look for board-certified professionals who specialize in abdominal surgeries and have specific expertise in diastasis recti repair. Reviewing before-and-after photos, patient testimonials and scheduling a detailed consultation can help ensure the best possible results.
What to Expect from Diastasis Recti Surgery
Diastasis recti surgery aims to bring separated abdominal muscles back together, typically involving techniques tailored to your specific needs.
During surgery, the plastic surgeon carefully stitches together the separated muscles and may use additional methods such as minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery or a comprehensive procedure like a full abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) if excess skin removal is necessary.
Recovery from diastasis recti surgery typically involves downtime of several weeks. Immediately following the procedure, expect some swelling, mild discomfort, and limited mobility.
Most patients can gradually resume light activities within two weeks, while strenuous exercises and heavy lifting usually wait until around six to eight weeks post-surgery, based on your surgeon’s recommendations.
Ultimately, diastasis recti surgery significantly enhances core strength and stability, improves posture, and restores a flatter, more aesthetically pleasing abdominal appearance.
The procedure doesn’t just help you feel more confident in your body, it also supports overall physical comfort and health.
Repair Diastasis Recti Without A Tummy Tuck
Dr. Cassileth uses her extensive experience in abdominal wall reconstruction and advanced surgical techniques to offer patients who are candidates the opportunity to repair their abdominal separation without adding any new scars.
Abdominal Muscle Repair Through C-Section Scar
For some postpartum women who delivered via cesarean section (C-section), diastasis recti surgery can be performed through the existing C-section scar. This approach allows the surgeon to repair the abdominal muscles without creating a new visible incision.
During the procedure, the medial sides of the diastasis recti abdominis are carefully sewn together to close the gap and restore core function. This method of diastasis recti surgery is ideal for women at a healthy weight with little to no loose or excess skin in the abdominal area.
It’s a great option for those seeking muscle repair with minimal additional scarring. A consultation will help determine if this surgical approach is right for your anatomy and goals.
Umbilical Diastasis Recti Repair
This type of diastasis recti surgery involves repairing the abdominal muscles through a small incision made around the belly button.
For patients without a C-section scar, this umbilical approach can be a discreet and effective option. Once healed, the incision is nearly invisible. Ideal candidates are individuals at a healthy weight who struggle with the appearance or discomfort of separated abdominal muscles.
Like other forms of diastasis recti surgery, this method works best for those without excess or loose skin around the abdomen.
However, this technique isn’t suitable for everyone. Women with very small or shallow belly buttons might not be good candidates for this type of diastasis recti surgery. A consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon can help determine if this approach fits your needs.
Lipoabdominoplasty
For patients who have loose skin and hold significant excess weight in their midsection, lipoabdominoplasty is a great procedure that provides dramatic improvement.
A lipoabdominoplasty creates a lean silhouette while repairing Diastasis Recti. This procedure requires a typical abdominoplasty incision at or below the bikini line and also offers significant reshaping that can change the entire shape of the torso.
A lipoabdominoplasty is similar to a tummy tuck, but extensive liposuction is performed to remove fat before the muscles are repaired and the skin is recontoured.
If you struggle with excess skin and fat in the midsection and you would like to achieve dramatic results, lipoabdominoplasty may be right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Diastasis Recti
It is very important to ease into working out in a way that encourages the abdominal muscles to heal properly. Recovery after Diastasis Recti surgery will require you to refrain from heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for four weeks after your procedure. Dr. Cassileth will advise you on how and when to perform abdominal exercises, such as planks, in the month after your surgery.
Every doctor has their own preferences when it comes to surgical recommendations. A surgeon will take your concerns and goals into consideration, but they will also consider their own experience and skills. In addition to her extensive plastic and cosmetic surgery experience, Dr. Cassileth has a background in reconstructive abdominal surgery that gives her an in-depth understanding of the abdominal muscles and surrounding structures. She is also devoted to helping women look and feel their best with more minimally invasive procedures.
A medical professional can tell you for sure if you have this condition, but you can get an idea by doing this: Lie on your back and slowly try to do a situp, while supporting your head to look down at your belly, then put your other hand along the middle-top of your abdominal muscles. If you can feel a gap bigger than 1 to 2 finger widths between the two sides of your abs, this could indicate Diastasis Recti.
If you’re in good shape but can’t get rid of the “mommy pooch” caused by muscle separation, a minimally invasive diastasis recti surgery might be a good fit. If you also have loose skin, a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) may offer better results. For those with extra skin and fat, a lipoabdominoplasty combines both fat removal and skin tightening. A consultation with a trusted plastic surgeon will help you understand the best option for your body and goals.
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1 Sperstad JB, Tennfjord MK, Hilde G, Ellström-Engh M, Bø K. Diastasis recti abdominis during pregnancy and 12 months after childbirth: prevalence, risk factors and report of lumbopelvic pain. Br J Sports Med. 2016;50(17):1092-1096. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2016-096065