What is Diastasis Recti Repair?

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While you are pregnant, the uterus grows and subsequently stretches the muscles in the abdomen. In some instances, this can cause the two parallel abdominal muscles to separate. After birth, sometimes these muscles will come back together. However, sometimes the gap does not close and remains noticeable months after birth. This is known as "diastasis recti". This will cause a bulge in the middle of the stomach where the muscles have separated. The chances of this happening increase with large weight gain during pregnancy or with twins or multiple births. Those with diastasis recti may wish to address it through diastasis repair. This involves having a tummy tuck to remove the excess skin.

RELATED: Abdominal separation – diastasis recti after pregnancy

What are the symptoms of diastasis recti?

Diastasis recti is a condition where the two sides of the rectus abdominis muscle (the "six-pack" muscle) separate, often due to pregnancy or significant weight gain. The symptoms of diastasis recti can vary, but some common signs include:

One of the most apparent symptoms of diastasis recti is a visible bulge or gap in the midline of the abdomen, especially when the abdominal muscles are engaged, such as during coughing, laughing, or lifting.

RELATED: What Does a Torn Stomach Muscle Feel Like? – How to Fix Diastasis Recti

The separation of the abdominal muscles can compromise core strength and stability, leading to increased strain on the lower back and subsequent pain.

Diastasis recti can affect the overall posture, as the weakened abdominal muscles may cause a forward tilt of the pelvis and an increased curve in the lower back.

A weakened abdominal wall may contribute to digestive issues such as constipation and bloating due to reduced support for the abdominal organs.

Diastasis recti can be associated with pelvic floor muscle weakness, which may lead to symptoms like urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and pelvic organ prolapse.

People with diastasis recti may find it challenging to engage their core muscles effectively and may struggle with exercises that require abdominal strength and stability.

In some cases, diastasis recti can lead to an umbilical hernia, in which a portion of the intestine or fatty tissue protrudes through the abdominal wall near the navel.

How can I tell if I have diastasis recti? 

Before considering surgery, you may wish to try to confirm whether you have diastasis recti. To find out whether you have diastasis recti, use your fingers to apply pressure 2 centimetres above your belly button. You will then be able to feel whether or not there is a space between the abdominal muscles. 

RELATED: Split Tummy Muscles after Pregnancy – Treatments for Diastasis Recti

 Doing this can also help figure out the severity of your diastasis recti. Some people may have a larger separation than others. There are generally three stages of severity: 

It is a big decision to decide whether or not to have surgery to rectify diastasis recti. Generally, only those who are considered to have severe diastasis recti will require surgery.

Can I have diastasis repair? 

To repair diastasis recti, you will need to undergo a tummy tuck. So, are you an eligible candidate for a tummy tuck? To undergo this procedure, you will need to:

RELATED: Tummy Tuck with Muscle Repair

It is important to understand that a tummy tuck will not remove excessive OnabotulinumtoxinAAbobotulinumtoxinAIncobotulinumtoxinAPrabotulinumtoxinALetibotulinumtoxinARimabotulinumtoxinBHyaluronic Acid FillersCalcium Hydroxylapatite FillersPoly-L-lactic Acid FillersPolymethylmethacrylate FillersAutologous Fat GraftingForehead Lines TreatmentGlabellar Frown Lines TreatmentCrow's Feet TreatmentBunny Lines TreatmentChemical Brow LiftLip FlipGummy Smile CorrectionMasseter ReductionJaw SlimmingDimpled Chin SmoothingCobblestone Chin SmoothingNefertiti Neck LiftMicro-BotoxMesotoxHyperhidrosis TreatmentChronic Migraine ReliefBruxism TreatmentTMJ TreatmentCervical Dystonia TreatmentNeck Spasm TreatmentBlepharospasm TreatmentLip AugmentationLip ContouringCheekbone EnhancementTear Trough FillersNasolabial Fold SofteningMarionette Line FillersLiquid RhinoplastyNon-Surgical Nose JobJawline ContouringJawline DefinitionChin AugmentationTemple VolumisingHand RejuvenationAcne Scar Subcision Filling. Instead, it will focus on tightening the abdominal muscles and removing excess skin. If you are looking to have excess fat removed, you may be more interested in liposuction. 

What happens during diastasis repair surgery? 

You will be given a general anaesthetic so that you will be asleep throughout the procedure and unable to hear or feel anything. The procedure will take about 2 to 3 hours to complete. The procedure will involve an incision that runs horizontally from hip to hip. The abdominal muscles are tightened, and excess skin is removed. In some instances, the belly button will need to be repositioned. Liposuction will be performed to remove excess fat in the abdominal area, if necessary. Once the excess fat and skin have been removed, the skin is pulled down and sutured closed. You will have a tighter, flatter abdomen. Surgeons at Centre for Surgery perform a drain-free tummy tuck for selected patients. This means you will not have surgical drains at the incision site after the surgery. Essentially, you will have a faster recovery time and less discomfort. The scar will also be thinner than in a traditional tummy tuck. 

 What will the recovery period be like? 

 You will be given a compression garment to wear over the incision area. This helps keep the abdomen flat and contoured and speeds recovery by reducing swelling and bruising. It is normal to experience some swelling and bruising, which should fade within 1 to 2 weeks. Once this swelling has decreased, you will be able to notice the results of the procedure and see your new, slimmer profile. However, it may take several weeks or months to see the final outcome of the procedure; this timeframe will vary depending on the surgical method and what was involved. 

It is essential to rest after the surgery. You will experience some pain and discomfort following the procedure, with the worst pain occurring in the first two days. This pain can be managed with appropriate medication. You will need to avoid any physical activity for 2 to 3 weeks. You will have to avoid any abdominal exercises, such as crunches, sit-ups and running, for at least one month. If you are a smoker, you will need to refrain from smoking throughout the recovery period. 

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Centre for Surgery is a CQC-regulated private hospital on London’s Baker Street, delivering plastic and cosmetic surgery through GMC-registered specialist surgeons. Our expertise spans facial procedures including rhinoplasty and facelift surgery, breast surgery, gynaecomastia surgery for men, and body contouring procedures such as liposuction and tummy tuck surgery. Patient safety, surgical excellence and natural-looking results sit at the heart of everything we do.

Centre for Surgery is a CQC-regulated private hospital on London’s iconic Baker Street, offering plastic and cosmetic surgery led by GMC-registered consultant surgeons.

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