Rectus Separation After Pregnancy

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Cosmetic repair of Diastasis Recti and hernias

Diastasis recti is a condition in which the “six pack” rectus muscles separate causing weakness and bulging of the tummy. I offer the strongest and most reliable technique for closing a diastasis using a retro-rectus mesh (Rives-Stoppa repair) combined with a tummy-tuck to give the best possible aesthetic appearance.

I specialize in cosmetic repair of diastasis recti and umbilical hernias. I’m the plastic surgeon for the Regional Centre for Complex Abdominal Wall Reconstruction. Every week I repair the most challenging hernias and abdominal muscle defects. You’ll benefit from my extensive experience, the most up to date reconstructive techniques, and my focus on getting the best cosmetic results.

Diastasis Recti occurs when the six-pack muscles (Rectus Abdominis) separate in the middle and the tummy wall bulges between them. When severe it’s difficult to distinguish from a true hernia, although many people do also have an umbilical (belly button) hernia at the same time.

This problem affects both men and women, but it’s most commonly caused by pregnancy when the six-pack muscles separate as your tummy expands to accommodate the growing baby. Diastasis Recti may be the reason you can’t get back your flat tummy after pregnancy, regardless of how much exercise and toning you do.

With diastasis recti you may notice unsightly bulges and protuberance of your tummy. Because you lose core abdominal muscle strength you may experience abdominal discomfort and worsening of lower back pain. Weakening of the abdominal muscles weakness may also restrict what you can do, and prevent sports and exercise.

Reasons why people choose surgical repair of diastasis recti:

Bulging and protuberance of your tummy that doesn’t improve with toning exercises.
Abdominal discomfort and pain.
Unable to do sports and exercise.
Weakness and loss of core strength.

Benefits of surgical diastasis repair:

A flatter tummy
Reduce abdominal bulges
Improved core muscle strength
Easier to exercise and do sports
Relief from lower back pain (strong abdominal muscles help support your back)
Improved confidence and self-esteem

Correction of diastasis recti is very similar to a standard tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) procedure, but your recovery will take a little longer.
The procedure is performed under a general anesthetic (asleep) and takes 3 hours. You will stay in hospital 2 nights following surgery.
Repair of the abdominal muscles, is usually performed through a cosmetic abdominoplasty approach (tummy-tuck) to give a flatter tummy and hide the scars low down in the bikini line. Loose skin and fat is removed with reshaping of the abdominal area.
If the rectus muscles have separated by 1-3cm, I’ll stitch the muscles back together in their correct position (rectus plication).
If the muscles are separated more than 3cm, I perform a Rives-Stoppa retro-rectus mesh repair. This involves closing the diastasis by bringing the rectus muscles together in the midline, and placing a mesh behind the muscles to reinforce the repair. This gives a strong, reliable, long lasting correction.
Many people also have a small umbilical hernia that can be repaired at the same time.
There are 2 silicone drains that are removed by simply sliding them out, usually on the day after the operation.
During the operation I use local anesthetic during surgery to ensure that you should be comfortable when you wake up after the operation. As you recover, there may be mild discomfort when you move around, but this should be easily controlled with simple painkillers.
You’ll be seen in the outpatient clinic after 1 week to check the dressings and how you are healing. All the stitches are dissolving, so no stitches need removing.
We encourage you to get back on your feet within a few hours of the operation, but things feel a little tight to begin with so you will need to stoop when you walk around. Over the next week, things relax and you can gradually straighten up.
You should walk and gently exercise, gradually increasing your activity over six weeks after the operation.
It’ll be 3-6 weeks before you can return to work and driving, but this is dependent on the nature of your job and your recovery. It will be nearly 6 weeks before your energy levels fully return, and 3 months when you can return to sports and full activities.

You should be delighted with the flatter, smoother and more taut appearance to your tummy.
You will regain core abdominal muscle strength, making your daily activities and exercise much easier.
Having a firm, flat stomach can make a huge difference to the way you feel about yourself and the confidence you project to others.
The scars are generally sited as low as possible along “the bikini line” so they are concealed by your underwear or swimwear. Scars start red and firm, and will fade and soften over the next 6-12 months to become inconspicuous. In most the scars are barely noticeable.
Retro rectus mesh repair of diastasis recti gives a strong durable correction that should last a lifetime.
There is a small chance the distasis could return, and the risks of this are increased if you smoke, have diabetes, or are overweight (BMI >30).
Any pregnancies after having a diastasis repair will also undo some of the good work. For a long-lasting result it’s best therefore to have repair once you’ve completed your family, but I appreciate that some women prefer not to wait.