Diastasis
Recti Repair
Diastasis Recti Repair in Dubai
Diastasis recti is characterised by the separation of the rectus abdominis muscles, or “six-pack” muscles, at the centre of the abdomen. When the gap between these muscles exceeds 1.5 to 2 cm, it is considered an abnormal condition.
This condition is commonly seen during and after pregnancy, as the growing uterus stretches the abdominal muscles. However, it’s not exclusive to women—newborns and men can also experience diastasis recti. In infants, the condition often resolves on its own, while in men, it may result from factors like yo-yo dieting, improper weight lifting, incorrect sit-up techniques, or other causes.
Causes of
Diastasis Recti
Diastasis Recti Causes include:
- Elevated intra-abdominal pressure is the leading cause. As the uterus expands during pregnancy, it stretches the abdominal muscles and connective tissues.
- This condition can also affect postmenopausal women. Additionally, abdominal separation is common after vaginal delivery, with some degree of separation expected following pregnancy.
- In newborns, particularly premature babies, diastasis recti is more prevalent because their abdominal muscles are not yet fully developed or properly connected.
Symptoms of
Diastasis Recti
Diastasis recti primarily impacts the midsection. During pregnancy, symptoms typically start to emerge toward the end of the second trimester or early in the third trimester.
After childbirth, women with this condition may notice a visible ridge or bulge along the area where the abdominal muscles have separated. Diastasis Recti Symptoms include:
- A ridge or bulge that runs down the middle of the abdomen.
- Low back pain
- Weakened abdominal muscles
- Difficulty lifting objects
- Poor posture
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Diagnosis
While the separation in the midsection may be visible, it’s crucial to receive a proper diagnosis. This typically involves a comprehensive physical examination by your doctor to confirm if you have diastasis recti.
An ultrasound scan can be used for further evaluation, and the doctor may also use a calliper, a measuring tool, to assess the extent of the condition.
Treatment Approach for Diastasis Recti
The primary treatment for diastasis recti centres around rehabilitation exercises designed to restore the separation in the abdominal muscles. Additionally, it’s crucial for patients to learn which movements may exacerbate the condition and should be avoided until full recovery is achieved.
The Blepharoplasty Surgery
To safely strengthen the abdominal muscles, specific exercises are beneficial. These include:
- Deep Abdominal Work: Lying down with knees raised or maintaining a neutral spine to engage the transverse abdominis.
- Pelvic Floor Exercises: Pelvic tilts and Kegels help to support the abdominal muscles and the pelvic region. If you plan to become pregnant again, strengthening your abdominal muscles beforehand is essential to prevent further separation.
Exercises to Avoid
Some movements can worsen diastasis recti and should be avoided during the recovery process, such as:
- Abdominal Crunches: These exert unnecessary pressure on the separated muscles.
- Backwards Bends: These stretches may cause further separation in the abdominal muscles.
- Abdominal Twists: These movements can strain the muscles and worsen the condition.
- Certain Yoga Poses: Poses that involve stretching or excessive twisting can strain the muscles.
- Heavy Lifting: Lifting weights without proper core strength can intensify the separation.
- Kneeling and Hand Positions: Exercises that involve being on your knees or hands without abdominal support may aggravate the condition.
What is diastasis recti repair surgery?
For individuals whose diastasis recti does not improve with rehabilitation exercises, surgical intervention may be considered. A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) can assist in repairing the abdominal muscles and rebuilding a stronger core. Keep in mind that results may vary for each individual.
What is diastasis recti surgery recovery time?
The recovery time for diastasis recti surgery typically ranges from 4 to 6 weeks for most patients. During this time, it is important to refrain from strenuous activities and lifting heavy objects.
Full recovery may take several months, with most patients resuming normal activities after about 8 to 12 weeks, depending on their individual healing process and the complexity of the procedure.
Can we perform
diastasis recti surgery
with hernia repair?
Yes, diastasis recti surgery can be performed in combination with hernia repair. This is a common practice, as both conditions often involve the abdominal wall. If a hernia is present along with diastasis recti, the surgeon can repair both the muscle separation and the hernia in a single procedure.
Combining these surgeries may help improve overall abdominal strength and restore function more effectively. However, recovery times can differ based on the complexity of both procedures.
Consult Aesthetics by Kings College Hospital
Diastasis Recti repair
in Dubai
At Aesthetics by Kings College Hospital Dubai, we offer expert care for diastasis recti patients. Our European-trained, board-certified plastic surgeons are committed to providing safe, compassionate care in a state-of-the-art facility.
We diastasis recti surgery, providing guidance on both diastasis recti surgery before and after care, as well as offering advice on minimising and caring for the diastasis recti surgery scar. If you’d like to schedule a consultation, please reach out, and our patient-care team will be happy to assist you.
Meet Our Expert
Dr Dragana Spica
Lead Plastic Surgeon
Specialist Reconstructive and Plastic Surgeon
FAQs
The term diastasis recti describes the partial or complete separation of the “six-pack” muscles, the rectus abdominis, along the midline of the abdomen. This condition is commonly seen during and after pregnancy, but it can also affect men and newborns.
Elevated intra-abdominal pressure is the primary cause of diastasis recti. The expanding uterus in pregnancy puts pressure on the abdominal muscles, which may lead to separation. Other factors, such as improper weightlifting, yo-yo dieting, and abdominal strain, may contribute to this condition in men.
Diastasis recti are often visible as a ridge or bulge along the centre of the abdomen, especially when lifting the head or straining.
Other symptoms may include low back pain, weakened abdominal muscles, difficulty lifting objects, and poor posture. A physical exam and ultrasound scan are typically used to diagnose the condition.
In some cases, diastasis recti may resolve naturally, especially in newborns, as their abdominal muscles develop. For adults, especially women after pregnancy, the condition usually requires rehabilitation exercises, and in some cases, surgical intervention is necessary.
Safe exercises include deep abdominal work, such as lying down with knees raised to engage the transverse abdominis and pelvic floor exercises like pelvic tilts and Kegels. These exercises strengthen the abdominal muscles while avoiding extra strain.
Exercises that pressure the abdominal muscles, such as abdominal crunches, backward bends, abdominal twists, heavy lifting, and specific yoga poses, should be avoided. These can exacerbate the condition and hinder recovery.
If rehabilitation exercises are not sufficient to correct the separation, surgical options such as a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) may be considered. This surgery helps repair the abdominal muscles and restore a stronger core. However, results can vary from person to person.
The time needed to treat diastasis recti depends on the severity of the condition and the treatment approach. Mild cases can improve with regular exercise and physical therapy in a few months, while more severe cases might require surgery or take longer to heal.
Diastasis recti can persist indefinitely if left untreated. However, with the right treatment, such as physical therapy, exercises, or surgery, it can be managed or corrected. The duration of the condition depends on individual factors, such as the extent of the separation and the chosen course of treatment.
The diastasis recti surgery cost depend on various factors:
- Location
- Surgeon’s experience
- Type of procedure
- Facility fees
- Anaesthesia
