Logan Steele
Diastasis recti is a condition where the abdominal muscles separate down the middle of the stomach, resulting in a bulging abdomen. This condition is common during and after pregnancy due to the uterus stretching the abdominal muscles to accommodate the growing baby. While diastasis recti can sometimes resolve on its own after pregnancy, in many cases, surgery is the only way to repair the separation of abdominal muscles. This procedure, known as diastasis recti repair or abdominoplasty, involves suturing the abdominal muscles back together to restore the abdominal wall and improve contour and definition.
How to Repair Stomach Muscles
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Surgery | Diastasis recti repair surgery is the most common method to treat split tummy muscles. |
| Surgery Cost | The average cost of a tummy tuck in 2019 was $6,154, but this did not include anesthesia and operating room expenses. A rectus abdominal repair surgery could cost up to $19,000. |
| Surgery Invasiveness | Diastasis recti repair surgery is graded based on factors such as anesthesia practices, incisions, and recovery. |
| Surgery Recovery | Diastasis recti repair surgery is usually outpatient surgery or "day surgery", meaning the patient does not have to stay overnight in a hospital. |
| Surgery Candidates | Women who have abdominal wall separation following pregnancy are ideal candidates for diastasis recti repair surgery. |
| Surgery Benefits | Diastasis recti repair surgery can improve the appearance of the abdomen, reduce low backache, and treat urinary incontinence. |
| Non-Surgical Treatment | Exercises that strengthen core muscles can be helpful in improving the appearance of the belly and treating urinary incontinence. |
| Non-Surgical Treatment Candidates | Individuals who have abdominal wall separation that is resistant to an exercise program, physical therapy, and loss of baby weight may benefit from diastasis recti repair surgery. |
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What You'll Learn
Diastasis recti repair surgery
Diastasis recti, or rectus abdominis diastasis (RAD), is a condition where a gap forms down the centre of the muscles in the abdomen, causing a bulge that runs down the middle of the stomach. This condition is common after pregnancy, but it can also occur in newborns and older people. Diastasis recti can cause a range of issues, including hernias, urinary incontinence, low back pain, and gastrointestinal problems. While there are non-surgical treatments available, such as physical therapy and exercises, surgery is often the most effective way to repair diastasis recti.
The cost of diastasis recti repair surgery can vary depending on factors such as the surgical fee, anesthesia fee, facility fee, and any necessary equipment. In the United States, the average cost of a tummy tuck procedure, which may include diastasis recti repair, was $6,154 in 2019, but this did not include anesthesia and operating room expenses. The cost of a rectus abdominal repair surgery can be significantly higher, up to $19,000.
It is important to note that diastasis recti repair surgery is not always covered by insurance, as it may be considered an elective or cosmetic procedure. However, long-term data has shown that the surgery can lead to sustained improvements in pain, discomfort, and physical and mental wellbeing. As with any surgical operation, there are potential risks involved, including bleeding, infection, and scarring. Therefore, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine if the surgery is suitable for your specific situation.
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Abdominoplasty
Diastasis recti or rectus abdominis diastasis (RAD) is a condition where a gap forms down the center of the muscles of the abdomen, causing a bulge that runs down the middle of the stomach. It is common after pregnancy and can also happen in newborns and older people. Abdominoplasty with muscle repair can restore the integrity of the rectus abdominis, tighten the belly, and remove excess skin.
The different types of abdominoplasties include:
- Complete abdominoplasty or full tummy tuck: This involves making an incision in the lower abdomen, above the pubic region. The length of the incision varies based on the amount of extra skin present.
- Partial abdominoplasty or mini tummy tuck: This procedure requires a shorter incision and is common if there is less excess skin.
- Circumferential abdominoplasty (high lateral tension abdominoplasty) or extended tummy tuck: This surgery includes the front (abdomen) and back areas (love handles and hips). It changes the shape of the body from all sides.
- Fleur-de-lis tummy tuck: This procedure is reserved for people who have lost a large amount of weight, usually 100 pounds (45 kilograms) or more. The surgeon makes a "T"-shaped incision in the abdominal region.
The recovery process for abdominoplasty typically takes a few months. During the first week, it is normal to experience discomfort, and swelling and bruising should improve significantly by the end of the third week. Most patients can resume their regular activities and exercises between weeks four and six. Compression garments are often recommended for six to eight weeks post-surgery to improve contours, tighten the skin, and minimise swelling.
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Exercises to strengthen core muscles
While surgery is the most common way to repair stomach muscles, exercises that strengthen your core muscles can also be helpful, both physically and aesthetically.
Crunches
Start with your back on the ground and lift your legs with your knees bent at a 90-degree angle. Place your hands behind your ears and gently squeeze your shoulder blades together, pulling your elbows back without arching your back. As you exhale, contract your core muscles and tuck your chin towards your chest, slowly curling your torso towards your thigh. Then, slowly uncurl your torso back towards the mat, keeping your feet, tailbone, and lower back grounded.
Yoga
Yoga postures like Warrior Pose, Tree Pose, and Crescent Pose strengthen your core muscles. Yoga also helps with balance and flexibility.
Pilates
Pilates focuses on working out your body's core muscles and is a low-impact way to train several muscle groups at once through smooth, continuous movements.
Bridge
Lie on your back with your legs resting on a fitness ball. Inhale deeply, then exhale to tighten your core, lifting your hips and buttocks off the floor. Hold steady for three deep breaths. This works your core muscles and the muscles along your backside, including the gluteal muscles and hamstrings.
Plank
Start on your hands and knees. Place your hands directly below your shoulders, and align your head and neck with your back. Exhale and engage your core as you raise your right arm off the floor and reach ahead. Hold for three deep breaths, then repeat on the other side. For an added challenge, try raising your left arm and right leg simultaneously, and then switch to the opposite arm and leg.
Lunges with Weights
Stand in a lunge position with your right foot forward, holding a weight in each hand. Keeping your elbows bent, swing the weights forward and back, mimicking the motion of pumping your arms while running. Switch your stance so that your left foot is forward and repeat the arm swings.
It is important to note that while these exercises strengthen your core muscles, they will not repair diastasis recti.
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Hernias
There are several different types of hernias, including:
- Umbilical hernias, which occur when a weak spot in the belly allows a bit of fat, fluid, or intestine to push through, creating a lump or bulge near the belly button. These hernias are common in infants and often heal on their own, but they can also occur in adults with health issues that cause increased abdominal pressure.
- Inguinal hernias, which occur in the lower abdominal groin area near the inguinal canal.
- Femoral hernias, which occur near the femoral canal, also in the groin area.
- Epigastric hernias, which occur when a weakened area in the abdominal wall allows a small amount of fat to push through. These hernias are typically small and occur in the middle of the belly between the belly button and the breastbone.
- Incisional hernias, which occur when tissue protrudes through a former incision in the abdominal wall that has weakened over time. They are a common side effect of abdominal surgery.
- Hiatal hernias, which occur when the opening in the diaphragm, where the oesophagus passes through, widens, and the top of the stomach pushes up through the opening into the chest.
Most hernias will eventually need surgical repair. During surgery, a small, narrow tube with a camera, or laparoscope, is inserted into one of the incisions in the abdomen. The camera guides the surgeon, who then inserts surgical instruments through the other incisions to repair the hernia. Patients who are candidates for minimally invasive surgery may experience less scarring and discomfort and may be able to return to normal activities more quickly.
If you have a hernia and are not yet having it repaired, it is important to prevent it from worsening. Your healthcare provider may advise you to adjust your habits or work nature to avoid straining the hernia, and in some cases, they may recommend wearing a special restraining belt during certain activities. Additionally, there are exercises that can help with healing after hernia surgery and increase core strength to prevent recurrence. It is important to consult your doctor before performing any exercises with an abdominal hernia.
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Incontinence
Diastasis recti or rectus abdominis diastasis (RAD) is a condition where a gap forms in the centre of the abdominal muscles, causing a bulge down the middle of the stomach. RAD can lead to incontinence, especially after pregnancy. Abdominoplasty with muscle repair can be used to treat this condition and reduce incontinence. This procedure restores the integrity of the rectus abdominis, tightens the belly, and removes excess skin.
- Dietary changes: Modifying your diet can help prevent or relieve incontinence. For example, if diarrhoea is the issue, a doctor may recommend avoiding foods and drinks that worsen it. Keeping a food diary can help identify specific triggers. Increasing fibre and fluid intake may be suggested for constipation or haemorrhoids.
- Medication: Over-the-counter or prescription medications may be recommended to alleviate incontinence, particularly if it is caused by diarrhoea.
- Bowel training: Developing regular bowel movements by training yourself to have them at certain times of the day can help improve incontinence. This may take several weeks or months to achieve.
- Pelvic floor muscle exercises: Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles through exercises such as Kegel exercises can improve incontinence symptoms. Biofeedback therapy can also assist in learning how to perform these exercises correctly and sense when the rectum is filling up.
- Incontinence products: Using disposable pads or anal plugs can help manage incontinence until symptoms improve.
If non-surgical treatments are unsuccessful, surgery may be considered as a last resort. Surgical options for incontinence include:
- Sphincteroplasty: This procedure reconnects the separated ends of the anal sphincter and is the most common surgery for incontinence.
- Artificial anal sphincter: This involves placing a cuff around the anus and implanting a pump to control the passage of stool.
- Colostomy: In this procedure, the colon is brought through an opening in the abdominal wall, and stools are collected in an external bag.
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Frequently asked questions
Diastasis recti, also known as rectus abdominis diastasis (RAD) or abdominal separation, is a condition where a gap forms down the centre of the abdominal muscles. It is common during and after pregnancy, with an estimated 60% of women suffering from it during this period.
The most noticeable symptom of diastasis recti is a distended stomach, which may appear as a “pooch” or bulge in the abdomen. Other symptoms include low back pain, difficulty with getting up or lifting, and urinary incontinence.
In most cases, surgery is the only way to repair diastasis recti. Diastasis recti surgery involves stitching the separated muscles back together, which helps to reduce the appearance of a "pooch" or bulge in the abdomen. However, it is recommended that you first attempt to treat diastasis recti with diet, exercise, and physical therapy.
If you are considering surgery for diastasis recti, the first step is to talk to your doctor about your concerns and determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. If you decide to proceed, be sure to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon who has experience in performing this type of surgery.
