Diastasis Recti Surgery Everything You Should Know

Diastasis Recti, often known as belly separation, affects many people. The muscles in the abdomen must separate for this illness to occur. When you have this disorder, which frequently occurs after giving birth or after losing a significant amount of weight, your tummy may appear “pooched” or protrude from your body. Certain illnesses induce pain, which makes it difficult for patients to do daily tasks. A “tummy tuck,” or surgery to correct diastasis recti, helps narrow the gap and tighten the abdominal muscles.

This tutorial goes over the components of diastasis recti surgery, including the recovery period, how long it takes to recover from diastasis recti surgery, and diastasis recti surgery without a stomach tuck.

Diastasis Recti Surgery

What is surgery for diastasis recti?

One kind of surgery that corrects the split abdominal muscles is diastasis recti. During the procedure, the surgeon will create a cut down the lower abdomen to reach the abdominal muscles. The abdominal wall will then be tightened by the surgeon by sewing the muscles back together. Occasionally, excess skin is also removed, which results in a more toned and smaller tummy.

Who Should Get Surgery for Diastasis Recti?

Most often, diastasis recti surgery is an excellent option for those who have a large gap between their abdominal muscles that causes them discomfort or affects their quality of life. Surgery should only be performed on people who are generally healthy and have reasonable expectations for the outcome. Individuals who have experienced significant weight loss or women who have had many pregnancies are frequently suitable candidates for the procedure.

How to Get Better After Diastasis Recti Surgery

After diastasis recti surgery, recuperation can take a few weeks to a few months, depending on how severe the procedure was. Patients may experience some pain, swelling, and bruises following surgery; these side effects can be managed with the use of medicines prescribed by the physician. For a few weeks after surgery, patients should avoid heavy lifting and other strenuous activity to ensure the stomach muscles heal completely.

Additionally, patients will be instructed to use a compression device to aid with muscle healing and reduce swelling. The compression device may need to be worn for a few weeks to a few months, depending on how well the patient is recovering.

What Surgery for Diastasis Recti Does

Diastasis recti therapy can improve the appearance of the belly and usually has long-lasting effects. Patients may immediately notice a difference in the appearance of their abdomen following surgery. As the tissues heal completely over the coming months, the appearance might continue to improve.

It is crucial to keep in mind that diastasis recti surgery is not a weight loss method. Patients should maintain the benefits by eating healthily and exercising frequently. In order to monitor their progress and ensure a seamless procedure, patients should continue to see their surgeon for follow-up appointments.

Diastasis recti treatment may be helpful if an abdominal split negatively impacts a person’s quality of life or makes them feel bad. If you are considering diastasis recti surgery, you should schedule a consultation with a skilled surgeon to discuss your objectives and aspirations and to determine whether you are a good candidate for the procedure. If you take care of it and wait for it to recover, diastasis recti surgery can improve your life overall and give you a flatter, more toned tummy.

diastasis recti surgery without tummy tuck

Most people choose for diastasis recti surgery instead of a stomach tuck when they don’t need to remove excess skin or fat around their waistline. Under such circumstances, the procedure is typically referred to as abdominal wall repair or diastasis recti correction.

To reach the abdominal muscles, the surgeon will create a little incision in the center of the abdomen. Following that, the physician will reassemble the muscles and raise the abdominal wall. Additionally, you can eliminate excess fat and skin if necessary.

In general, diastasis recti repair heals faster without a belly tuck than with one. Because there is less muscle to repair, this is the case. Surgical patients may still experience some discomfort, stiffness, and bruising. The surgeon’s recommended pain relievers may be helpful. For a few weeks following stomach surgery, patients should avoid heavy lifting and other strenuous activities. The muscles will entirely mend as a result of this.

Fixing diastasis recti without a stomach tuck usually results in a far more attractive and long-lasting stomach. After surgery, some people may immediately notice a change in their belly’s appearance. As the tissues completely mend in the upcoming months, the appearance can continue to improve.

It is crucial to remember that diastasis recti correction alone, without a stomach tuck, is not a weight loss method. For the effects to last, patients should eat healthily and exercise every day. Those who have surgery should also attend their follow-up appointments to check on their progress and ensure a speedy recovery.

Different Variety of Surgical Techniques to Repair This Condition

The diastasis’s size and location, any additional problems that may exist, such as excess loose skin and fat on the abdominal wall, and the patient’s objectives will all influence the sort of laparoscopic surgery that can resolve this problem. One minimally invasive method of treating this issue is laparoscopic repair of diastasis recti. In comparison to the open approach, patients experience less pain and recover more quickly with just three little incisions. At Surgical Oasis Institute, we are skilled in repairing diastasis recti with every surgical approach that is accessible. To help us select the best surgical choice for each patient, we would conduct a thorough physical examination and surgical discussion prior to surgery.

At Orange County’s Surgical Oasis Institute, Dr. Iraniha is an expert in all surgical methods for correcting “diastasis Recti.” In order to select the best surgical option for each patient, he would perform a thorough examination and discuss surgery alternatives with the patient prior to surgery. Please contact us at 949-646-8444 to schedule a surgery consultation, either in person or virtually.

Diastasis Recti Surgery Without Tummy Tuck Recovery

Every building requires a solid foundation. In the event that one corner of that basis collapses, the building will become weaker. Muscle separation during pregnancy, known as diastasis recti, or problems with the abdominal wall, such as a hernia, result in the same outcome.

Your weak muscles make it difficult for you to sit, walk, or bend. This can lead to reduced mobility, joint and back pain, and even issues with self-esteem, all of which can worsen your quality of life. Individuals with large, protruding stomachs have been suspected of pregnancy and even charged with theft while their shirts are off.

Abdominal wall reconstruction is a surgical procedure that can be successful if performed properly by a team of skilled medical professionals. It was a long drive for many of our patients to reach our facility, however. On average, patients who visit us have undergone eight to fifteen procedures. There may be as many as three or four unsuccessful attempts to repair a hernia. Many have visited multiple surgeons who informed them they had no other options.

The decision to get surgery was made when they learned about our experts at the UT Southwestern Plastic Surgery Clinic. Compared to the majority of surgery centers, our team’s transformational treatments are more intricate.

As opposed to some centers that might only perform that many belly reconstructions once a year, our center performs two to four of them monthly. Because we cater to them, we get around 60% of our business from beyond the Metroplex. After a complex abdominal wall hernia repair and reconstruction, our physicians collaborate with the physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) specialists at UT Southwestern to reduce recovery time, specify recovery plans, and reduce recurrence risk.

Our goal is to assist people in achieving the best possible physical and mental health. Following stomach surgery, there is no one recovery and reconstruction method that works for everyone. Your doctor will review your medical history, including previous treatments, as well as your professional and personal objectives and interests, before you begin.

Conditions that May Require Abdominal Wall Surgery

Procedures that support people’s health. All these devices need to be kept secure in order for the patch to function.

We strive to assist each and every one of our clients in the most efficient manner while causing the least amount of harm. Nevertheless, the majority of patients will require open surgery due to either a large amount of scar tissue or an incorrectly shaped body from previous surgeries. The recommended course of treatment or surgical procedure will depend on each patient’s condition. This could involve muscle flaps, biological mesh, sutures, or a combination of these techniques.

The following conditions are typically treated with belly repair surgery:

Following surgery, the majority of patients remain in the hospital for a few days to a week in order to recuperate before returning home and beginning physical therapy. With the correct type of rehabilitation, most people can return to their pre-injury level of activity in three to six months. Because every patient is different, we have open discussions with them based on the pre-operative review.

Sometimes a patient is better off without surgery. Individuals with numerous risk factors or treatments may not be able to undergo another surgery since it could worsen their condition.

Please be aware that I have discussed all of your options with our team of experts before recommending that you forego surgery. In that situation, our PM&R team will frequently assist you in identifying a nonsurgical treatment strategy that could address your issues.

Setting You up For Success

Having specific health issues, such as infections, heart or breathing issues, blood clots, or the surgery returning, may increase your risk of complications following abdominal wall repair.

Each attempt at reconstruction increases the likelihood of return by 10 to 20 percent. For this reason, it is crucial to enhance your health to the greatest extent feasible before surgery. The majority of the time, we concentrate on reducing four primary risk factors:

Perhaps the best indicator of the failure of abdominal wall surgery is being overweight. For example, your stomach repair surgery is unlikely to be successful if your body mass index (BMI) is 35 or above.

Losing weight prior to surgery, however, can significantly enhance results. Your risk of infection, recurrence, and cardiac problems following surgery can be reduced by 50% if your BMI falls below 35.

We understand that it’s not as simple as “eating right and exercising” to lose weight. Based on your requirements and motivation, your care team will assist you in creating achievable goals. Every patient has access to a group of healthcare professionals that can assist them at every stage of their recuperation.

Rehab-Focused Care

Depending on your health and needs, your care team may consist of gastroenterologists, urologists, gynecologists, nutrition specialists, or oncologists. But our PM&R department will be active in your care practically all the time.

The goal of PM&R is to restore full-body function. After abdominal reconstructive surgery, UT Southwestern was one of the first hospitals to investigate the value of physical rehabilitation. We found in a 2015 study that the implementation of a rehabilitation program led to a roughly 30 percent reduction in complications and a recurrence rate of about 20 percent.

Strengthening your abdominal wall after reconstructive surgery is as important as rehabilitation for knee, hip, or shoulder surgeries. The knowledgeable physicians and therapists on our PM&R team will design a customized program to help you increase your range of motion and build stronger core muscles, which include your back, glutes, and abdomen.

During the weeks and months of recuperation, stretching and strength training can assist in boosting blood flow, decreasing pain, and enhancing your capacity to carry out everyday tasks like sitting up, getting out of bed, and walking again.

Who Needs Surgery for Diastasis Recti?

Diastasis recti may resolve on its own; for instance, it may become better in the weeks and months following the end of your pregnancy. Diastasis recti can occasionally be somewhat improved by performing abdominal workouts to strengthen the muscles. However, surgery will be required to correct diastasis recti if it does not improve.

The muscles can be closed and reconnected by a surgeon either alone or in conjunction with an abdominal reconstruction, sometimes known as a “tummy tuck.” After having surgery to treat RAD, many people report feeling better. If you are thinking about having surgery for diastasis recti, there are a few things you should be aware of.

Contraindications

• Before undergoing diastasis recti surgery, most surgeons advise waiting a few months after your baby is weaned if you are nursing.
• If you intend to get pregnant again, keep in mind that pregnancy causes your abdominal muscles to split. Surgery to correct RAD should be postponed until after you have finished having children.
• In order to correct diastasis recti, most surgeons advise waiting at least six to nine months after giving birth.
• After giving birth, you should allow your body to recuperate. Additionally, it is important to let your hormone levels recover to their pre-pregnancy levels.

Potential Risks

Surgery for diastasis recti carries several possible hazards. The type of operation you have will determine the risks to a considerable extent.

For instance, laparoscopic surgery involves only a few tiny incisions and is used to treat RAD. The surgeon uses a camera to view into your abdomen during the treatment.

More or larger incisions are made during other procedures, such as a stomach tuck.

Risks associated with any procedure include:

Speak with a board-certified plastic surgeon if you are considering diastasis recti surgery. It is important to be aware of the risks associated with surgery, as they may differ for you and others.

To demonstrate to you how they corrected diastasis recti for other people, a surgeon might show you “before and after” pictures.

Purpose of Diastasis Recti Surgery

Most of the time, diastasis recti can only be repaired surgically. Because RAD surgery is seen as an elective procedure, you should be aware that your insurance may not cover it. Therefore, since it is not an emergency, it can be booked in advance. Your belly looks different if you have RAD. Surgery for diastasis recti can also be seen as a cosmetic technique if it is repaired.

Surgery can make your abdomen seem better, but that’s not the main reason people get it done. In order to treat incontinence and back pain, many people undergo surgery. Additionally, hernias—a condition in which a portion of an organ or tissue protrudes through the abdominal muscle—can occur in people with RAD. Hernias can make it difficult to carry out your everyday activities and are uncomfortable.

Surgery to repair muscles that have separated from RAD can be beneficial because hernias cause weak or strained abdominal muscles. Even if an insurance company may not agree, having surgery to correct diastasis recti is frequently less about “looks.” People can also feel better physically after having surgery to treat RAD. Alternatives to RAD surgery include liposuction and other body reshaping techniques.

Although these procedures remove belly fat, they do not repair muscle separation or remove extra skin. Engaging in workouts that build core strength can also aid you physically and with the appearance of your tummy. However, diastasis recti cannot be repaired by exercise.

What to Expect on the Day of Surgery

Here’s what to anticipate when your RAD surgery time comes.

Before the Surgery

For instance, in order to assist you avoid illnesses, they can ask you to wash your body with antibacterial soap. Pay close attention to what your surgeon tells you. Give their office a call if you have any inquiries.

In the days and weeks preceding your operation, you should feel free to voice any worries or inquiries. You won’t have much time to speak with your surgeon on the day of the procedure. Make a plan in advance to ensure that you get at the surgical site on time. You will change into a hospital gown upon arrival. You may be provided with a bag to store your personal belongings and clothing. It can be taken care of for you by the person who accompanied you.

A nurse or surgical assistant will come by to check on you. Your vital indicators, such as your blood pressure and temperature, will be taken. Be sure to inform them if you have a fever or are feeling under the weather. During your procedure, you will be under general anesthesia. You become unconscious from the medication, much as when you sleep. Additionally, you will be given medication that prevents you from moving while the surgery is being performed. When you wake up, you won’t remember the surgery or experience any discomfort.

You will speak with the anesthesiologist, the medical professional responsible for administering anesthesia. A document outlining your patient rights (waiver) will be presented to you. Before undergoing surgery, each patient must read and sign it. The anesthesiologist will give you some medication to help you relax after the paperwork is finished. You will then be prepared to enter the operating room.

During the Surgery

Your operation can begin after you’ve been put under anesthetic. Either a large incision will be made (open) or several smaller incisions will be made with a camera (laparoscopic). If a stomach tuck is part of your procedure, your surgeon will begin by cutting between your belly button and pubic bone from side to side. The surgeon just tightens the skin beneath your belly button when doing a small tummy tuck.

After that, the skin will be raised, and the abdominal muscles will be pulled back together and positioned correctly using stitches. A hernia will be repaired by your surgeon. Following the completion of the repairs, your surgeon will remove any extra skin by pushing down the remaining skin and suturing it together.

A new belly button will have to be made for you by your surgeon because the skin has been moved about. They then use adhesives, clamps, tapes, or more stitches to seal the incision. If you’re getting a stomach tuck, liposuction could be used to get rid of the fat in your abdomen. Before your operation, your surgeon will go over the steps of this procedure with you.

A laparoscopy, also known as a “keyhole” operation, involves the physician making several tiny incisions in your belly. To inspect the area and perform repairs, they placed instruments and a camera within the wounds. Open surgery is more significant than laparoscopic surgery. The term “minimally invasive” is also used since fewer incisions are required. But it will still take a long time for you to recover.

Conclusion

Diastasis recti is a common condition that most pregnant and postpartum women experience (although it can also occur in men and infants). It usually develops in the third trimester, when the baby is growing rapidly, putting more pressure on the abdominal wall. Most people don’t notice diastasis recti until the postpartum period. Diastasis recti is caused by the rectus abdominis muscles (six-pack ab muscles) separating during pregnancy from stretching during pregnancy, which can cause a person’s belly to protrude or bulge months or years after birth.