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
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Definition | Diastasis recti is a surgical procedure that corrects split abdominal muscles. |
| Procedure |
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| Recommended For |
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| Recovery Time | Weeks to months, depending on the severity of the procedure. |
| Post-Surgery Symptoms |
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| Management of Symptoms | Prescribed medications can help manage pain and swelling. |
| Activity Restrictions | Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for a few weeks. |
| Compression Device |
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| Results |
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| Weight Loss | Not a weight loss method; healthy eating and regular exercise are essential to maintain results. |
| Alternative Procedure |
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| Surgical Techniques | Varies based on size, location, additional problems, and patient objectives. |
| Laparoscopic Repair | Minimally invasive method with less pain and faster recovery (three small incisions). |
| Expertise | Dr. Iraniha at Surgical Oasis Institute specializes in all surgical methods for diastasis recti correction. |
| Pre-Surgery Evaluation | A thorough physical examination and surgical discussion to select the best option. |
| Post-Surgery Care |
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| Recovery Timeline | Most can return to pre-injury activity levels in three to six months with proper rehabilitation. |
| Pre-Operative Preparation | Enhancing health before surgery is crucial; losing weight can improve outcomes and reduce risks. |
| Support Team | Access to a group of healthcare professionals at every stage of recovery. |
Who Needs Surgery for Diastasis Recti?
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Department | PM&R at UT Southwestern |
| Focus | Restoring full-body function after abdominal reconstructive surgery |
| Study Findings (2015) |
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| Importance of Strengthening | As important as rehabilitation for knee, hip, or shoulder surgeries |
| Customized Program |
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| Recovery Benefits |
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| Diastasis Recti (RAD) |
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| Surgical Options |
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| Contraindications for Surgery |
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| Post-Birth Recovery | Allow body to recover and hormone levels to return to pre-pregnancy levels |
| Risks of Diastasis Recti Surgery | Depends on the type of operation |
| Surgical Techniques |
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| Consultation |
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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
Before RAD surgery, it is important to wash your body with antibacterial soap and consult your surgeon for any questions. Make a plan in advance to ensure you arrive at the surgical site on time. You will be checked by a nurse or surgical assistant, who will take vital indicators like blood pressure and temperature.
During the procedure, you will be under general anesthesia, which makes you unconscious and prevents you from moving during the procedure. The anesthesiologist will present a document outlining your patient rights (waiver) to you, which you must read and sign before undergoing surgery. After the paperwork is completed, you will be prepared to enter the operating room.
During the surgery, you can choose between a large open incision (open) or several smaller incisions made with a camera (laparoscopic). If a stomach tuck is part of the procedure, the surgeon will cut between your belly button and pubic bone from side to side, tighten the skin beneath your belly button, raise the skin, and pull back the abdominal muscles using stitches. A hernia will be repaired, and extra skin will be removed by pushing down the remaining skin and suturing it together.
A new belly button will need to be made for you, and adhesives, clamps, tapes, or more stitches will be used to seal the incision. Liposuction may be used for a stomach tuck to remove fat in your abdomen.
Open surgery is more significant than laparoscopic surgery, as it requires fewer incisions. However, it will still take a long time for you to recover from the procedure.
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.
