Diastasis Recti Repair

Conveniently located to serve Washington DC, Arlington, Bethesda

What is a Diastasis?

A diastasis is a separation of the rectus muscles (6 pack muscles) of the abdominal wall. This separation can cause bulging of the abdomen, lower back pain, core weakness and a feeling of not being full.  Sometimes this can affect bowel/bladder function.  It most commonly occurs after childbirth or weight loss.

Who is a good candidate for surgery?

Anyone who desires retightening of the muscle of their abdomen due to aesthetic or functional concerns. Ideally you should be done having children to avoid recurrence.  Generally this procedure is part of a tummy tuck surgery since it is commonly associated with extra skin.  Some patients also have a hernia that can be repaired at the same time. This happens when the diastasis gets so thin that a part of the muscle tears causing fat or even intestine to push through the defect.

How is the procedure performed?

Usually a tummy tuck incision is made.  The skin is freed from the underlying muscle widely to avoid skin buckling and the muscle is pulled together in layers with permanent suture.  Drains are placed and the incision closed – most times after removing loose skin.

Recovery

There is some pain after surgery and most patients are back to work in 2 weeks and back to the gym in 3-4 weeks.  Core exercises can start at 6 weeks.  Drains are placed for 10-14 days.

Will insurance cover the procedure?

Diastasis Recti is considered a cosmetic surgery by insurance companies even if you have symptoms.  If you have a true hernia, this is generally covered by your insurance company.