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November 18, 2024
Can I Fix My Diastasis Recti?
Does your belly stick out or bulge, no matter how much you exercise? You might have diastasis recti, a common condition where the rectus abdominis muscles separate due to stretching.
We turned to Kelli Hickle, MD, a plastic surgeon at Plastic + Hand Surgical Associates in Portland, Maine, for answers.
Here is what you need to know about diastasis recti and how plastic surgery may help.
What is diastasis recti?
Your abdominal fascia is like the body’s built-in corset, holding everything together. It separates the skin and fat (subcutaneous tissue) from your internal organs inside the abdominal wall.
“Fascia is the strength layer of the abdominal wall,” explains Dr. Hickle. “Your rectus muscles (6-pack muscles) live within this fascial layer.”
During pregnancy or weight gain, this fascia stretches to make room for growing organs. But after giving birth or losing weight, it can stay loose. Typically, the fascia between the rectus muscles is about 1 cm wide, but it can stretch to 6 cm or even 10 cm.
However, knowing the difference between a diastasis and a true hernia is essential.
“A diastasis occurs when the abdominal fascia is stretched and weak but still intact. A hernia involves a hole in the fascia, allowing organs and fat to push through, often at the belly button or a previous laparoscopic scar site,” says Dr. Hickle.
How do I know I have diastasis recti?
“While diastasis recti can occur in men and women who have lost a lot of weight, it’s most often seen in women after childbirth,” explains Dr. Hickle.
How can you tell if you have it?
“You might feel a depression or a gap along the midline of your abdomen. This condition can make your abdominal wall feel weak, even if you exercise regularly,” she answers.
Patients often have a few consistent complaints:
- They still look pregnant.
- They struggle to regain core strength despite regular exercise.
- They experience back pain.
If you suspect you have diastasis recti, consult with a healthcare professional for diagnosis.
How can plastic surgery help fix diastasis recti?
“Large diastases cannot be addressed with exercise alone,” says Dr. Hickle. “While strengthening your obliques might help with small separations in the rectus muscles, there are no muscles in the midline of the abdomen. If your fascia doesn’t bounce back after stretching, no amount of sit-ups will bring your rectus muscles back to the midline.”
During a full abdominoplasty (full tummy tuck) with muscle repair, extra skin is removed, and the abdominal wall is tightened to bring the rectus muscles back to their anatomic position at the midline.
Although insurance companies rarely consider the treatment of diastasis recti medically necessary, bringing your muscles back together offers two primary benefits:
- Appearance: Patients often have a flatter, narrower midsection.
- Functional Strength: Once fully healed, patients can use their abdominal muscles and increase core strength as the muscles are now in their normal anatomic position.
Leading the advancement of Maine plastic surgery, Plastic + Hand specializes in tummy tucks, helping patients achieve aesthetic and functional improvements.
Why is a consultation for diastasis recti so important?
“Depending on the thickness of the abdominal wall, it can be difficult to tell how far apart the rectus muscles actually are,” says Dr. Hickle.
Consulting a specialist for diastasis recti is also essential because this condition is often confused with true hernias.
If you’re interested in abdominoplasty for muscle repair, should you wait until you’re done having children?
“In a perfect world, yes,” answers Dr. Hickle. “Surgery is an investment—not just financially, but also in terms of time off work and post-operative recovery. You wouldn’t want to invest in surgery only to have the results change with another pregnancy. My best advice is to wait until you’re done having children and are at a stable, happy weight.”
Do you have questions about a tummy tuck?
If you’re considering a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) for either cosmetic appearance and/or to help with abdominal muscle repair, our Plastic + Hand team has the most qualified tummy tuck surgeons in Maine.
We’re committed to providing the results you seek with the respect and compassion you deserve. The first step begins here. Call us at 207-775-3446 or submit this request form to schedule your consultation with our Patient Care Coordinator to get started.
