What causes rectus diastasis?
Although this condition can affect both men and women, it is more common among pregnant women. In fact, approximately two-thirds of pregnant women will develop rectus diastasis. Risk factors include having more than one child (especially if they are close in age), being over 35 when pregnant, or being pregnant with twins, triplets or a heavy baby.
In men, fluctuating in weight or exercising improperly can cause the development of rectus diastasis. Additionally, newborn babies can be born with the condition, though it normally resolves on its own.
Rectus diastasis and hernias
When additional pressure is placed on the abdomen due to pregnancy or weight gain, the abdominal muscles can’t maintain their shape and they separate. This creates a weak area in the abdomen where the individual’s internal organs may protrude through, resulting in an abdominal hernia. As such, when a patient comes to our Los Angeles Hernia Center with rectus diastasis, our experts also perform an examination to identify the presence of any hernias.
How is rectus diastasis treated?
A tummy tuck is the ideal procedure to treat rectus diastasis, as it restores the patient’s tight and contoured abdomen, while also improving posture, reducing back pain and increasing abdominal strength.
In addition to treating all types of hernias, our surgeons are also experienced in performing impeccable tummy tucks that remove excess skin and repair the underlying abdominal muscles to achieve a smoother, firmer abdomen. To begin the procedure, our experts will administer general anesthesia to ensure the patient’s comfort and safety, before making an incision in the abdomen. If a hernia is present, we will repair that defect first, before correcting the separation of the rectus muscles. We will then remove any excess skin and close the incisions with very fine sutures to minimize scarring.
Immediately following their Los Angeles diastasis recti repair surgery, patients can typically return home the very same day to begin the healing process. Patients should stay home from work and avoid strenuous activity for the first two weeks following the procedure, at which point they can resume light activity. Swelling in the abdominal area is to be expected, though it will resolve by six weeks, with the full results of the tummy tuck appearing at twelve weeks.
Consultation process
If you possess an abdominal bulge indicative of rectus diastasis, know that relief is available. A tummy tuck performed by one of our expert plastic surgeons will remove excess skin and repair the underlying abdominal muscles to achieve a smooth and contoured abdomen.
During your initial appointment, our team of surgeons will assess your medical history and perform a comprehensive physical examination. From there, we will compose a custom surgical plan to correct your rectus diastasis and restore a smooth abdominal appearance. With years of experience and countless successful procedures, our surgeons have developed a reputation for providing among the best diastasis recti repair Los Angeles has available.