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Diastasis Recti Surgery: Tummy Tuck Options

What is Diastasis Recti?

Diastasis Recti is a condition where the rectus abdominis muscles, which run vertically along the abdomen, separate. It is also called DRAM (Diastasis of Rectus Muscles), abdominal separation, ab gap or simply Mummy Tummy.

Abdominal Separation is most common during or after pregnancy as the abdominal (six-pack) muscles stretch to accommodate the baby. hormones can cause the softening of ligaments and connective tissue which can result in abdominal muscle weakness. For some women, the muscles stretch too much and separate along their midline (linea alba). Whilst most pregnant women will experience some form of separation, in most cases, the muscles come back together after pregnancy and do not cause any problems.

However if the tissue has lost elasticity from being over stretched, then the gap within the abdominal muscles will not close as much as it should. This is diastasis recti. 

Diasatis Recti can also affect individuals experiencing rapid weight changes or improper lifting techniques.

Types of Diastasis Recti

Diastasis Recti can vary in severity and location.

Symptoms

A common symptoms that suggest you might have diastasis recti is when you have a noticeable bulge in your belly and/or a softness or jelly feeling around your belly button. Other symptoms include;

Do I Have Diastasis Recti – How to test for Diastasis Recti?

You can check for recti on your own, but it is always best to discuss your concerns with your GP or healthcare provider.

To determine if you have Diastasis Recti, you can perform the DRAM test (Divarication of Rectus Abdominis Muscles):

Treatment Options for Diastasis Recti

It usually takes around 8-10 weeks following childbirth for your stomach muscles to return to normal. If there is still an obvious gap at this time then your muscles may be weaker which can put you at risk of developing complications such as back pain, bloating and incontinence. It is at this time that many may start seeking for diastasis recti.

Non-Surgical Diastasis Recti Treatments

Mild cases of Diastasis Recti can often be managed with exercises and physical therapy. Exercises are focused on the core without putting excessive strain on the abdominal muscles, while physical therapy involves tailored programs to enhance core stability and muscle tone.

You may also be advised to avoid the following;

Surgical Diastasis Recti Treatments

For muscle separation, surgery is often the most effective solution. Options like a can be beneficial, not only for aesthetic improvements but also for enhancing overall health and quality of life.

How a Tummy Tuck Can Help

A is a surgical procedure that repairs the separation of abdominal muscles by sewing the two sides of your abdominal muscles back together.

Our team of Consultant Plastic Surgeons are very experienced in providing both structural repairs for diastasis recti as well as achieving a superior cosmetic outcome for the entire abdominal region to ensure you get the best from your procedure.

It’s also important to remember that surgery cannot teach the muscles how to function properly. After surgery, core training and alignment work will be to develop true stability and strength and the best outcome.

The best candidates for a tummy tuck are typically those who are having children, are at or near their ideal weight, and are in otherwise good health.

Tummy Tuck Options

We offer a variety of tummy tuck procedures to suit individual needs:

Can you get Diastis Rectis Repair on the NHS?

Diastasis recti surgery is generally not available on the NHS. After consulting with your GP, physiotherapy is often recommended as the first-OnabotulinumtoxinAAbobotulinumtoxinAIncobotulinumtoxinAPrabotulinumtoxinALetibotulinumtoxinARimabotulinumtoxinBHyaluronic Acid FillersCalcium Hydroxylapatite FillersPoly-L-lactic Acid FillersPolymethylmethacrylate FillersAutologous Fat GraftingForehead Lines TreatmentGlabellar Frown Lines TreatmentCrow's Feet TreatmentBunny Lines TreatmentChemical Brow LiftLip FlipGummy Smile CorrectionMasseter ReductionJaw SlimmingDimpled Chin SmoothingCobblestone Chin SmoothingNefertiti Neck LiftMicro-BotoxMesotoxHyperhidrosis TreatmentChronic Migraine ReliefBruxism TreatmentTMJ TreatmentCervical Dystonia TreatmentNeck Spasm TreatmentBlepharospasm TreatmentLip AugmentationLip ContouringCheekbone EnhancementTear Trough FillersNasolabial Fold SofteningMarionette Line FillersLiquid RhinoplastyNon-Surgical Nose JobJawline ContouringJawline DefinitionChin AugmentationTemple VolumisingHand RejuvenationAcne Scar Subcision Filling treatment which may include regular pelvic floor and deep stomach muscle exercises. To be referred for Diastasis recti repair surgery you would need to have tried core training physiotherapy for at least 6 months. There is a strict list of criteria which patients must meet which having significant impairment caused by diastasis recti. Diastasis recti repair would not be offered for cosmetic purposes alone.

Can You Prevent Diastasis Recti?

While not entirely preventable, certain measures can help reduce the risk:

The Mummy Makeover

Ar offers a personalised approach to help you reclaim your pre-pregnancy body. Designed to address the physical changes after childbirth, this comprehensive package allows mothers to restore their bodies to a comfortable and confident state.

Our experienced surgeons collaborate with you to create a tailored plan, which may include procedures such as a tummy tuck, breast enhancement, or liposuction. These treatments can be performed together or in stages, depending on your needs and lifestyle.

Many women find that a Mummy not only enhances their physical appearance but also boosts their self-esteem and mental well-being. By focusing on both aesthetic and emotional recovery, our team is dedicated to supporting you through this transformative journey.

Whether you’re dealing with stubborn areas resistant to diet and exercise or seeking to address Diastasis Recti, we are committed to helping you feel empowered and rejuvenated. Explore the possibilities of a and learn how we can help you become the best version of yourself. For more information,.

Diastasis Rectis FAQs

There are some factors which can increase your risk of developing diastasis recti. These include:

Diastasis Recti repair surgery is best on patients who have completed their family. Overall, surgical repair is permanent but your risk for diastasis recti increases each time you become pregnant.

The sutures used to repair your abdominal muscles are placed deep beneath your skin and buried within the fascia. You should not be able to feel them.

Diastasis recti can be repaired years after child birth, there is no defined time limit.

Yes, plank-style exercises can be bad for abdominal separation. When returning to exercise with diastis recti, it is best to speak to a professional so you are not excessively straining the abdominal muscles.

At The Private Clinic, our experienced are dedicated to helping you choose the best treatment plan for your needs. Whether considering surgery or exploring other options, we are here to guide you every step of the way. For more information or to a consultation, visit our website at or call .

Tummy Tuck Experts

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• , MB ChB, MSc, MRCS, FRCS (Plast), FCMI, RAF (qs). GMC Number:
  
• , MBBS, MD & Surg (Hons), FRCS (Eng). GMC Number:
  
• , MA(Cantab), MB BChir, MSEd, FRCS. GMC Number :
  
• , MD. GMC Number:
  
• , MD, MPhil, MBChB, MRCS, MFFLM, FRCS (Plast). GMC Number:
  
• , MBChb, MRCS (Glas), FRCS (Plast), GMC Number:
  
• , BSC (Hons), MBCHB, MRCS, PGCERTMEDED, FRCS(Plast). GMC Number:
  
• , MD. GMC Number:
  
• , MBBS, MS (Gen surgery), MRCS, MCh (Plastic surgery), FRCS (Plastic surgery), GMC Number:
  

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About The Private Clinic

The Private Clinic is a multi award winning medical group with clinics located across the UK. We have over 40 years’ experience in offering the best in advanced minimally invasive non surgical treatments and expert led surgical procedures in our clinics and . Our surgeons are all registered with the and we are regulated by the . The CQC is an independent regulator for health and social care in England. Last review March 10th 2023.

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