Give Rady Rahban, MD a phone call at (424) 354-2053
Espanol
Give Rady Rahban, MD a phone call at (424) 354-2053 Virtual Consultation Contact

Body Correction of Diastasis Recti

Are you aware that over 60% of women continue to experience diastasis recti—often called abdominal separation—long after giving birth? If your midsection still feels unstable despite dedicated exercise, or your stomach protrudes in a way reminiscent of pregnancy, diastasis recti may be the reason. Though very common, this condition is under-discussed, leaving many women without the support they need to restore their core strength and shape.

View Educational Videos Schedule Online
woman in black underwear
Before and after patient results Before and after patient results Before and after patient results Before and after patient results
Go to Gallery

Reclaim Your Core Strength

Whether you’re newly discovering diastasis recti or have already explored various remedies, staying informed about your body’s anatomy and treatment options is crucial. We invite you to schedule an in-person or virtual consultation with board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Rady Rahban, who completed his training at the University of Southern California. As a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons known for his meticulous, conservative approach, Dr. Rahban thoroughly assesses each patient, providing a personalized plan to address diastasis recti and relieve associated symptoms.

Dr. Rahban examining a patient

KTLA News featuring Dr. Rahban Discussing Diastasis

Understanding Diastasis Recti

Diastasis recti occurs when the connective tissue between the right and left abdominal muscles becomes overstretched and weakened—most commonly during pregnancy. This thinning of the fascia creates a gap that can remain even after childbirth, leaving a vulnerable midsection prone to bulging and functional problems.

This is due to:

  • Hormonal Changes: Elevated levels of hormones like Relaxin loosen muscles, joints, and ligaments.
  • Increased Internal Pressure: As the uterus expands, it strains the abdominal wall, causing overstretching of the fascial band.

According to a new study done by the Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), "restoring the pre-pregnancy shape of the abdomen, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) surgery with muscle repair can improve back pain and urinary incontinence after childbearing. Functional improvements may result from restoring strength and stability in the abdominal and pelvic region as the operation incorporates repair of the abdominal muscle separation (rectus diastasis) that can occur after pregnancy. The results demonstrate that tummy tucks do have functional benefits, as well as cosmetic ones particularly in the postpartum population."

Important Note on Exercise: Sit-ups, crunches, planks, and certain yoga moves may worsen diastasis recti by increasing abdominal pressure. A surgical approach is typically the most effective solution for genuine, lasting correction if your gap measures at least two finger widths.

Banner media

Symptoms of Diastasis Recti

Although a prominent belly bulge is a telltale sign, diastasis recti manifests in other ways:

  • “Tenting” or “Doming”: A football-shaped bulge that appears during coughing, laughing, or sitting up.
  • Lower Back Pain: A weakened abdominal wall forces the back muscles to overcompensate, leading to chronic discomfort.
  • Digestive Issues and Pelvic Floor Instability: The weakened core can adversely impact digestion and bladder control. Additionally, excess pressure on the pelvic floor may affect normal bladder function.

Surgically repairing the abdominal wall brings the fascia back to midline, restoring support and stability to your entire core.

Diastasis Recti and Hernias

If you’ve been diagnosed with diastasis recti, it’s common for a hernia to coexist alongside it. While both conditions stem from increased pressure on a weakened abdominal wall area, they aren’t identical.

A hernia involves a literal hole in the connective tissue, allowing fatty tissue or intestines to slip through. If the intestines get trapped, this can become serious, leading to bowel obstruction—a painful condition requiring urgent medical intervention.

One of the most frequent types of hernias among postpartum women is an umbilical hernia, which appears near the belly button. From the outside, it may look like an “outie,” signaling that internal structures have pushed through a gap in the abdominal wall.

Both diastasis recti and hernias share the exact root cause—internal pressure and a weakened abdominal region—often resulting from the profound physiological changes pregnancy brings.

Correcting Diastasis Recti and Hernias Together

Addressing both conditions in one procedure helps create a firmer, more stable midsection:

  • Reinforcement of the Midline: Bringing the fascia to its proper alignment provides essential support for a coexisting hernia.
  • Reduced Risk of Recurrence: Repairing only the hernia without fixing the diastasis recti can leave thin, overstretched tissue vulnerable to future complications.
  • Less Overall Surgery: A combined procedure means a single recovery period and a lower chance of needing additional corrective operations.

Because of the abdominal wall’s complexity, it’s critical to choose a board-certified, highly skilled plastic surgeon who understands these conditions' physiological and anatomical nuances.

Banner media

Diastasis Recti Treatments

While specific exercises may temporarily help improve core function and reduce symptoms, non-surgical measures typically fail to correct the underlying gap in the fascia. Surgery remains the most definitive way to repair diastasis recti and address its root cause.

Diastasis Recti Surgery

During diastasis recti surgery, Dr. Rahban makes a discreet, low incision—often below the bikini line—to access the separated abdominal muscles (and hernia if present). The weakened connective tissue is meticulously sutured together (a procedure called plication), reinforcing the structural integrity of your abdominal wall. Once repaired, the midsection regains functional strength while the bulge and other symptoms diminish or disappear entirely.

Dr. Rahban offers the following:

  • Overlap with a Tummy Tuck: This procedure is frequently combined with excess skin removal, belly button reshaping, and liposuction for patients wanting comprehensive contouring.
  • Mommy Makeover: Diastasis recti repair can be performed alongside other postpartum rejuvenation procedures, such as breast augmentation or a lift, to address multiple concerns in one surgery.

Dr. Rahban’s Meshless Approach

Dr. Rahban is a recognized diastasis recti expert who strongly advocates a mesh-free technique that provides:

  • Fewer Complications: Mesh can lead to chronic pain, infection, or bowel obstruction and has even been recalled in some instances.
  • Natural Tissue Reinforcement: By using your own fascia, Dr. Rahban preserves long-term integrity and reduces the risk of future complications.
  • High-Level Surgical Skill Required: Meshless repairs demand exacting precision. Dr. Rahban’s years of experience and advanced training from the University of Southern California ensure lasting outcomes for even the most complex cases.

Recovery After Diastasis Recti Surgery

Because this procedure is comprehensive, proper rest and limited movement are essential, especially during the first two weeks. Expect the following:

  • Initial Downtime: Plan to take time off work, arrange childcare, and avoid strenuous activity or lifting.
  • Gradual Return: Most patients can resume desk work by about two weeks post-op, though strenuous exercise and heavy lifting typically wait until four to six weeks.
  • Long-Term Results: With dedicated recovery and a healthy lifestyle, surgical repair produces durable, life-changing improvements in your core strength and comfort.

Diastasis Recti FAQ

What’s the Difference Between Diastasis Recti Surgery and a Tummy Tuck?

Can Diastasis Recti Repair Be Added to a Mommy Makeover?

How is Pain Managed After Diastasis Recti Repair?

Who is a Good Candidate?

How Should I Prepare for Surgery?

Are There Risks Involved?

What’s the Difference Between Diastasis Recti Surgery and a Tummy Tuck?

They share many similarities, particularly with muscle plication and the potential removal of extra skin. However, diastasis recti surgery focuses on repairing the gap between the left and right rectus muscles, often alongside hernia repair. A tummy tuck goes further by removing loose skin and addressing other aesthetic elements of the abdomen.

Can Diastasis Recti Repair Be Added to a Mommy Makeover?

Absolutely. Many mothers combine diastasis recti repair with other procedures—like breast lifts or augmentations and liposuction—to comprehensively restore their pre-baby contours.

How is Pain Managed After Diastasis Recti Repair?

A board-certified anesthesiologist supervises your surgery, ensuring safe anesthesia and a gentle wake-up process. Medications and mindful rest significantly reduce discomfort. Most patients report the first week as the most intense; by the second week, pain typically subsides rapidly.

Who is a Good Candidate?

Most commonly, women who have had children and do not smoke (or have quit at least one month before surgery) are ideal candidates. It’s recommended to delay surgery until you’re finished growing your family, as future pregnancies can affect your results.

How Should I Prepare for Surgery?

Research your surgeon’s credentials, arrange finances (since diastasis recti repair isn’t typically insurance-covered), plan for help around the house, and optimize your health through a balanced diet and regular exercise. A well-prepared environment fosters a safer, smoother recovery.

Are There Risks Involved?

All surgeries involve some risk, such as bleeding, infection, or blood clots. However, choosing a thoroughly trained, board-certified surgeon like Dr. Rahban, who favors a meshless approach, can significantly reduce complications and ensure a safe surgical experience.

Follow Us On Social

Schedule a Consultation

When Dr. Rahban does a consultation with a prospective patient, he wants it to be two things above all others: thorough and honest. He will find out from you just what you want from cosmetic surgery. And he will tell you honestly if you can get the result you want, and how he can best help you do so.

Contact Us
Contact us media
Podcast with Dr. Rahban
Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at (424) 354-2053.
Schedule a Consultation