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Diastasis Recti Repair in Scottsdale, AZ

Dr. Jude LaBarbera offers diastasis recti repair surgery to help our patients in Scottsdale enhance their quality of life. This advanced procedure can benefit both women and men who have undergone significant changes in their body shape. As a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. LaBarbera has performed numerous successful operations, improving our patients’ physical and emotional well-being. He uses the latest surgical techniques to achieve excellent outcomes while minimizing the risk of side effects and complications. It is easy to schedule a consultation to see how this amazing procedure can benefit your aesthetic goals.

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What Is Diastasis Recti?

Diastasis recti occurs when the abdominal muscles (rectus abdominis) separate or widen, resulting in a protruding stomach. This condition commonly arises during pregnancy as the body adjusts to accommodate the growing fetus. Around 50% of women experience diastasis recti after childbearing. Though this condition often resolves independently, it can sometimes persist and become a lasting issue. For men, excess weight may also lead to muscle separation. While not inherently risky, this problem might cause numerous physical and aesthetic concerns. Dr. LaBarbera offers effective treatments to alleviate symptoms and improve the patient’s quality of life.

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Symptoms of Diastasis Recti

The primary sign of diastasis recti is a noticeable bulge in the belly, particularly when the abdominal muscles are strained or contracted. Additional symptoms may include:

  • Poor posture
  • Lower back pain
  • Bloating
  • Constipation
  • Urinary incontinence
  • Difficulty with daily activities
  • Challenges in lifting objects
  • Weakness in the abdominal muscles

How to Repair Diastasis Recti?

Since diastasis recti is not considered a true hernia (bulging of internal organs through muscles or connective tissue) and generally poses no health risks, Dr. LaBarbera suggests trying non-invasive methods first. When discussing treatment options for this condition, our surgeon typically recommends the following approaches:

Exercise
Exercise can help strengthen abdominal muscles and alleviate symptoms of diastasis recti. Dr. LaBarbera often recommends deep belly activities performed with a neutral spine, meaning patients should lie down with their knees up. The goal is to engage and control their transverse abdominis. Floor exercises, such as pelvic tilts and Kegels, can also be beneficial.
However, activities like belly twists, common yoga poses, backward bends, heavy lifting workouts, and movements that require using knees or hands without adequate abdominal support should be avoided. Performing the correct exercises in the right way is crucial for preventing injury. A physical therapist can help patients do these exercises correctly and safely.
Surgical Tightening of Abdominal Muscles

Surgery is generally not Dr. LaBarbera’s initial approach to correcting rectus abdominis diastasis. However, when exercises fail to strengthen the belly muscles and alleviate symptoms, he may recommend a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty tailored for diastasis recti repair. This specialized surgery focuses on reuniting the separated tissues. Patients with an umbilical hernia caused by severe diastasis recti can address their problem during the procedure. Unlike a full tummy tuck, this surgery may not involve removing excess fat and skin.

Abdominoplasty is usually performed under general anesthesia. Incisions are made around the belly button, and the widened muscles are stitched back together using non-dissolvable sutures. The belly button is then reattached, excess skin is removed, and the remaining tissue is tightened. Dr. LaBarbera uses advanced surgical techniques to treat diastasis recti and minimize scarring.

Diastasis Recti Repair vs. Tummy Tuck

Diastasis Recti vs. Hernia:
How They Differ

Preparation for
Diastasis Recti Surgery

Preparation for diastasis recti repair begins with a comprehensive consultation with Dr. LaBarbera. During this initial meeting, our surgeon evaluates the severity of the abdominal wall separation, measures the gap between the muscles, and assesses the patient’s overall health status. Medical history, including previous pregnancies, surgeries, and existing conditions, is thoroughly reviewed. Dr. LaBarbera may request various pre-operative tests, including blood work, EKG, and imaging studies, to ensure the person is fit for this operation.

Patients are typically advised to maintain a stable weight and stop smoking at least four weeks before the procedure. Certain medications and supplements that can increase bleeding risk must be discontinued as directed by our medical team. Preparations also involve arranging for post-operative care, securing time off work, and creating a proper home environment for a comfortable recovery period.

Techniques to Correct Diastasis Recti

Diastasis recti can be corrected through specialized techniques that bring the abdominal muscles back together and restore core strength. These methods focus on improving muscle alignment, tightening the abdominal wall, and creating a smoother, more stable midsection.

Recovery After Diastasis Recti Surgery

The initial recovery period requires complete rest with minimal movement. Pain and discomfort are the most intense during this time and are managed through prescribed medication. Patients return to their homes the same day after surgery to recover comfortably. Their movement is limited to necessary activities only. A compression garment is worn to reduce swelling and support the treated area.
Movement remains restricted, with no lifting or straining allowed. Short walks around the house are encouraged to prevent blood clots. Patients must maintain a slightly bent position while moving to avoid strain on the repair site. The compression garment continues to be worn 24/7, and pain gradually decreases.
Light daily activities can resume, but lifting anything over 5 pounds remains prohibited. Some patients return to desk jobs, though remote work is preferable. The compression garment is still necessary, and gentle stretching might begin under medical guidance.
Most normal daily activities can resume, except heavy lifting and strenuous exercise. The compression garment may be worn for shorter periods. Patients are allowed to start gentle core exercises under professional supervision. Scar tissue continues to form and strengthen the repaired tissues.
A progressive return to strenuous exercise begins, starting with low-impact activities. Strength training can gradually resume, initially avoiding direct ab work. The compression garment is typically no longer needed. Scar tissue continues to mature and strengthen.
Full recovery typically occurs during this period. Core strength continues to improve, and the final results of the surgery become apparent. Patients can resume all types of exercise without restrictions.
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Candidates for
Diastasis Recti Repair

Postpartum women are among the most common candidates for diastasis recti repair. Childbearing often causes the abdominal muscles to stretch and separate, particularly after multiple pregnancies or carrying a larger baby. Women who experience persistent rectus diastasis and are unable to resolve it through physical therapy may consider surgical intervention.
People who have undergone substantial weight loss or gain, particularly over a short period, might develop diastasis recti. The rapid stretching and subsequent loosening of the abdominal wall can result in a noticeable separation of the belly muscles. Patients with this problem often need surgical repair to restore proper alignment.
Chronic abdominal weakness or visible bulging, unrelated to pregnancy or weight changes, may also make someone a candidate for diastasis recti repair. This condition can occur in individuals due to genetic factors, repetitive strain on the core, or a history of abdominal surgeries that contributed to the separation of rectus muscles.
Athletes, particularly those in activities requiring intense core strength, may develop diastasis recti due to ab overload. Those who struggle with regaining core stability or experience performance limitations can explore surgical options to restore proper muscle function.
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Benefits of Diastasis Recti Repair

Diastasis recti repair brings the separated belly muscles back into alignment, tightening the abdominal wall. This restoration enhances core strength and stability, providing better support for daily movements and reducing the strain on surrounding tissues. The lack of proper treatment can make diastasis recti worse over time.
Repair surgery eliminates the bulge caused by muscle separation, leading to a flatter abdominal appearance. This may significantly enhance physical symmetry and restore the natural shape of the midsection.
Closing the gap in the abdominal muscles improves posture by supporting the spine more effectively. Stronger core muscles reduce the likelihood of compensatory habits, such as slouching, that can lead to discomfort or long-term spinal issues. In addition, the surgery helps prevent urinary incontinence, which sometimes develops in postpartum women with diastasis recti.
Repair procedures alleviate strain on the back by restoring proper muscle function and core engagement. The lumbar spine experiences less pressure with improved abdominal support, reducing or eliminating lower back pain in many cases.

Cost of Diastasis Recti Repair in Scottsdale, AZ

The cost of diastasis recti repair surgery differs for each patient, ranging from $5,000 to $15,000. Since many health insurers view this procedure as an elective cosmetic treatment, it is often not covered. During your first consultation, Dr. LaBarbera will give you a cost estimate based on your needs. Our practice provides flexible financing options to help patients fix diastasis recti and make payments more convenient.
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What Makes Our Plastic Surgery Different From Others?

Our experienced team offers exceptional diastasis recti repair, combining advanced surgical expertise with a compassionate, patient-centered approach. With board certifications in general and plastic surgery and extensive training in cutting-edge techniques, Dr. LaBarbera delivers precise and personalized results. His background in body contouring and reconstructive procedures ensures skillful muscle repair, making him a great choice for patients seeking to restore abdominal strength and appearance.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Diastasis recti frequently improve without surgical intervention, particularly in patients who had minimal weight gain during pregnancy. Specific activities like pelvic tilts can be highly beneficial in these cases. At the initial consultation, Dr. LaBarbera advises patients to try a proper diet and exercise regimen before considering surgery.
Tummy tucks are effective in tightening and strengthening weakened abdominal muscles. During this procedure, Dr. LaBarbera uses permanent sutures to reconnect separated tissues, resulting in a firmer and flatter belly contour. This surgery not only enhances abdominal support but also alleviates symptoms of rectus diastasis, such as lower back pain and urinary incontinence.
It is essential to wait at least one year after childbirth. This allows the body ample time to heal and prepare for the procedure. Patients can also complete breastfeeding and explore non-surgical solutions like exercise and diet during this period.
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We invite you to take the first step towards your body transformation with a personalized consultation for a high BMI tummy tuck. Scottsdale residents and visitors can contact us at (480) 770-4455. Our dedicated team is here to assist you and answer any questions. We look forward to meeting you and discussing how we can help you achieve your aesthetic goals.
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