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:
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:
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.
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.
