Diastasis Correction in Dnipro
Diastasis correction at GENEVITY is the surgical repair of separation of the rectus abdominis muscles, which most often arises after pregnancy. The operation restores the abdominal wall and resolves the bulge that persists even at a normal weight and with regular exercise.
What Is Diastasis and How Is It Corrected?
The rectus abdominis muscles run vertically and meet in the midline along a band of connective tissue, the linea alba. During pregnancy the growing volume stretches that band and the muscles separate. This is a physiological process, and in most cases they return to position after delivery. Sometimes it does not: the linea alba stays stretched and the muscles stay apart. The abdomen then bulges forward, particularly towards evening or on straining, the waist loses definition, and abdominal exercises do not help — they strengthen the muscles but do not bring them back together. Diastasis is not only an aesthetic matter. A weakened abdominal wall supports the internal organs and the spine less well, which can bring lower back pain and discomfort on exertion. In some cases diastasis occurs alongside a hernia of the linea alba or an umbilical hernia. Correction consists of surgically bringing the rectus muscles together and suturing them in the midline. Where there is excess skin, the operation is combined with abdominoplasty, since repairing the muscles alone will not remove stretched skin.
The result depends on the degree of separation, the condition of the tissues, whether there are associated hernias, weight stability and adherence to postoperative recommendations.
Expected improvements after diastasis correction may include
Resolution of the midline bulge of the abdomen.
Restoration of the abdominal wall.
A more defined waistline.
Better support for the spine and internal organs.
Less lower back discomfort on exertion.
Simultaneous repair of hernias where present.
Indications for Diastasis Correction
- Separation of the rectus abdominis muscles confirmed on examination and imaging.
- A midline bulge of the abdomen on straining.
- Diastasis persisting a year or more after delivery.
- No response to rehabilitation exercises.
- Loss of waist definition at a normal body weight.
- Discomfort or lower back pain related to abdominal wall weakness.
- Diastasis combined with a hernia of the linea alba or an umbilical hernia.
- Family planning complete.
Contraindications for Diastasis Correction
- Acute infectious and inflammatory conditions.
- Uncontrolled diabetes.
- Blood clotting disorders.
- Decompensated cardiovascular and other severe systemic conditions.
- A tendency to keloid scarring.
- Conditions in which anaesthesia or surgery would carry an unacceptably high risk.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Smoking, without a willingness to stop three to four weeks before and after surgery.
- Unstable weight, or weight loss that is still ongoing.
- A history of thrombosis or thromboembolic complications without appropriate preparation.
- Active cancer.
- A planned pregnancy — stretching the tissues again can cause recurrence.
- Less than a year since delivery, while the tissues are still recovering.
- Other individual limitations determined by the doctor.
Diastasis correction may be recommended where the separation persists at least a year after delivery and does not respond to rehabilitation exercises. The degree of separation and any associated hernias are confirmed by ultrasound of the abdominal wall. The indications are determined by the condition of the tissues, whether family planning is complete, general health and how realistic the patient's expectations are. Because this is a surgical procedure, it requires a consultation with a plastic surgeon, preoperative assessment and a consultation with an anaesthetist beforehand. The final decision on whether surgery can go ahead is made on the basis of that assessment.
How Is Diastasis Correction Performed?
Consultation and Assessment
The doctor assesses the width of the separation both at rest and on straining, the condition of the abdominal skin and whether hernias are present. Ultrasound is used to establish the degree of diastasis. The surgeon determines whether muscle repair alone will suffice or whether removal of excess skin must be combined with it. Expectations, possible results, limitations and risks are discussed.
Preoperative Preparation
The patient undergoes laboratory and instrumental investigations, a consultation with an anaesthetist and, where indicated, with further specialists. The doctor advises on preparation, medication, diet and the regimen before surgery.
Surgical Repair of the Diastasis
The operation is performed under general anaesthesia. The surgeon brings the rectus muscles to the midline and secures them with sutures along the whole length of the separation, restoring the abdominal wall. Any hernias are repaired at the same time. If the skin is stretched, the procedure is combined with abdominoplasty to remove the excess. Drains are placed if required.
Postoperative Monitoring
After the operation the patient remains under medical supervision in hospital. A compression garment, pain relief, early mobilisation and wound care are prescribed. The length of stay depends on the extent of the procedure and the patient's condition.
Recovery and Follow-Up
A feeling of tightness across the abdomen is typical in the first weeks, particularly when straightening up or getting out of bed. A compression garment is worn for the prescribed period, and abdominal exercise is avoided. Initial recovery usually takes four to six weeks. A return to full training, including abdominal work, is permitted at around three months, once the muscle repair has had time to strengthen.
Benefits of Diastasis Correction at GENEVITY
Confirmed Diagnosis — The degree of separation and the presence of hernias are confirmed by ultrasound, not by examination alone.
Diastasis and Excess Skin Distinguished — The consultation establishes what is actually causing the bulge, since repairing the muscles does not remove stretched skin.
Hernias Repaired at the Same Time — Hernias of the linea alba and umbilical hernias are repaired within the same operation.
Attention to Functional Outcome — The operation addresses not only the contour of the abdomen but also the restoration of support for the spine and internal organs.
Medical Care and Follow-Up — Preoperative assessment, anaesthetic care, the inpatient stay and postoperative review are essential parts of surgical treatment.
Diastasis correction, like any surgical procedure, carries risks. These include bleeding, haematoma, seroma, infection, impaired wound healing, changes in skin sensation over the abdomen, recurrence of the separation, thrombotic complications, and the possibility that further surgery may be needed. All material risks are discussed before the procedure.
Our Medical Team
Consultations are provided by specialists across multiple disciplines, ensuring a comprehensive approach to your health
Harmash Serhii Kostiantynovych
Plastic Surgeon, Oncologist, Dermatologist
Experience: 41 years
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FAQ
In the first year after delivery, rehabilitation exercises can help where the separation is small. If diastasis persists beyond a year, exercise will not close it: it strengthens the muscles but does not return the stretched linea alba to its former state. Some abdominal exercises can even make the bulge more pronounced.
In diastasis the linea alba is stretched but intact — the muscles are simply apart. In a hernia there is a defect through which abdominal contents can protrude. The two often occur together, and both are confirmed by ultrasound.
Usually no sooner than a year after delivery and once breastfeeding has ended. Until then the tissues are still recovering, and some separations reduce on their own.
Pregnancy is possible, but it stretches the abdominal wall again and can cause the separation to recur. Surgery is therefore usually recommended once family planning is complete.
No, if the abdominal skin has retained its elasticity — repairing the muscles is then enough. If the skin is stretched, the repair will remove the bulge but the excess skin will remain, so the operations are combined.
Restoring the abdominal wall improves support for the spine, and many patients report relief. Lower back pain can have other causes, however, so complete resolution cannot be guaranteed.
Access is usually horizontal and low on the abdomen, in an area covered by underwear. Where the repair is combined with abdominoplasty, the length of the scar reflects the amount of skin removed.
At around three months. The sutures holding the muscles together need time for the surrounding tissue to strengthen, so early abdominal loading increases the risk of recurrence.
Recurrence is possible, though uncommon. The most likely causes are a further pregnancy, significant weight gain, and intensive abdominal exercise too early in recovery.
The cost depends on the degree of separation, whether abdominoplasty and hernia repair are combined with it, the anaesthesia, the investigations and the length of the inpatient stay. An individual estimate is prepared after a consultation.
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This information is for general awareness and does not replace a doctor's consultation.