What is the best treatment for diastasis recti from pregnancy?

Question

What is the best procedure to treat diastatis recti from a difficult preg? Tummy tuck + vaser lipo OR just vaser liposuction?

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry! It sounds like you would be a great candidate for an Abdominoplasty procedure to repair any diastasis recti separation. We would love to see you in person and help you reach your goals. Schedule a consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon like myself and we can create a surgical plan for you!

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

Diastasis recti - the separation and spreading of the abdominal sit up muscles results from pregnancy. As the baby and womb enlarges, the muscles spread further apart.

Unfortunately, exercise cannot restore the disastrous. Only surgically stitching them closer together during a tummy tuck is the only treatment.

Some patients with minimal diastasis and good skin can be treated with Vaser liposuction alone.

However, by itself, Liposuction only removes fat under the skin, it will not repair diastasis. (Liposuction can easily be performed with a tummy tuck).

An exam and consultation with a plastic surgeon is recommended to discuss your best options and expectations.

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

If you truly have diastasis recti after pregnancy, VASER liposuction alone will not repair it. Liposuction can reduce fat, but it does not tighten separated abdominal muscles, repair the fascia, remove loose skin, or correct a hernia if one is present.

For many patients with pregnancy-related diastasis, the most complete option is a tummy tuck with muscle repair. VASER or other liposuction can sometimes be added to refine the waist or flanks, but it is an addition, not a substitute for repairing the diastasis. The right plan depends on your skin laxity, amount of fat, muscle separation, scar pattern, weight stability, and whether you plan more pregnancies, so an in-person exam with a board-certified plastic surgeon is the best way to choose safely.

Gulcin Nujen Cardak, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

All kinds of liposuctions are addressing the fat above your muscles. It can’t repair the muscle diastasis, it can’t remove the excess skin. If you upload some pictures I can make some suggestions for you.

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

It is difficult to go very far with a recommendation without photographs.  No type of liposuction will improve diastases recti.  Sometimes the muscle can be tightened without and incision around the bellybutton, when there is minimal extra skin.  I would think you could get some excellent input from a board certified plastic surgeon about different ways of approaching this.

Joel Patrick Maier, MD · Answer

The only procedure that addresses diastasis is a full abdominoplasty. All other modalities address the skin and fat, but not the muscles.

Ramin Behmand, MD, FACS · Answer

Great question. When the abdominal muscles separate—whether from pregnancy or weight changes—the only effective way to repair that gap is through surgery. This repair is typically done as part of a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), which allows direct access to bring the muscles back together and tighten the core.

Liposuction, including VASER, can help contour the waist and flanks, but it does not address muscle separation. So if you’re dealing with true diastasis recti, a tummy tuck is necessary for a real repair, and it can be combined with liposuction for overall shaping.

— Dr. B

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Liposuction does not correct diastasis recti. A tummy tuck would be the most suitable option for this issue.

Ozge Ergun, MD · Answer

For treating diastasis recti resulting from a difficult pregnancy, the most effective option is typically a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) combined with muscle repair. Directly repairs the separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) that cannot be fixed through exercise or liposuction alone. Removes excess skin that often remains after significant stretching during pregnancy. Provides a flatter, more toned abdomen and restores core strength. Vaser lipo is excellent for fat removal and skin tightening but does not address muscle separation. For long-term results and proper correction of diastasis recti, a tummy tuck with muscle repair is generally the best choice. Vaser liposuction can be added for enhanced contouring if needed, but it won’t replace the muscle repair aspect.

Warren Schutte, MD · Answer

You can always strengthen your rectus muscles but the only technique that will ever fully repair them is a sutured diastasis recti repair via abdominoplasty. You have to surgically repair them back into approximation, liposuction will not change muscles at all.

What is the best treatment for diastasis recti from pregnancy?

Answers (14)

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