Diastasis Recti Repair NYC
Separation of abdominal muscles due to pregnancy or other causes often leads to a noticeable bulge, lower back pain, and weakness in the core. Diastasis recti surgery is a procedure that aims to address these concerns by bringing the muscles back together to create a tighter and more toned midsection. This treatment improves core function and overall well-being while also improving abdominal contour.
New York board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Tomer Avraham is a diastasis recti expert with years of experience helping city residents overcome this issue. The surgeon is known for his personalized approach that assesses each patient individually and explores an appropriate treatment plan to repair the separation of abdominal muscles.
What is Diastasis Recti?
Diastasis recti, which means “separation of the straight muscles,” occurs when the two halves of your rectus abdominis muscles (your “six-pack”) separate along the midline of your abdomen. This separation widens the connective tissue (the linea alba) that naturally holds these muscles together.
Who is at Risk of Developing Diastasis Recti?
Pregnancy is the most common culprit behind diastasis recti. As your uterus grows to accommodate your baby, it puts significant pressure on your abdominal muscles, causing them to stretch and potentially separate. This is especially true for women carrying multiples, having large babies, or experiencing multiple pregnancies close together.
However, this condition isn’t limited to pregnancy. It may also affect:
- Newborn babies – some infants are born with a temporary diastasis recti, which usually resolves on its own within the first year.
- Men – certain activities like weightlifting with improper form or yo-yo dieting may lead to diastasis recti in men.
What are the Symptoms of Diastasis Recti?
Most of Dr. Avraham’s diastasis recti surgery patients experience the following initial symptoms:
- A visible bulge in the abdomen, especially when straining or coughing
- Weakness in your core muscles
- Lower back pain
- Difficulty with specific exercises, particularly those that engage the core
Dr. Tomer Avraham and his team at Avraham Plastic Surgery NYC use a simple physical exam to diagnose diastasis recti. This entails feeling your abdomen while performing a gentle abdominal maneuver to assess the width of the separation. Ultrasound scanning may also be used for confirmation in some cases.
Diastasis Recti vs Belly Fat
Belly fat tends to be softer and more evenly spread across the abdomen. Diastasis recti creates a bulge that feels different. Even when you tighten your abs, the ridge might stay. If you are unsure about the best path forward, schedule a consultation with Dr. Avraham.
Diastasis Recti and Umbilical Hernia
Diastasis recti and umbilical hernias sometimes cause similar symptoms, including a bulge in your abdomen. However, these two conditions are not the same. Diastasis recti is a separation of your abdominal muscles, often caused by pregnancy or heavy lifting. It might cause a bulge, but there’s no internal organ pushing through. An umbilical hernia happens when a part of your intestine pushes through a weak spot in your abdominal wall near your belly button, causing a bulge and sometimes pain.
Diastasis Recti Without Pregnancy
Both men and women who haven’t been pregnant may experience separation of abdominal muscles due to:
- Heavy weight lifting
- Age-related muscle weakness
- Certain medical conditions, such as chronic coughing and obesity
How Do You Fix Diastasis Recti?
New York City patients who have rectus abdominis diastasis have several options to address this condition:
Non-Surgical Options
Exercise – specific exercises may strengthen your core and improve diastasis recti in some cases. Keep in mind that traditional crunches and sit-ups may make diastasis recti worse, so you have to work with your doctor to find the right exercise regimen.
Physical Therapy – a physical therapist can help create a personalized exercise program specifically designed to address diastasis recti and strengthen your core muscles. They may also teach techniques to improve your posture and body mechanics during daily activities.
Bracing – wearing a specialized abdominal binder or support garment often provides gentle compression to your core. This helps reduce discomfort and offers some support while your core muscles heal.
While these non-surgical interventions can help alleviate symptoms, they may not completely close the gap between your abdominal muscles, especially in severe cases.
Diastasis Recti Repair Surgery
Dr. Tomer Avraham uses surgery to address diastasis recti when exercise does not work or the separation is significant. This specialized treatment aims to tighten the separated abdominal muscles and repair the
linea alba (the connective tissue that holds them together). This achieves a flatter abdomen, improved core function, and relief from back pain.
A Full-Body Improvement
Dr. Avraham’s offers a comprehensive and individualized diastasis recti repair to help you achieve multiple whole-body benefits:
Stronger Core – a repaired core provides better stability and support for your spine. This helps improve posture and reduce back pain.
- Functional Improvement – a stronger core makes everyday activities easier, from lifting groceries to playing with your kids.
Improved Urinary Control – in some cases, diastasis recti may contribute to urinary incontinence. Repairing the separation helps address this issue. - Flatter Stomach – this treatment effectively closes the gap between your abdominal muscles for a flatter, more toned midsection.
- Confidence Boost – feeling good about your appearance can positively impact your self-esteem and confidence.
No Mesh Laparoscopic Diastasis Recti Repair
Dr. Avraham offers non-mesh laparoscopic surgery as an option to his diastasis recti patients. This technique tightens the separated muscles and repairs the connective tissue using sutures, all through a few small incisions. This approach often leads to faster recovery, less scarring, and potentially a lower risk of mesh complications.
Recovery After Diastasis Repair
Rest and recovery are essential after diastasis recti repair surgery. You might feel sore for a few weeks, but pain medication easily helps manage this discomfort. Patients need to wear a compression garment to support their healing core. Dr. Avraham’s office will provide expert guidance on safe exercises to gradually strengthen your muscles without putting strain on your incision. Most patients can return to light activity within a few weeks, with a full recovery taking 3-6 months.
Your Diastasis Recti Consultation in New York
Dr. Avraham is a leading expert in diastasis recti surgery in New York City. The surgeon has helped countless patients improve their quality of life through this surgery. If you want to take advantage of his skills and expertise, the first step is to schedule a consultation in his New York City office. This initial one-on-one visit aims to discuss your concerns, assess your diastasis recti, and explore all your options.
Diastasis Recti FAQs
How do I know if I have diastasis recti?
Here's a simple self-check you can try at home:
- Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
- Lift your head and shoulders slightly off the ground, like a mini crunch.
- Gently feel your abdomen just above your belly button with your fingertips.
Look for a noticeable bulge or ridge forming in your stomach muscles and a gap wider than two fingers between your rectus abdominis muscles. This self-check will give you a general idea, but you need to schedule a consultation with your doctor for a definitive prognosis.Can I lift weights with diastasis recti?
Depending on the severity of your separation, lighter weights might be alright with proper form. Lifting heavy weights may be risky because they can worsen separation and lead to injury. The important thing is to listen to your body and stop if you experience any pain. You may also talk to your doctor or physical therapist to create a safe exercise plan that strengthens your score without over-straining your abs.
Who is at risk?
Individuals who have a higher risk of diastasis recti include:
- Pregnant women - this is the most significant risk factor for rectus abdominis diastasis. As your baby grows, it puts pressure on your abs, causing them to separate.
- Women with a multiple pregnancy - twins, triplets, or any multiples put extra strain on your abdomen and make diastasis recti more likely.
- Weak core muscles - if your core wasn't strong before pregnancy, you might be more susceptible.
- Men who lift weights improperly - lifting heavy weights with bad form is known to cause diastasis recti in men.
Can a diastasis recti lead to other health complications?
Diastasis recti in itself isn't inherently dangerous. However, it leads to uncomfortable and frustrating complications such as back pain, weak core, urinary incontinence, and belly bulge.
How will physical therapy or occupational therapy help?
Physical therapy can play an essential role in both before and after care diastasis recti surgery:
- Pre-surgery - a physical therapist can assess your core strength and teach you specific exercises to prepare your muscles for surgery and improve overall recovery.
- Post-surgery - physical therapy helps strengthen your core muscles safely and effectively. This might lead to better support for your repaired abdominal wall and improved core function.
Is it ever too late to correct a diastasis?
Age isn't a barrier to fixing diastasis recti. Repairing the separation will improve your core strength and appearance for years.
When is diastasis recti considered severe?
Diastasis recti isn't always a significant concern. But there are times when it is considered severe. A wider separation, typically exceeding two fingers when you strain, might indicate a more severe case. Constant back pain, weakness in your core, or difficulty with daily activities due to the separation may also indicate a severe issue. Another sign of severe rectus abdominis diastasis is a visible bulge that persists even at rest.
Who diagnoses diastasis recti?
Medical professionals who can easily assess for separation of rectus abdominis muscles include:
- Your doctor
- A women's health specialist
- A plastic surgeon