The abdominal diastasis consists of deformation of the abdomen due to displacement and separation, partial or complete rectus abdominis muscles and loss of elasticity of the linea alba. This pathology is still unknown to many.
The rectus abdominis muscles are two longitudinal muscles located side by side in the centre of the abdomen, separated by a strip of connective tissue - the linea alba.
As a rule, the separation of the rectus abdominis muscles is considered to be outside normal parameters when exceeds 1.5 to 2 centimetres. It can occur around the umbilicus, below the umbilicus, above the umbilicus, or be complete, when it occurs in all the areas mentioned above.
It often appears at the same time as sagging skin in that area of the body. This is a condition that mostly affects women, but it can also affect men.
Causes
Abdominal diastasis can be a congenital condition, acquired at birth, or appear later in life.
The obesity and pregnancy, In other words, cases in which there is a considerable increase in the volume of the abdomen and consequent weakening of the tissues of the abdominal wall are the main factors that lead to this pathology.
During pregnancy this is a very common conditionIt is estimated that during pregnancy, 60% of women develop abdominal diastasis. This is because the growth of the uterus causes the rectus abdominis to separate.
Diastasis can also originate from the genetic predisposition, This may be due to excessive or incorrect abdominal exercises, or to incorrect lifting of weights.
Symptoms
Among the main symptoms that can suggest abdominal diastasis are:
- Excessive sagging of the abdomen;
- Abdominal weakness;
- A feeling of muscle tearing;
- Visible protrusion;
- Lower back pain;
- Difficulty lifting weights;
- Inability to perform maximum abdominal contraction;
- Palpable muscle changes.
Risks
This is a condition with low health risks. As the rectus muscles move apart, the internal abdominal contents are only less protected and protrusion can occur.
However, its aesthetic effects are considerable and can negatively affect self-esteem.
How to prevent it?
Physical exercise to help strengthen the abdominal muscles and maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding obesity, are the best ways to prevent diastasis.
How do I know if I have diastasis?
If you suspect that you have abdominal diastasis, you should undergo a medical assessment. A health professional will make the final and correct diagnosis after assessing the symptoms and characteristics of the abdominal muscles. The doctor will also recommend the most appropriate treatment.
If in doubt, some physical imaging tests can be carried out, such as the ultrasound or the TAC (Computerised Tomography). These examinations are ideal for checking the characteristics and extent of the diastasis.
There are some semi-flexion manoeuvres that you can do at home to see if you have a case of diastasis because, by increasing the pressure on the abdomen, they show a possible protrusion.
For example, you can lie down and lift your torso slightly, as if you were doing an abdominal exercise. This movement can make rectus diastasis obvious and help confirm the condition.
Treatment of diastasis
Although the human body itself can spontaneously heal abdominal diastasis without resorting to any treatment, in most cases it has to be treated medically.
Treatments include weight loss, physiotherapy and/or exercises to strengthen and tone the abdominal muscles.
It is also possible to resort to plastic surgery.
When should I have surgery?
For those situations where the diastasis is already extensive, i.e, a considerable degree of detachment of the abdominal muscles, The main aim is to reattach the rectus abdominis muscles.
Surgery is also indicated when physiotherapy or physical exercises alone have not resolved the abdominal diastasis.
In this case, the most suitable cosmetic surgeries are mini tummy tuck or the abdominoplasty.
See cases before and after abdominoplasty
Both consist of surgical procedures that remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen and reposition the muscles of the abdominal wall. Both correct not only diastasis but also excessive sagging of the skin, which, as already mentioned, often occurs simultaneously.
However, the mini tummy tuck is indicated for patients with moderate flaccidity. It repositions the rectus abdominis and removes excess skin in the lower abdomen (below the navel).
The abdominoplasty is the surgery indicated for patients with a more pronounced level of sagging. This surgical procedure repositions the rectus abdominis and removes excess skin in both the upper and lower abdomen (above and below the navel).
When the patient also has a lot of localised fat, a lipoabdominoplasty, This surgery combines abdominoplasty with liposuction, a procedure that eliminates localised fat deposits and improves body contours.
Learn more about lipoabdominoplasty
If the patient, after becoming a mother, wants to correct not only the diastasis, but also other areas of the body, she can have a Mommy Makeover, LMR is a registered trademark.
This is a concept used to describe the set of surgical techniques aimed at restoring body harmony after motherhood, which includes various procedures: breast augmentation, reduction or mastopexy, liposuction and/or abdominoplasty and, in some cases, intimate surgery (labioplasty and colporraphy).
Results of abdominal diastasis correction
In the post-operative period, it is necessary to rest, avoid exertion, wear a compression garment and carry out lymphatic drainage.
The results of abdominoplasty, mini abdominoplasty or lipoabdominoplasty are a flatter/toned and firmer abdomen, better body contour and increased self-esteem, with a positive impact on quality of life.
If you suspect you have abdominal diastasis and would like to correct this situation through surgery, book an appointment to receive qualified medical advice and a fully personalised plan for your case. During this consultation, a careful assessment will be made of your abdomen, as well as your state of health and lifestyle.
THE MRL, plastic surgery clinic in Lisbon, The clinic is equipped with the latest technology and has an experienced, competent, friendly and always available team. If you are interested in surgical correction of abdominal diastasis and would like to know prices, request further information or book your assessment appointment, please fill in the form below. this form. We'll answer briefly.
