diastasis abdominal is a problem that can occur after pregnancy: the rectus abdominal muscles run longitudinally to the right and left of the navel: with pregnancy they widen (like a brace) and after pregnancy they may not return to the initial position: in the central abdomen there are no more muscles and only the fascia remains: this area is clearly weaker and you can see the contents of the abdomen that pushes out. Physiologically after the first 4/5 months they return to their normal position. It is measured in cm, i.e. how many centimeters the right muscle is separated from the left muscle.

Abdominal diastasis is a longitudinal opening of the right and left abdominal muscles.

Abdominoplasty is a cosmetic surgery that removes excess fat and abdominal tissue: when I have done the abdominoplasty, this is the ideal time to treat abdominal diastasis.

How long do you have to wait to evaluate a possible diastasis?

If after 4/5 months from the birth the situation has not returned to normal, there are no alternatives to the intervention for the correction. There are no massages or physical activities that solve the situation.

How do you know you have diastasis?

After a few months the patient may complain of a different shape of the abdomen (abdomen outside), a feeling of swelling, especially after meals and in the evening, aching pains. This last symptom is due to the change in abdominal pressure: one of the first symptoms is lower back pain. Sometimes involuntary urine loss, the so-called bladder incontinence, can also be associated.

How is the diagnosis made?

Patients often first turn to the gynecologist, believing that the problem is attributable to pregnancy. However, a careful objective examination highlights this problem. The patient is therefore sent to our office, where, thanks to painless palpation maneuvers of the abdominal region, we feel the distance. An ultrasound of the abdomen to study the abdominal wall is helpful. We usually reserve the CT exam for borderline cases. The examination is performed first standing then in a lying position, on the couch, in order to assess the degree of abdominal diastasis and the possible presence of hernias under pressure. Through the pinch test I then evaluate the portion of excess skin that can be removed.

Is it a loanable intervention?

Abdominal diastasis is an operation covered by the National Health System when certain conditions are present (diastasis greater than or equal to 7 cm with or without hernia). Below this limit, the operation is considered a cosmetic surgery

Is it a painful surgery?

It is usually not an overly painful surgery. There may be a feeling of abdominal tension in the area where the abdominal muscles are brought together and sutured.

What does the surgery consist of?

In the vast majority of cases, a double suture of the rectus abdominal muscles is performed with non-absorbable points, a sort of double hinge, which joins the margins of the muscles, which reconstitutes the continuity of the abdominal wall and guarantees the seal over time. At the same time, the excess skin and lower fat are removed.

A double layer suture is performed which reconstructs the abdominal wall.

How many days of hospitalization are recommended?

This type of surgery is performed under general anesthesia at our clinic. At least one night of hospitalization in the clinic is recommended, after which the patient is discharged at home and must rest from work for at least 8/10 days.