Abdominal diastasis is the separation of the “six-pack” muscles after pregnancy or strain. Dr. Daniel Serralta is the only surgeon in the country performing keyhole abdominoplasty — repairing the muscle separation and any umbilical hernia together, with three 1 cm incisions and no skin removal in most cases.
Diastasis recti occurs when the rectus abdominis muscles split along the midline after being stretched, most often by pregnancy. It can make the tummy protrude months or years later. Common symptoms include:
Each technique has its own indications — the right choice depends on skin excess and whether a hernia is present.
Reapproximates the muscles and removes excess skin. Best when there is a clear excess of skin.
Treats only the tissue below the belly button — suited to a fat excess in the lower belly.
Minimally invasive, three 1 cm incisions, no skin removal — ideal for patients without skin excess and with an umbilical hernia.
Pregnancy, rapid weight gain, poor lifting or exercise technique, genetics and age all contribute. Diagnosis begins with a physical examination and palpation to measure the gap, and ultrasound is used to assess it precisely and, importantly, to rule out an accompanying midline or umbilical hernia.
Non-invasive measures come first; when they are not enough, surgery closes the separation for good.
Physical therapy, breathing techniques and support garments are the first line. When surgery is needed, the keyhole approach offers the least invasive, best-looking result for most patients.
Best optionRepairs the muscle separation from the ribs to the pubis and, when present, the umbilical hernia at the same time — through just three 1 cm incisions above the pubis. The belly button is not re-implanted, and in most patients no skin is removed: once the separation is closed, the skin adapts to the new abdominal wall. The result is almost invisible scarring and a much lower risk of complications.
Discuss this option
Recommended when there is a clear excess of skin along with the muscle separation.
Treats only the tissue below the belly button, for a fat excess confined to the lower abdomen.
Most patients go home the same day with pain relief and clear instructions.
Light walking is encouraged; strenuous activity and heavy lifting are avoided.
A gradual return to work and daily life as comfort allows.
Core strength and the abdominal contour continue to improve over the following months.
Most commonly pregnant and postpartum women, but it can also affect men and women who have never been pregnant. Weight gain, poor exercise technique and genetics all contribute.
In many cases targeted exercises with a qualified physiotherapist significantly improve it. Severe cases may need surgery to fully correct the separation.
Unless there is clear skin excess, surgery mainly closes the gap between the muscles, sometimes with a mesh. Keyhole surgery is the least invasive option and suits most patients, with no skin or fat removed.
Non-surgical treatment improves over weeks to months. Surgical recovery typically takes several weeks, with full recovery up to six months.
Insurers usually view diastasis treatment as cosmetic and do not cover it. However, an accompanying umbilical hernia is usually covered — and because the keyhole technique treats both at once, part of the surgery may be covered, reducing the cost.
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