Diastasis Recti Surgery in Dubai

Rectus Abdominis
Diastasis Treatment in Dubai - Overview

Rectus abdominis treatment in Dubai

Abdominal diastasis, is also known as rectus diastasis or rectus abdominis separation. Diastasis recti is a frequent pregnancy and postpartum disorder. It happens when the rectus abdominis muscles (six-pack ab muscles) split after being strained during pregnancy. 

The separation can cause a woman’s tummy to protrude or swell months or years after giving birth. It may be repairable with particular exercises that help to bridge the gap.

It affects a huge amount of women after pregnancy. It normally clears up within eight weeks following delivery. By six months postpartum, around 40% of those with diastasis recti still have it.

Understanding the Symptoms of
Abdominal Diastasis

Abdominal diastasis can manifest in various ways, and its symptoms may vary in intensity among individuals. Key symptoms include:

Bulging or Protruding Belly:

The most noticeable symptom is a bulging or protruding belly, resembling a ridge or a shark fin along the midline of your abdomen when you contract your muscles. 

Difficulty Engaging Core Muscles:

Engaging the core muscles becomes challenging when abdominal muscles are separated. This can affect everyday activities and exercises that require core strength.

Lower Back Pain:

Many individuals with abdominal diastasis experience lower back pain. The weakened abdominal muscles can result in poor support for the lower spine, leading to pain.

Poor Posture:

Diastasis recti can negatively impact your posture, causing a forward-leaning or reclined position. This can contribute to further discomfort & strain on the spine.

Digestive Issues:

Some people with abdominal diastasis may experience digestive problems like bloating and constipation due to weakened abdominal muscles. 

Cosmetic Changes:

Abdominal diastasis can lead to changes in body shape, which may be distressing for some individuals. 

If you have noticed any of the above symptoms, seeking medical help for a timely diagnosis is crucial, thereby facilitating suitable Rectus Abdominis Diastasis Treatment in Dubai. 

Common Causes
of Abdominal Diastasis

  • Improper Lifting Techniques: Engaging in activities with poor lifting form strains abdominal muscles, leading to separation.
  • Incorrect Exercise Practices: Consistently performing abdominal pressure-exerting exercises, like improper sit-ups or crunches, contributes to diastasis.
  • Rapid Weight Gain or Obesity: Swift weight gain or obesity stresses abdominal tissues, potentially causing muscle separation.
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  • Hormonal Changes During Pregnancy: Pregnancy-related hormonal shifts weaken abdominal muscles, with the growing uterus adding pressure and promoting separation.
  • Genetic Predisposition: Genetics can influence collagen production, making some genetically susceptible to muscle separation.
  • Multiple Pregnancies: Women with multiple pregnancies face a higher risk due to increased abdominal muscle stretching.
  • Age-Related Changes: Natural aging leads to muscle tone and elasticity loss, increasing the likelihood of diastasis recti.

Understanding the root cause can help determine the most suitable option for Rectus Abdominis Diastasis Treatment in Dubai. 

Diagnosing Abdominal Diastasis In Dubai

  • Physical Examination: The diagnostic process typically begins with a thorough physical examination to assess the width and depth of the separation in your abdominal muscles. They measure the distance between your rectus abdominis muscles at various points along the midline of your abdomen.
  • Palpation: Palpation, or gently pressing on the abdominal area, is often performed to feel for the separation between the abdominal muscles and assess the severity of the separation and its impact on the abdominal wall.
  • Imaging Tests: Ultrasound imaging is a commonly used diagnostic tool for abdominal diastasis. It visually represents the separation between the muscle layers, allowing for a precise assessment. In addition, it allows to rule out the presence of midline hernias, that commonly go together with diastasis recti, as they share the main causes.
Rectus abdominis treatment
  • Patient History and Symptoms: Your healthcare provider will inquire about your medical history and the symptoms you may be experiencing. This information helps understand your condition’s context and its potential causes.
  • Functional Assessment: Functional assessments are essential to evaluate abdominal diastasis to help determine the severity of the condition and guide treatment planning.

Importance of Professional Diagnosis:

Timely and professional diagnosis of diastasis recti is of paramount importance. A healthcare provider’s expertise ensures an accurate assessment of the condition’s severity, allowing for implementing an appropriate treatment plan tailored to the individual. 

Dr. Daniel Serralta, a highly regarded Diastasis Recti Specialist in Dubai, brings extensive experience and skill to the table. Dr. Daniel Serralta, has the knowledge and tools to conduct a comprehensive evaluation and provide personalized rectus diastasis treatment in Dubai.

Rectus Abdominis Diastasis Treatment in Dubai with Dr. Daniel Serralta

Some of the common options for rectus abdominis treatment in Dubai are: 

Non-Invasive Options for Rectus Abdominis Diastasis Treatment in Dubai:

  • Physical Therapy:
    • Physical therapy should be the first line of rectus diastasis treatment in Dubai. Exercise regimen focusing on strengthening the abdominal muscles, particularly the transverse abdominis and pelvic floor muscles, to close the gap and enhance core stability. 
  • Breathing Techniques:
    • Correct breathing techniques can assist in engaging the core muscles and reducing intra-abdominal pressure, which supports the healing process.
  • Abdominal Binders or Support Garments:
    • Specialized abdominal binders or support garments may be recommended. These garments provide external support to the abdominal area, helping to reduce the separation of muscles and promote healing.
Play Video about Abdominal Wall Pregnancy Thumbnail - Dr Daniel Serralta

Options for Diastasis Recti Surgery in Dubai:

Diastasis Recti Surgery Dubai is reserved for cases when non-invasive methods fail. There are several options:

  • Classic abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck Surgery):  Involves the reapproximation of separated abdominal muscles and the removal of excess skin. It is recommended when there is a clear excess of skin
  • Mini Tummy Tuck: similar to the classic abdominoplasty, but includes the treatment only of the tissue below the belly button
  • Keyhole abdominoplasty (Endoscopic Tummy Tuck): Minimally invasive technique with 3 incisions of around 1 cm, and quicker recovery. Utilizes laparoscope and specialized instruments to reduce scarring and postoperative discomfort.
Diastasis recti surgery in Dubai

Is Keyhole Abdominoplasty a substitute to Classic Tummy Tuck or Mini Tummy Tuck?

No. Each technique has its indications and also its limitations.

  • Mini Tummy Tuck is a good option for patients with a fat excess located only in the lower belly.
  • Classic Tummy Tuck is a good option for patients with evident skin excess and upper-lower muscles separation.
  • Keyhole or Endoscopic Tummy Tuck is a perfect option for those patients WITHOUT skin excess and WITH umbilical hernia at the same time.

What are the benefits of the Keyhole Abdominoplasty?

First, it treats the muscle separation from the ribs to the pubis, and it repairs at the same time the umbilical hernia, when there is one.

Second, it only needs 3 wounds of around 1cm each, done above the pubis, so after the surgery the scars are almost invisible. To be noted, the belly button doesn’t need to be “redone” or “reimplanted”, so no scar above the pubis will remain.

Third, most part of the patients do not actually need skin removal, as once the muscle separation is closed, the skin will gradually adapt to the new abdominal wall size, so why removing it if it’s not needed??

And last but not least, this technique will greatly improve most part of the symptoms related to the abdominal diastasis.

Play Video about Keyhole Abdominoplasty Thumbnail - Dr Daniel Serralta

Consult Dr. Daniel Serralta
for expert Rectus Abdominis Diastasis Treatment in Dubai

In your journey towards healing abdominal diastasis, a qualified healthcare professional like Dr. Daniel Serralta must have the guidance and expertise.

Dr. Daniel Serralta is a renowned Diastasis Recti Specialist treating rectus diastasis and rectus abdominis issues in Dubai. With years of experience and a commitment to providing personalized care, he can assess your condition, provide an accurate diagnosis, and recommend the most suitable rectus abdominis treatment in Dubai.

Book an appointment with Dr. Daniel Serralta today!

Rectus Abdominus Diastasis Treatment FAQs

Diastasis recti is a condition which separates the large abdominal muscles (rectus abdominis) along the midline, causing a gap that can lead to a bulging belly. This separation often occurs during pregnancy or due to excessive abdominal pressure. 

While most commonly associated with pregnant and postpartum women, diastasis recti can also affect men, and women who have not been pregnant. Factors contributing to its development include significant weight gain, performing exercises with poor technique, and genetics. 

Symptoms include a noticeable bulge or “pooch” in the middle of the abdomen, lower back pain, poor posture, and in some cases, gastrointestinal issues like bloating or constipation. The condition can also affect the strength and functionality of the abdominal muscles. 

Diastasis recti can be diagnosed with the help of a physical exam, where a healthcare provider will measure the gap between the abdominal. Imaging tests are rarely needed. 

Treatment Options for diastasis recti surgery may include surgical interventions like Classic Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck Surgery), Mini Tummy Tuck and Keyhole Abdominoplasty (Endoscopic Tummy Tuck). Dr. Daniel Serralta is the only surgeon in the country who actually performs the Keyhole Abdominoplasty, in which the skin is not removed, the belly button is not “replaced” and there are only three 1cm incisions done. The recovery is much better, and the risk of wound infection and complications is largely diminished. 

Besides indulging in regular Physical Therapy, Breathing Techniques, and Abdominal Binders or Support Garments can also provide relief from the discomfort. 

In many cases, targeted exercises under the guidance of a qualified physiotherapist can significantly improve diastasis recti. However, severe cases may necessitate surgical intervention to fully correct. 

Unless there is a clear skin excess, surgical treatment should only involve stitching together the gap between the muscles, and sometimes, placing a mesh for reinforcing the closure. Keyhole surgery is the less invasive option that might be suitable for most patients. Remember, skin and fatty tissue should not be removed, resulting in a much better aesthetic results in most part of the patients. 

Recovery time varies depending on the treatment. For non-surgical treatments, improvement can be seen in a few weeks to months with consistent exercise. Surgical recovery typically requires several weeks, with full recovery taking up to six months. 

Costs can vary widely according to the treatment method, the practitioner’s fees, and the facility. Non-surgical treatments may involve multiple sessions, while surgical options can be a bit more expensive due to the operation and necessary aftercare. 

Insurance coverage for diastasis recti treatment varies. As a general rule, Insurances do not cover the treatment, medical or surgical, as it is misconceived as a cosmetic surgery. However, the common presence of an umbilical hernia is usually covered by insurances. As this technique treats both conditions, part of the surgery may be covered, significantly reducing the overall costs. 

Preventive measures include maintaining a healthy weight, practicing proper lifting techniques, avoiding exercises that strain the abdominal midline during pregnancy, and following a recommended exercise program postpartum. 

Yes, Dubai has a range of healthcare providers specializing in the treatment of diastasis recti, most of them physiotherapists, and fitness experts trained in postpartum recovery. The only abdominal surgeon specialized in Diastasis Recti Surgical treatment is Dr. Daniel Serralta. However, there are many other surgeon, usually Plastic Surgeons, performing the tummy tuck or mini tummy tuck, but the can’t treat umbilical hernias and they do not perform the Keyhole abdominoplasty. When considering treatment for diastasis recti in Dubai, it’s crucial to consult an expert who can provide a tailored approach based on your individual condition and health goals. 

Keyhole abdominoplasty, also known as endoscopic abdominoplasty, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure aimed at tightening the muscles of the abdomen, especially the rectus abdominis muscles. It involves only three small incisions and the use of  laparoscope (a rigid tube with a camera and light) to visualize and perform the surgery with minimal scarring. 

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