Postpartum Abdominal Diastasis
What it is and how to recognize postpartum abdominal diastasis; symptoms and remedies
Abdominal diastasis is a problem that affects approximately 50% of women after giving birth, but is still little known and often underestimated. This disorder is not only aesthetic, but also has significant functional implications, and therefore requires an adequate therapeutic approach.
What is postpartum abdominal diastasis?
Diastasis recti is a condition that involves excessive widening and separation of the rectus abdominis muscles, which are two muscles that run longitudinally along the anterior abdominal wall. These muscles, joined by a band of connective tissue called the linea alba, help contain the internal organs and support the abdominal wall.
Abdominal diastasis can have different degrees, based on the distance between the two rectus muscles:
• Mild diastasis: Less than 3 centimeters.
• Moderate diastasis: Between 3 and 5 centimeters.
• Severe diastasis: Greater than 5 centimeters.
Abdominal diastasis can have different degrees, based on the distance between the two rectus muscles:
• Mild diastasis: Less than 3 centimeters.
• Moderate diastasis: Between 3 and 5 centimeters.
• Severe diastasis: Greater than 5 centimeters.
Causes of abdominal diastasis postpartum.
Abdominal diastasis is often caused by pregnancy, especially if it is twins. The pressure exerted by the growing fetus, along with hormonal changes, can lead to stretching of the abdominal muscles and thinning of the connective tissues, separating the rectus abdominis muscles.
In men, however, abdominal diastasis can be caused by significant weight gain, muscle laxity, obesity associated with a high level of abdominal fat, or significant weight loss, as in the case of bariatric surgery.
In men, however, abdominal diastasis can be caused by significant weight gain, muscle laxity, obesity associated with a high level of abdominal fat, or significant weight loss, as in the case of bariatric surgery.
Consequences and symptoms of postpartum abdominal diastasis.
The consequences of abdominal diastasis are not only aesthetic, but also functional. In addition to a longitudinal indentation along the abdomen and loss of the waist, diastasis can cause protrusions of the viscera, leading to abdominal hernias. Other symptoms include:
1. Bloating, especially after meals.
2. Abdominal pain.
3. Digestive difficulties.
4. Back or pelvic pain.
5. Urinary incontinence.
1. Bloating, especially after meals.
2. Abdominal pain.
3. Digestive difficulties.
4. Back or pelvic pain.
5. Urinary incontinence.
Diagnosis of postpartum abdominal diastasis.
The diagnosis of abdominal diastasis is made through a specialist visit, accompanied by an ultrasound to precisely measure the distance between the rectus abdominis muscles, thus providing the information necessary for adequate treatment.
Treatment of abdominal diastasis postpartum.
The solution for abdominal diastasis is surgical and combined with abdominoplasty. For mild or moderate diastasis, an abdominoplasty is performed with repositioning of the rectus abdominis muscles, joining them with special sutures.
For more severe diastasis, or inelastic muscles, a biocompatible absorbable mesh may be necessary, which connects the muscles and restores containment function.
Physical activity and prevention.
Physical exercises cannot improve abdominal diastasis and in some cases can make it worse. To avoid complications, an adequate therapeutic approach is necessary and, in some cases, a support girdle can help manage the symptoms.
Conclusion of postpartum abdominal diastasis.
Diastasis recti is a common condition, especially among women after childbirth, and can have both aesthetic and functional consequences.
Its diagnosis and treatment require an appropriate medical approach, with surgery as the primary solution. Appropriate treatment can restore abdominal wall function, improving patients' quality of life.
Its diagnosis and treatment require an appropriate medical approach, with surgery as the primary solution. Appropriate treatment can restore abdominal wall function, improving patients' quality of life.
Fill out the form to schedule an informational call
FAQ
The motivation that drives a patient to undergo this operation arises from the aesthetic need to make his abdomen more toned and to proportion it to his body structure. This operation can be useful if any cause, such as significant weight loss (diet and/or bariatric surgery) or pregnancy, causes relaxation of the abdominal wall with a decrease in skin elasticity. Skin resection of the lower abdominal region also allows for the improvement of skin blemishes that are very frequent in this type of patient, such as scars and stretch marks.
This operation has the aim of eliminating excess fat and skin, as well as strengthening the abdominal wall through particular muscle suturing techniques, giving tone to the muscles. However, the purpose of the surgery is not weight loss and is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle.
This operation has the aim of eliminating excess fat and skin, as well as strengthening the abdominal wall through particular muscle suturing techniques, giving tone to the muscles. However, the purpose of the surgery is not weight loss and is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle.
The operation takes place under general anesthesia and can last two or three hours. The standard abdominoplasty surgical technique involves a transverse incision above the pubis between the two iliac crests. We proceed with the suprafascial dissection of the abdominal wall up to the xiphoid process of the sternum and periumbilical incision with isolation of the navel. If necessary, in the case of diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles, the muscular margins are brought together along the midline by means of sutures. The operation proceeds with downward traction of the abdominal wall, with the resection of the excess tissue and the suturing of the margins. The operation ends with the repositioning of the navel and the positioning of suction drains. Compared to the standard procedure, the mini-abdominoplasty requires less dissection of the abdominal wall and does not require umbilical repositioning. At the end of the operation, a compressive bandage is applied, which, once removed, is replaced by an elastic support girdle. In some cases it is also possible to combine liposuction of excess adipose tissue in specific areas.
One or two days of hospitalization is normally required. After approximately 48 hours, the wound is dressed, the compression bandage is removed and the drains are removed. At this point the patient must wear a support girdle for a period of 25-30 days. The sutures are removed approximately 15 days after surgery. In the days following the operation, absolute rest and limitation of movements are recommended. It is preferable to sleep in a semi-sitting position for at least two weeks. After 7-10 days, work activity can be resumed, and, after approximately 40 days, sports activity. Mini-abdominoplasty allows for faster recovery, thanks to the less invasive nature of the operation and the reduced extension of the sutures.
In the first post-operative days, the presence of pain, swelling, redness and bruising in the treated area will be normal. Post-operative discomfort can be controlled with normal painkillers, antiemetics and anti-inflammatories.
There will be two residual scars: a long, transverse "gull wing" scar, suprapubic, easily concealable with normal underwear and a periumbilical scar. In more severe cases, a third vertical suture, subumbilically, perpendicular to the transverse incision may be necessary.
The success of the surgical operation depends on several factors: the initial clinical condition of the patient, the patient's ability to heal, adequate tissue resection and the patient's compliance with the doctor's post-operative instructions (avoid inappropriate movements/exposure in the sun). The abdominal profile desired by the patient will also be achieved with the help of a correct diet and suitable physical exercise.
Complications of the operation may consist of: hematomas and bleeding, infection and delayed healing of the surgical wound, seromas, poor healing, modification of skin sensitivity, skin necrosis, persistent pain, venous thrombophlebitis and abdominal asymmetry.
It is not possible to give an immediate answer to the question about costs, since every surgical procedure requires a preliminary visit to evaluate the cost. Before and after photographs are available on the page Instagram.