Body
Rectus Diastasis Repair
Repairs the separation of the abdominal muscles that often follows pregnancy, restoring a flat lower abdomen without removing skin. For patients with a bulge that exercise cannot fix.
Overview
Diastasis recti is a separation of the two rectus abdominis muscles along the midline. It is common after pregnancy, when the growing uterus stretches the connective tissue between the muscles. The result is a lower abdominal bulge that persists no matter how strong the core becomes, because the problem is structural rather than muscular. Rectus diastasis repair brings the muscles back to the midline with a permanent suture repair. When there is little excess skin, the repair can be done on its own, often through an existing C-section scar, so no new scar is added.
Who it's for
The right candidate.
Patients with a persistent lower abdominal bulge after pregnancy, good skin tone, and little loose skin. Patients with significant excess skin are usually better served by a tummy tuck, which includes the same muscle repair. Patients should be at a stable weight and finished with childbearing, since a later pregnancy can separate the repair.
Technique
How it's done.
The muscles are exposed through a low horizontal incision, usually the existing C-section scar, and brought together with permanent sutures from the breastbone to the pubic bone. Small hernias at the umbilicus are repaired at the same time when present. Liposuction of the flanks can be added.
Where this happens
Our own surgery center.
One roof, one team.
Dr. Azadgoli operates at The Practice Healthcare's fully independent, on-property ambulatory surgery center — a Medicare-certified, physician-led facility recognized by Newsweek as one of California's top centers for independent, privately owned surgery.
Consultation, surgery, aftercare, and recovery all happen in one building, with the same team. No outside hospital. No new staff to meet the day of surgery. The same person who checked you in at the consult is there when you wake up.
What to expect
From consultation to recovery.
Outpatient surgery under general anesthesia. An abdominal binder is worn for six weeks. Most patients return to desk work in two weeks and to core exercise at eight weeks. Because the repair uses an existing scar, there is usually no new visible scarring.
Patient results
Real cases.
Insurance & coverage
Patient Advocacy handles the paperwork.
Our advocacy team verifies benefits, pursues pre-authorizations, and appeals denials. You don't navigate insurance on your own.
Diastasis repair for cosmetic contour is not covered by insurance. Cases with an associated hernia can sometimes qualify for partial coverage. Our Patient Advocacy team reviews your case and provides transparent pricing.
How we work with insurance
- 1 Verification by expertsOur advocacy team verifies your benefits before any procedure — so we know exactly what is and is not covered.
- 2 Patient advocacy & follow-throughWe aggressively pursue pre-authorizations, appeal denials when appropriate, and hold carriers accountable to their commitments.
- 3 Financial transparencyYou receive a clear written estimate of potential out-of-pocket costs. No surprises on the day of surgery.
- 4 Collaboration with carriersOur team handles documentation and communication directly with your insurance company.
- 5 Options & supportIf a procedure is not covered, we walk you through cash-pay options, financing, and other pathways to care.
FAQ
Common questions.
How is this different from a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck removes excess skin and fat and repairs the muscles. Rectus diastasis repair does only the muscle repair. It suits patients whose skin has recovered well after pregnancy but whose abdominal wall has not.
Will I have a new scar?
Usually not. When a C-section scar is present, the repair is done through it. Patients without one need a low horizontal incision, placed so it sits below underwear and swimsuit lines.
Can exercise fix diastasis on its own?
Core exercise can strengthen the muscles but does not close a true separation of the connective tissue. Mild cases sometimes improve with physical therapy. A bulge that persists after a year of consistent training is usually structural and needs surgical repair.
Ready to discuss rectus diastasis repair?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Azadgoli and her team to explore your options.
Request a consultation