Dr. Solon Gonçalves Souza Menezes
Professor of Surgery — FAMED UFU · Robotic Surgery Certification (Intuitive / Albert Einstein Hospital) · Practices at Hospital UMC and Hospital Mater Dei Santa Genoveva, Uberlândia, Brazil · +55 (34) 99341-0915
Abdominal diastasis corresponds to the separation of the rectus abdominis muscles at the midline, joined by the linea alba, and usually develops after pregnancy — especially multiple pregnancies —, significant weight fluctuations, bariatric surgery, and repetitive physical strain that increases intra-abdominal pressure. When this separation is accompanied by excess skin and abdominal wall laxity, findings common in these same situations, isolated muscular correction by endoscopic or robotic approach tends not to be sufficient, and abdominoplasty is the approach generally considered. Smoking, skin aging, and multiple C-sections can also influence the degree of laxity to be addressed.
Assessment for abdominoplasty includes a physical examination of the abdominal wall, with inspection and palpation of the midline during contraction maneuvers, in addition to analysis of excess skin and prior scars, such as C-section scars. Abdominal wall ultrasound usually confirms the diastasis, measures its degree, and identifies associated hernias — especially umbilical — which can be corrected in the same surgery. This set of findings guides the choice between traditional abdominoplasty and endoscopic or robotic techniques, always on an individualized basis.
Abdominoplasty combines two stages: plication of the rectus abdominis musculature, which brings together and sutures the separated edges of the linea alba, and dermolipectomy, which removes excess skin and fatty tissue from the lower abdominal region through a horizontal incision, generally followed by repositioning of the navel. Drains are usually placed at the end of the surgery to help reduce fluid buildup under the skin, and associated hernias, when present, can be corrected in the same surgery. In these cases, when abdominoplasty is indicated, the plastic surgery is performed by Dra. Lorena Queiroz, a partner plastic surgeon.
Dr. Solon Gonçalves's role in these cases is the initial assessment of the diastasis and the abdominal wall as a whole, including identifying associated hernias — umbilical, epigastric, or incisional — and, together with the patient, defining which approach best suits the degree of muscle separation, the amount of excess skin, and individual goals: isolated correction by videolaparoscopy or robotic surgery (SCOLA, MILA, or MAMI) or traditional abdominoplasty in partnership with the plastic surgery team. When there is an associated hernia, its correction is usually performed during the same procedure. This assessment combines Dr. Solon Gonçalves's experience as a digestive surgeon, certified in robotic surgery through Intuitive and Albert Einstein Hospital, and a professor of surgery at FAMED-UFU, with the joint follow-up of the plastic surgery team responsible for the dermolipectomy.
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When abdominoplasty is the indication, assessing the abdominal wall and any associated hernias and performing the plastic surgery fall to different specialists, with the decision made jointly.
What to expect before and after surgery.
Preoperative preparation
Preoperative preparation for abdominoplasty generally includes a detailed clinical evaluation, routine exams, and a consultation with the anesthesiology team, which may vary according to the patient's overall health and history. Smoking cessation and suspension of certain medications in advance are usually recommended, since these factors can affect healing and surgical risk. Specific instructions regarding fasting, ongoing medications, and other preoperative care are always individualized and defined by the responsible medical team, and may vary by case.
Recovery and postoperative care
Recovery after abdominoplasty generally involves use of a compression belt or binder, relative rest, and a gradual return to activities, according to guidance from the surgical team. In the first few weeks, it is generally recommended to avoid intense physical effort and movements that strain the abdominal muscles, favoring healing of the muscle plication. Total recovery time varies according to each patient's clinical progress and should always be monitored by the responsible medical team, with no guaranteed timeframe.
Common questions about this procedure.
How long does abdominoplasty for diastasis take, and what type of anesthesia is used?+
Abdominoplasty generally takes between two and four hours, varying according to the extent of muscle plication, the volume of skin to be removed, and the complexity of the case. It is performed under general anesthesia, with an individualized preoperative anesthesia evaluation, and the time may extend in more complex situations.
Is hospitalization required after abdominoplasty?+
Yes, abdominoplasty generally requires one to two days of hospitalization, which may vary according to each patient's clinical progress and the need for postoperative observation. The exact length of stay is always determined by the care team according to individual recovery.
What is rest like in the first few days after surgery?+
In the first few days, relative rest is generally recommended, usually with the trunk in a semi-flexed position to reduce tension on the muscle plication, avoiding efforts that increase abdominal pressure. The duration and type of rest may vary according to each patient's progress and should follow the medical team's guidance.
When is it possible to return to work after abdominoplasty?+
Return to professional activities generally occurs between two and four weeks, and may be quicker for administrative jobs and longer for activities requiring physical effort. The exact timeframe varies according to individual progress and should be assessed by the medical team before clearance.
When is it possible to drive again?+
Driving is generally cleared after about two to three weeks, once pain is controlled and trunk movements are no longer limited. This timeframe may vary according to individual response to surgery and should be confirmed with the care team before resuming driving.
When is it possible to resume physical exercise?+
Light physical activities are generally resumed gradually starting around four to six weeks, while exercises that directly involve the abdominal muscles, such as sit-ups and weightlifting, generally require a longer period, potentially several months. This timeline varies according to each patient's healing progress.
Is a compression binder needed after surgery? For how long?+
Yes, use of a compression belt or binder is generally recommended after abdominoplasty, typically for several weeks, to help reduce swelling and support the abdominal wall during healing. The exact duration of use is determined by the surgical team according to the progress of each case.
Is a drain needed after abdominoplasty?+
Use of an abdominal drain is common in the first few days after surgery, and it is removed as the volume of drained fluid decreases. Not all cases require a drain, and this decision depends on the technique used and the surgical team's assessment in each situation.
What do abdominoplasty scars look like?+
The abdominoplasty scar is generally horizontal, in the lower abdominal region, and may vary in length depending on the amount of skin removed and the technique used. The final appearance of the scar depends on individual healing and may take months to fade, with no guaranteed result.
What are the main risks and complications specific to abdominoplasty for diastasis?+
In addition to the general risks of bleeding, infection, and anesthetic or thromboembolic complications, abdominoplasty with muscle plication carries more specific risks, such as seroma (fluid buildup under the skin), compromised healing or necrosis at the incision edges, and possible partial recurrence of the diastasis in cases of plication under excessive tension or a very weakened muscle wall. Each risk is assessed according to the individual patient's profile before the surgical indication.
Does abdominoplasty always fully correct abdominal diastasis?+
Not necessarily. The muscle plication performed during abdominoplasty aims to bring the rectus abdominis muscles together and secure them, but the functional and aesthetic result depends on individual factors, such as tissue quality, the degree of prior muscle separation, and adherence to postoperative instructions. There is no guarantee of outcome, and cases of partial recurrence can occur.
Hospital facilities in Uberlândia, Brazil.
Hospital Mater Dei Santa Genoveva
Av. Vasconcelos Costa, 967 — Martins, Uberlândia-MG
Open in Google Maps →Content reviewed by Dr. Solon Gonçalves Souza Menezes — CRM-MG 79366, RQE 60355 (GI Surgery), RQE 44656 (General Surgery). Professor of Surgery at FAMED-UFU and Supervisor of the General Surgery Medical Residency Program at HC-UFU. ORCID. Last reviewed: September/2026.
- Claus CMP, Palmisano E, et al. Minimally invasive lipoabdominoplasty (MILA) tactic. Rev Col Bras Cir. 2024;51:e20243692. doi:10.1590/0100-6991e-20243692-en
- Claus CMP, Malcher F, Cavazzola LT, et al. Subcutaneous onlay laparoscopic approach (SCOLA) for ventral hernia and rectus abdominis diastasis repair. Arq Bras Cir Dig. 2018;31(4):e1399. doi:10.1590/0102-672020180001e1399
- Morrell AL, Morrell A, Morrell Junior AC, Morrell AC. A paradigm shift in Diastasis Recti surgery: The Bikini-line robotic approach. Rev Col Bras Cir. 2025;52:e20253846. doi:10.1590/0100-6991e-20243846