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
Diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles is the abnormal separation of these muscles at the midline of the abdomen, caused by the weakening and stretching of the linea alba — the connective tissue that holds them together. It is a frequent condition after pregnancy, especially multiple pregnancies, and can also arise associated with large weight fluctuations, weakening of the abdominal musculature with age, or, more rarely, in men after significant weight loss. In most cases, diagnosis is clinical: the surgeon assesses the distance between the rectus muscles during contraction of the abdominal wall, and may use ultrasound or CT to more precisely measure the separation and identify any associated hernia, when there is diagnostic doubt or a need for more detailed surgical planning. Correction is usually considered in the presence of symptoms such as lower back pain, a sensation of abdominal wall weakness, a visible bulge, or an insufficient response to physical therapy, always after an individualized assessment.
The MAMI technique is distinguished by combining, within the same surgical plan, two complementary, multidisciplinary stages. In the first, the digestive surgeon corrects the diastasis by videolaparoscopy or robotic surgery, bringing the separated rectus muscles together through small incisions, without the need for a large opening of the abdominal wall. Afterward, Dra. Lorena Queiroz, a partner plastic surgeon, removes only a small spindle of skin — generally taking advantage of a prior C-section scar, when one exists — to address the localized excess skin, avoiding the extensive transverse incision characteristic of traditional abdominoplasty. This combination is usually considered for patients with limited excess skin and without significant generalized abdominal laxity; when excess skin is more pronounced, conventional abdominoplasty or other techniques may be more suitable, and this decision depends on a joint assessment between the two specialties.
From a technical standpoint, the videolaparoscopic or robotic stage is performed under general anesthesia, with a few incisions — generally in the umbilical region and at strategic points of the abdomen — through which instruments are introduced that allow the midline to be brought together under magnified visualization, possibly including reinforcement with surgical mesh in selected cases. Once this stage is complete, Dra. Lorena Queiroz performs the resection of the planned skin spindle, combining, according to each patient's characteristics, liposuction or complementary skin-retraction technologies. The extent of the remaining scar and the need for associated procedures vary according to the plan defined jointly between digestive surgery and plastic surgery, always on an individualized basis.
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MAMI brings together, in a single plan, the laparoscopic or robotic diastasis repair and the plastic surgery stage. Both are carried out during the same hospital stay, by different specialists.
What to expect before and after surgery.
Preoperative preparation
Preoperative preparation for correcting abdominal diastasis using the MAMI technique generally includes a detailed clinical evaluation, routine preoperative exams, and a consultation with the anesthesiology team. Depending on the case, the surgeon may recommend adjustments to ongoing medications, preoperative fasting, and smoking cessation, factors that tend to influence healing and recovery. The need for additional imaging exams or a joint evaluation with the plastic surgery team may vary depending on each patient's characteristics.
Recovery and postoperative care
Recovery after the MAMI technique generally involves relative rest, use of an abdominal belt or binder, and restriction of intense physical effort for a period that varies according to each patient's progress. Gradual return to daily activities, driving, and physical exercise is generally guided individually by the medical team, taking into account any combination with liposuction or skin-retraction technologies. Signs such as persistent pain, fever, redness, or discharge in the operated area should always be reported to the care team.
Common questions about this procedure.
What is abdominal diastasis, and when is surgical correction indicated?+
Abdominal diastasis is the separation of the rectus abdominis muscles at the midline, common after pregnancies or large weight fluctuations. Surgical indication is generally considered when there are symptoms such as lower back pain, a feeling of abdominal wall weakness, a visible bulge, or an insufficient response to conservative treatment with physical therapy, always after individualized clinical evaluation.
How does the MAMI technique differ from traditional abdominoplasty?+
In the MAMI technique, correction of the diastasis is performed via laparoscopy or robotic surgery, and the plastic surgery team removes only a small spindle of skin, generally taking advantage of a prior C-section scar when one exists, avoiding the large transverse incision typical of conventional abdominoplasty. The final scar length and the need for associated procedures, such as liposuction, vary according to each patient's characteristics.
What type of anesthesia is used in the MAMI technique?+
The procedure is generally performed under general anesthesia, since it combines a laparoscopic or robotic stage with a plastic surgery stage. The anesthesia protocol is defined by the anesthesiology team after an individual pre-anesthesia evaluation, considering comorbidities and each patient's preoperative exams.
How long does surgery using the MAMI technique take?+
Duration varies according to the extent of the diastasis, the need for associated liposuction or skin-retraction technologies, and the complexity of each case, generally taking between two and four hours. This time may be longer when combined procedures are performed by the plastic surgery team during the same surgery.
Is hospitalization required? For how many days?+
Most patients remain hospitalized for a short period, generally between one and two days, but this can vary according to clinical progress, any association with other procedures, and the care team's assessment. In some cases, discharge may occur sooner or require more extended hospital follow-up.
What is rest like in the first few days after surgery?+
In the first few days, relative rest is generally recommended, avoiding efforts that strain the abdominal wall, such as lifting weight or making sudden trunk movements. Use of an abdominal belt or binder is frequently recommended during this period, and specific mobilization instructions are always individualized by the medical team.
When can I return to work, driving, and exercise?+
Return to light work activities generally occurs within a few weeks, driving depends on the absence of limiting pain and medical clearance, and more intense physical exercise is usually resumed gradually, only after reassessment. These timeframes vary according to the type of activity, any association with liposuction or skin retraction, and individual progress, and are defined case by case by the medical team.
Is an abdominal belt or binder needed? For how long?+
Yes, use of an abdominal belt or binder is generally recommended after surgery for comfort and support of the abdominal wall. The exact duration is not fixed, as it varies according to the extent of the correction, any association with liposuction, and the surgical team's guidance for each patient.
Is there a risk of seroma after liposuction associated with the MAMI technique?+
Yes. When the MAMI technique is combined with liposuction or skin-retraction technologies, there is a risk of seroma formation (fluid buildup under the skin), as well as possible hematoma, infection, altered local sensation, or, more rarely, skin compromise in the area of the removed spindle. This risk varies according to individual factors, such as tissue thickness and the extent of liposuction, and should be discussed before surgery.
Can the diastasis come back (recur) after correction with the MAMI technique?+
As with any surgical correction of diastasis, there is a possibility of partial recurrence, especially in cases of a new pregnancy, large weight fluctuations, or inappropriate physical exertion during recovery. There is no guarantee of a permanent result, and maintaining the outcome also depends on postoperative care and individual factors for each patient.
Which professionals are involved in surgery using the MAMI technique?+
The MAMI technique generally involves a multidisciplinary team: the digestive surgeon responsible for correcting the diastasis via laparoscopy or robotic surgery, and a plastic surgeon responsible for removing the skin spindle and any associated procedures, such as liposuction. The anesthesiology team monitors the entire procedure, and each professional's role is adjusted to the surgical plan for the case.
What care for the scar and the operated area is needed after surgery?+
Care generally includes local hygiene according to medical guidance and protecting the scar from direct sun exposure during the healing phase. Warning signs such as intense redness, discharge, fever, or increasing pain should be reported promptly to the care team, since complete healing time varies from patient to patient.
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