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 — the separation of the anterior rectus abdominis muscles at the midline, joined by the linea alba — is a frequent condition after pregnancy (especially multiple or twin pregnancies), large weight fluctuations, or prolonged periods of increased intra-abdominal pressure. When associated with localized fat accumulation and some degree of skin laxity, but without the excess skin that usually requires traditional abdominoplasty, the MILA (Minimally Invasive Lipoabdominoplasty) technique can be a suitable option: it combines liposuction with endoscopic correction of the diastasis, using a robotic or videolaparoscopic approach, depending on the individual assessment of the case.
Diagnosis is initially clinical, through palpation of the midline with contraction of the abdominal musculature — such as during the Valsalva maneuver or trunk raise — which allows the degree of separation to be estimated and any associated hernias, such as umbilical or epigastric, to be identified. More precise confirmation and measurement are usually done by abdominal wall ultrasound, with CT possibly requested in more complex cases or when additional hernias are suspected. This imaging assessment, together with the physical examination, guides surgical planning and the choice among the different correction techniques available.
In the MILA technique, correction of the diastasis is performed through small incisions, with dissection of the plane needed to access the linea alba and suture plication of the musculature, which may be reinforced with surgical mesh when indicated. Because it is an endoscopic access — video or robotic — it avoids the large horizontal incision and extensive skin undermining characteristic of conventional abdominoplasty, which tends to favor a more comfortable recovery, although final results vary depending on individual factors, such as tissue quality and adherence to postoperative instructions.
In this procedure, Dr. Solon Gonçalves is responsible for the surgical stage of correcting the diastasis, holding certification in robotic surgery through Intuitive in partnership with Albert Einstein Hospital. Afterward, for the liposuction and skin-retraction technologies — such as Renuvion and Quantum/Ignite — Dra. Lorena Queiroz, a partner plastic surgeon, takes over. This joint approach allows each stage of the procedure to be carried out by specialists dedicated to their own area, with planning always individualized according to each patient's case.
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In the MILA technique, the diastasis repair and the liposuction take place in the same surgery. Each stage is handled by a specialist in that field, with the plan agreed on beforehand.
What to expect before and after surgery.
Preoperative preparation
Preoperative preparation for the MILA technique generally includes a general clinical evaluation and pre-anesthesia exams, requested according to each patient's age and health condition. Suspension of certain medications, smoking, and alcohol consumption may be recommended for a period that varies by case, along with instructions on preoperative fasting. Evaluation with the anesthesiology team generally takes place in the days leading up to surgery, and the final plan — including additional imaging exams, when indicated — is always individualized by the responsible surgeon.
Recovery and postoperative care
Recovery after the MILA technique generally involves use of a compressive abdominal binder and restriction of intense physical effort for a period that varies according to each patient's progress. Relative rest and a gradual return to daily activities are generally recommended in the first few weeks, with follow-up visits scheduled to assess healing and the progress of the diastasis correction. Return to routine activities, driving, and physical exercise is always assessed individually, and may vary depending on factors such as age, prior physical condition, and any postoperative complications.
Common questions about this procedure.
What type of anesthesia is used for the MILA technique?+
The MILA technique is generally performed under general anesthesia, combined or not with regional blocks for pain control, according to the anesthesiology team's assessment. The exact type of anesthesia is defined individually, considering the patient's overall health and the extent of the procedure.
How long does surgery using the MILA technique take?+
Surgery duration varies according to the extent of the diastasis, the volume of fat to be removed, and any need for associated procedures, and may last several hours. The exact time can only be estimated after an individual case evaluation by the surgeon.
Is hospitalization required after the MILA technique?+
A short period of hospitalization is generally indicated for observation, pain control, and initial monitoring, which may vary according to each patient's clinical progress. Discharge is decided by the medical team based on the patient's condition in the immediate postoperative period.
What is rest like in the first few days after surgery?+
In the first few days, relative rest is generally recommended, with early and progressive walking to reduce the risk of circulatory complications, while avoiding efforts that increase abdominal pressure. The pace of return to daily activities is gradually guided by the medical team, according to each patient's progress.
Is a compressive abdominal binder needed, and for how long?+
Use of a compressive belt or binder is generally recommended after the MILA technique to help reduce swelling and the risk of fluid buildup, typically for a period of a few weeks, at the medical team's discretion. The exact duration of use is individualized according to each patient's healing progress.
When is it possible to return to work after the MILA technique?+
Return to work generally varies depending on the type of activity performed, tending to be quicker for administrative roles and longer for jobs requiring physical effort. Clearance to return is always assessed individually by the medical team.
When is it safe to drive again?+
Resuming driving generally depends on reduced pain, discontinuing medications that cause drowsiness, and recovery of full trunk movement, which can vary from patient to patient. This clearance should always be confirmed with the medical team before the patient resumes driving.
When can I resume physical exercise and activities that require abdominal effort?+
Light physical activities are usually resumed gradually, while exercises that directly demand the abdominal muscles — such as sit-ups, weightlifting, and impact sports — generally require a longer waiting period to allow proper healing of the muscle plication. The exact timing of clearance varies according to the progress of each case and should be determined by the medical team.
What do the scars from the MILA technique look like?+
Since it is a minimally invasive technique, the incisions used in MILA tend to be smaller and more discreet than those of a traditional abdominoplasty, but the final aesthetic result varies according to individual factors such as amount of excess skin, healing, and postoperative care. The exact appearance of the scars cannot be guaranteed in advance.
Is seroma formation a common risk after the MILA technique?+
Seroma — fluid buildup under the skin — is one of the complications most frequently described in the literature on liposuction-abdominoplasty, including minimally invasive techniques such as MILA, and is usually treated with drainage puncture when necessary. The risk can be reduced with a compressive binder and regular clinical follow-up, but it cannot be completely eliminated in any case.
Is there a risk of the diastasis coming back after correction with the MILA technique?+
As with any surgical correction of diastasis or hernia, there is a risk of recurrence, which can vary depending on factors such as tissue quality, the plication technique used, weight gain, future pregnancies, and adherence to postoperative instructions. This risk is discussed individually before surgery, and no surgical procedure can guarantee a complete absence of long-term recurrence.
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