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 is the separation of the rectus abdominis muscles along the midline, normally held together by the linea alba. It's a common condition after pregnancy, significant weight fluctuations, or intense physical strain, and can cause both a change in abdominal contour and functional symptoms such as lower back pain and a feeling of core weakness.
Surgical treatment is individualized: the most appropriate technique depends on the degree of diastasis, the presence of associated hernias, excess skin, and each patient's goals. Explore the approaches used by Dr. Solon Gonçalves below.
The process, from evaluation to returning to your routine.
Evaluation
Physical exam, history, and discussion of your goals to determine whether surgery is indicated and which technique fits your case.
Imaging
Ultrasound or CT imaging to measure the diastasis and identify any associated hernias.
Surgery
Performed in a hospital setting, using the technique defined during evaluation — laparoscopic, robotic, or traditional abdominoplasty.
Recovery
Initial hospital monitoring, pain control, and specific guidance for the first few days.
Follow-up
Gradual return to activities, with follow-up visits to track your recovery.
Common questions about diastasis surgery.
How long does the surgery take?+
It varies by technique and the extent of the repair — from about 1 hour in simpler cases to 3 hours or more when extensive abdominal wall reconstruction or skin removal is involved. The exact time is only determined after an individual evaluation.
What type of anesthesia is used?+
It depends on the technique: laparoscopic or robotic procedures are usually done under general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia with sedation; traditional abdominoplasty is generally done under general anesthesia. The pre-anesthesia evaluation determines what's appropriate for each patient.
Will I need to stay in the hospital?+
Minimally invasive techniques (SCOLA, MILA, MAMI) usually involve discharge within 24 to 48 hours. Traditional abdominoplasty, being more extensive, may require 1 to 2 days of hospitalization. The exact duration depends on the extent of surgery and each patient's recovery.
Will I feel pain afterward?+
Some degree of discomfort is expected and is managed with hospital analgesia and, later, oral medication. Intensity varies by person and tends to be lower with minimally invasive techniques than with traditional abdominoplasty.
Will I need drains?+
With some techniques, yes, temporarily — particularly when skin removal is involved, as in abdominoplasty. Drains are used less often with laparoscopic or robotic techniques. The need is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Will the scars be visible?+
It depends on the technique: SCOLA and MILA/MAMI use small incisions (MAMI can take advantage of an existing C-section scar, when appropriate), while traditional abdominoplasty leaves a larger suprapubic scar. This is discussed in detail during your evaluation, considering the degree of diastasis and any excess skin.
Will I need to wear a compression garment?+
Yes, wearing a compression garment or binder after surgery is common across nearly all techniques, to support the abdominal wall during healing. The duration is determined individually.
How long will I be off work?+
With minimally invasive techniques, it's usually 2 to 4 weeks for activities that don't involve physical strain. With traditional abdominoplasty, this tends to be longer, sometimes reaching 4 to 6 weeks. Return also depends on the type of work involved.
When can I return to physical activity?+
In general, patients are advised to avoid abdominal strain and lifting weight for about 4 to 6 weeks, with a gradual return as healing progresses. Higher-impact exercise is cleared progressively, always under medical guidance.
What are the possible risks and complications?+
As with any abdominal wall surgery, there are risks described in the medical literature, including bleeding, infection, seroma (fluid buildup), altered sensation in the operated area, and, less commonly, recurrence of the diastasis. Rates vary by technique and individual patient factors, and should be discussed individually before deciding on surgery.
Are there contraindications for surgery?+
Yes. Clinical conditions that don't allow for safe anesthesia, uncontrolled obesity (which may be a temporary contraindication until weight is addressed), and plans for a near-future pregnancy are factors typically considered — each case is evaluated individually.
Can the diastasis come back after surgery?+
Recurrence is possible, as with any abdominal wall reconstruction, particularly with a new pregnancy, significant weight fluctuation, or inappropriate physical strain during recovery. Results vary by individual factors, which is discussed during your evaluation.
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