Surgical repair of separation of the rectus abdominis muscles — most commonly seen after pregnancy and persistent despite postnatal exercise.
Rectus divarication (also known as diastasis recti) is the widening of the linea alba — the connective tissue running between the paired rectus abdominis muscles. It occurs in most pregnancies and resolves spontaneously in many women, but can persist with symptoms including a midline bulge, weakened core, lower back pain, and sometimes urinary or pelvic floor symptoms.
When conservative measures including physiotherapy have not resolved a symptomatic divarication, surgical repair may be appropriate. This involves suturing the rectus sheaths together along the midline to restore the abdominal wall.
This procedure may be considered for patients with:
Rectus divarication repair may be performed alone or as part of an abdominoplasty when there is also redundant skin. A Medicare item may apply where strict eligibility criteria are met.
Most patients stay in hospital for one to two nights. A compression garment is typically worn. Heavy lifting and strenuous abdominal exercise are avoided for approximately six to eight weeks to allow the repair to heal.
Related: See our scar management guide for the post-operative healing timeline, the daily silicone-and-massage protocol, and when to be concerned about a scar.
Specific risks include fluid collection (seroma), recurrence of the divarication, adverse scarring, changes in abdominal sensation, and deep vein thrombosis. These are discussed in detail at your consultation.
All surgery carries risk. General risks include bleeding, infection, adverse scarring, anaesthetic complications, and the possibility of revision surgery. Risks specific to this procedure are listed above and will be discussed in detail at your consultation, where you will also receive written information to take home.
A referral from a general practitioner — ideally your usual GP — is required before a consultation for cosmetic surgery. A cooling-off period applies between informed consent and any booking for cosmetic surgery.
Recovery differs between individuals; the timeframes on this page are a general guide only. Outcomes vary from person to person.