Rectus Diastasis Repair in Geneva
A separation of the rectus abdominis muscles called "rectus diastasis" often occurs during pregnancy in many women we see in our Geneva, Switzerland office. Normally both rectus abdominis muscles (also known as "six-pack muscles") are joined in the midline of the body. They form an inner girdle that retains the organs of the abdomen, ensures the muscular balance between the abdomen and the back in the upright position and creates a pleasing and defined waistline.
The rectus diastasis is caused by an increased pressure within the abdomen due to the growing uterus during pregnancy. Progressively, the muscles are stretched and separated until they finally lose their initial anatomical position in the midline, as well as their normal function. For this reason, a rectus diastasis appears as a ridge in the midline that becomes more prominent with straining. This results in a rounded, protuberant abdomen or is visible as a distinct bulge in the midline of the abdomen.
Dr. Kai-Uwe Schlaudraff is a plastic surgeon in Switzerland offering advanced body contouring procedures at his Concept Clinic in Geneva. To learn more about rectus diastasis repair, request a consultation online, or phone the office at +41-22-54-000-54.
Your Consultation
During your consultation, Dr. Schlaudraff will carefully examine your abdomen and evaluate the quality of the skin and the fatty tissue. Special note is made of the strength and the position of the abdominal muscles as well as the size of the rectus diastasis. The eventual presence of ventral, inguinal, or umbilical hernias is checked and may sometimes be confirmed by an ultrasound exam. These details will enable Dr. Schlaudraff to advise you about the treatment of your rectus diastasis and whether you might need a tummy tuck or VASER®-Assisted High Definition LipoSculpture (VASER Hi Def™), as well.
Surgical Procedure
The surgical treatment of a rectus diastasis is usually performed in combination with a tummy tuck or VASER Hi Def. After having mobilized the skin and fatty tissue as far up as the ribs/sternal bone, Dr. Schlaudraff checks the position and strength of the rectus abdominis and the oblique abdominal muscles. Then he sutures these muscles back into their midline position and retightens the muscle fascias as well. This technique restores a strong internal muscular girdle that efficiently retains the inner organs and creates a tighter, flatter belly.
The surgery takes 1 to 4 hours depending on the amount of excess skin and whether additional procedures are performed at the same time. Afterwards, the patient is usually advised to stay in the hospital for 1 to 2 days for optimal recovery.
