Rebuild Your Core: Proven Surgical Solutions for Diastasis Recti in Los Angeles

Diastasis Recti Surgery Options in Los Angeles

Diastasis Recti may sound like a complex medical term, but in simple words, it means your abdominal muscles have separated. These are the same muscles that form the “six-pack”, the rectus abdominis. Usually, they’re held together by a strong band of tissue called the linea alba. But sometimes, that band stretches and pulls apart, leaving a visible bulge or gap in your belly.

Definition & Causes of Diastasis Recti

Diastasis Recti is a separation of the abdominal muscles along the midline. It’s not a tear, but a thinning and widening of the connective tissue. This condition is especially common in:

1. Women during and after pregnancy
2. Men who’ve gained significant abdominal weight
3. People who lift weights improperly
4. Anyone with chronic coughing or abdominal pressure
5. Older adults, as collagen weakens with age

Think of it like this:
Your core is a soda can. When the pressure inside gets too high, the sides bulge. Diastasis is similar to a bulge; it’s the result of excessive internal pressure pushing out on weak spots.

Symptoms That Impact Daily Life

Here’s what many people experience:

• A visible bulge or dome shape in the middle of the belly, especially when getting up
• Lower back pain due to poor core support
• Weak abdominal muscles and core instability
• Poor posture
• Trouble lifting or carrying heavy objects
• Occasional bloating or a “pregnant” look, even when you’re not pregnant

Real-life example:

“I had my last child 4 years ago, but I still looked 4 months pregnant. I didn’t know it was a real medical issue until my doctor checked my core. It turned out to be diastasis recti.”

Ignoring it can lead to:

• Chronic back pain
• Pelvic floor dysfunction
• Poor balance and coordination
• Increased risk of hernias

At Moein Surgical Arts, we take this condition seriously. Because your core is your body’s center of strength. If it’s compromised, everything else suffers from mobility to mood.

How to Self-Check at Home For Diastasis Recti

So, you’re noticing a weird bulge in your belly, or maybe your core just feels… off. You’re thinking, “Could this be Diastasis Recti?” Good instinct! Early diagnosis can make a world of difference.

Step-by-step self-check:

• Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat.
• Place your fingers just above your belly button.
• Lift your head and shoulders slightly (like starting a crunch).
• Feel the midline of your abdomen with your fingertips.

If you feel a gap or soft spot between the muscles, that could be diastasis recti. You might also feel your fingers sink into your belly more than usual. If you can fit two or more fingers in that gap, it’s worth looking into further.

Tests & Imaging for Confirmation

During your consultation, a physical exam usually reveals a lot. But to get precise measurements or check for related issues like hernias, imaging may be needed.

Common tools include:

• Ultrasound: Measures the gap and tissue thickness
• CT scan: Gives a detailed view of muscle positioning
• MRI: Rare, but used in complex or combined abdominal cases

When to See a Specialist:

If your self-check shows a gap, or if you’re dealing with these issues:

• Persistent core weakness
• Belly “pooch” that won’t go away
• Lower back pain
• Bulging when sitting up or lifting things
• Poor posture or balance issues

…it’s time to consult a specialist.

Surgical Options for Diastasis Recti

So, you’ve done the workouts. You’ve worn the binder. You’ve been to physical therapy. And yet… the bulge in your belly just won’t go away. At this point, you’re not lazy, you’re just dealing with a structural problem that requires a structural fix.

This is where surgery comes in.

Mini Tummy Tuck

A mini tummy tuck is ideal for patients with:

• A small abdominal separation
• Minimal excess skin
• No significant hernias

This procedure focuses on the lower abdominal area (below the belly button). Dr. Moein makes a small, discreet incision and tightens the abdominal wall using internal sutures.

Benefits of a mini tummy tuck:

• Smaller incision
• Quicker recovery time
• Natural-looking results
• Often done under local anesthesia with sedation

Limitations:

• Doesn’t address upper abdominal separation
• Not suitable if there’s a lot of loose skin

Think of this as the “light version” of abdominal surgery, great for moms or athletes with mild to moderate diastasis who still want cosmetic improvement.

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Full Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

This is the most comprehensive option and the gold standard for moderate to severe diastasis recti.

During a full abdominoplasty, Dr. Moein:

• Removes excess skin and fat
• Tightens the entire abdominal wall (both upper and lower)
• Repairs the linea alba with permanent sutures
• Repositions the belly button for natural aesthetics

It’s not just cosmetic, it’s structural repair.

Patients often say they feel “stronger from the inside out” after this procedure. That’s because it restores core integrity, eliminates sagging, and improves posture and stability.

Best for:

• Postpartum women
• Individuals with major weight loss
• Patients with significant abdominal stretching

Recovery takes several weeks, but the results are life-changing, not only in how you look, but also in how you move and feel.

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Laparoscopic Repair Techniques

For patients who want less invasive surgery or those who don’t have cosmetic concerns, laparoscopic repair may be an option.

What’s involved:

• Small incisions
• Use of a tiny camera and surgical tools
• Internal stitching of the separated abdominal muscles

This option has less downtime, minimal scarring, and can be combined with hernia repair if needed.

However, it may not be suitable if:

• You have excess loose skin
• You want a flatter, contoured stomach
• You need cosmetic reshaping in addition to repair

Laparoscopic surgery is typically chosen for function over form, and often covered by insurance if related to a hernia or medical necessity.

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Diastasis Repair with Hernia Surgery

Diastasis recti often coexists with hernias, especially around the belly button (umbilical hernia) or along the midline (ventral hernia). Dr. Moein frequently performs combined procedures to treat both conditions in a single surgery.

How it works:

• The hernia is repaired and reinforced
• The diastasis is corrected using internal sutures
• In some cases, a surgical mesh may be placed for extra support

This dual approach:

• Reduces the need for multiple surgeries
• Speeds up total recovery
• Maximizes core strength and durability

If you’ve been told you have a hernia and diastasis, this combined treatment is often the most efficient and effective solution.

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Which Option is Right for You?

Your ideal treatment depends on:

• The severity of the muscle separation
• The amount of loose skin or fat
• Whether you have a hernia
• Your aesthetic goals
• Your health status and lifestyle

That’s why every patient at Moein Surgical Arts receives a customized surgical plan.

We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. We believe in transformational results that last.

Average Cost of Diastasis Surgery

The total cost of surgery varies depending on:

• Type of procedure (mini vs. full tummy tuck vs. laparoscopic repair)
• Whether a hernia repair is included
• Facility and anesthesia fees
• Post-surgical garments and follow-up care

On average, diastasis recti repair surgery at a private practice in Los Angeles ranges between $8,000 and $15,000.

If your surgery includes cosmetic goals like skin tightening, liposuction, or belly button repositioning, that may influence pricing.

Dr. Moein provides a custom quote during your consultation, so you know exactly what to expect based on your unique needs.

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Will Insurance Cover the Procedure?

Great question, and the answer is… maybe.

Here’s the breakdown:

Insurance may cover diastasis recti repair if:

• It’s done in conjunction with a hernia repair
• The condition is causing pain, dysfunction, or bowel/bladder issues
• You have documentation from physical therapy showing non-surgical failure

Insurance won’t cover it if:

• The procedure is purely for cosmetic purposes
• You’re doing it only for abdominal appearance
• There’s no functional impairment

This is why many patients opt for combined procedures, such as hernia repair and abdominoplasty, to maximize both insurance and cosmetic benefits.

Dr. Moein and his team can assist you with:

• Pre-authorization requests
• Medical documentation
• Insurance coding for eligible portions

Still unsure? Schedule a consultation to determine what may be covered in your case.

Long-Term Expectations After Diastasis Recti Surgery

Congratulations on completing your journey through consultation, surgery, and recovery. Now it’s time to enjoy the benefits of your new body. Fixing diastasis recti is about more than just appearances; it’s about reclaiming your confidence and improving your quality of life.

Long-Term Results

Once healed, patients often report:

• A flatter, firmer abdomen
• Stronger core muscles
• Better posture and spinal alignment
• Reduced back pain and improved mobility
• Increased self-esteem

Many realize how significantly diastasis recti affected their lives only after it’s resolved, making everyday activities much easier and more enjoyable.

Post-Recovery Exercise Timeline

• Weeks 1–6: Focus on light movement and healing (walking, deep breathing)
• Weeks 6–12: Introduce gentle strength training and stretching (avoid core strain)
• After 12 Weeks: Resume full workouts, including core exercises, with Dr. Moein’s clearance.

You can engage in activities like Pilates, yoga, weightlifting, and cardio, all while enhancing your core strength thanks to restored muscle function.

Emotional and Mental Benefits

Beyond the physical, many patients experience profound emotional changes such as increased confidence, pride in their bodies, and motivation for a healthier lifestyle. This procedure serves as a mental reset, especially for new moms or those feeling disconnected from their core.

Maintaining Your Results

To maintain your improvements, consider the following:

• Stay committed to core-friendly fitness routines
• Avoid sudden weight gain
• Eat a balanced anti-inflammatory diet
• Stay hydrated and support collagen intake with Vitamin C and Zinc
• Follow post-op recovery protocols, including avoiding heavy lifting initially

Regular follow-ups with Dr. Moein can help ensure your results last a lifetime when supported by healthy habits.

Diastasis Recti Surgery Options: Consultation With Dr. Moein

If your abdominal separation is larger than 2.5–3 finger widths, or if physical therapy hasn’t resolved symptoms like bulging, back pain, or weakness after 3–6 months, surgery may be the most effective solution. A consultation with Dr. Moein will help determine your specific needs.

Please feel free to call 310-455-8020 or fill out our secure contact form to book your consultation. During the visit, Dr. Moein will evaluate your condition, discuss your goals, and outline your personalized treatment plan.