Diastasis Recti Treatment in Singapore - Various Surgical Techniques for Diastasis Recti

Diastasis recti is a condition where the rectus abdominis muscles (“six-pack” muscles) separate along the midline of the abdomen.

This often occurs due to pregnancy, obesity, or excessive strain on the abdominal wall.

When the gap between muscles becomes too wide or leads to functional issues like back pain, hernias, or poor core strength, surgical repair becomes a recommended treatment for diastasis recti. 

This article explores various surgical techniques for treating diastasis recti.

In this article, you can explore various surgical techniques used to treat diastasis recti, their benefits, and what to consider before choosing surgery.

Surgical Procedure of Diastasis Recti Repair

Laparoscopic diastasis recti repair is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to fix the separation of abdominal muscles.

The surgeon makes small incisions and inserts a camera (laparoscope) and special surgical instruments to bring the muscles back together.

Minimally invasive surgery for diastasis offers benefits like less pain, smaller scars, and a quicker recovery compared to traditional open surgery.

Here is the surgical procedure:

• Minimal Incision

The surgeon makes a horizontal incision low on the abdomen, usually just above the pubic area. This placement is similar to a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) and allows access to the underlying muscles while keeping the scar as discreet as possible.

• Muscle Repair

Once the abdomen is opened, the rectus abdominis muscles (the “six-pack” muscles) are gently pulled back together along the midline. These muscles are sutured securely to close the gap (diastasis), restoring core strength and stability.

• Combined With Liposuction in Some Cases

A minimally invasive procedure can be combined with cosmetic treatments such as liposuction or a mini-tummy tuck to eliminate stubborn fat deposits. This step helps improve abdominal contour and gives an overall aesthetic result.  

Surgical Techniques for Diastasis Recti Repair

There are several surgical options for diastasis recti, from traditional open surgery to advanced minimally invasive surgery.

The choice of procedure depends on the extent of separation, skin laxity, presence of fat deposits, and your recovery goals.

1.   Traditional Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck with Muscle Repair)

Traditional abdominoplasty remains the widely used approach for repairing diastasis recti, especially among women after pregnancy. In this procedure, the surgeon makes a horizontal incision along the lower abdomen to access the abdominal wall.

The separated rectus muscles are stitched back together to restore core strength and flatten the midsection. Excess skin is removed, and if needed, liposuction is performed to sculpt the area further.

This method not only repairs the muscle gap but also improves the aesthetic contour of the abdomen.

Benefits of Traditional Abdominoplasty

• Comprehensive muscle repair and core restoration

• Significant improvement in abdominal appearance

• Removes excess skin and fat for a smoother contour

• Proven, reliable results with high patient satisfaction

2.   Laparoscopic Diastasis Recti Surgery

Laparoscopic surgery is a less invasive option than the traditional tummy tuck. This technique involves making several small incisions through which a tiny camera (laparoscope) and specialized surgical instruments are inserted.  

The surgeon carefully stitches the separated muscles back together without a large external incision.

Laparoscopic surgery is a valuable option for patients focused primarily on diastasis recti improvement.

Benefits of Laparoscopic Surgery

• Minimally invasive with smaller scars

• Reduced postoperative pain and discomfort

• Faster recovery and shorter hospital stay

• Effective muscle repair for suitable candidates

3.   Robotic-Assisted Diastasis Recti Surgery

Advancements in technology have brought robotic-assisted surgery into the treatment of diastasis recti. This approach is similar to laparoscopic repair but uses a robotic surgical system to enhance precision and dexterity.

The robotic instruments allow the surgeon to perform meticulous suturing of the rectus muscles through tiny incisions.

Robotic-assisted surgery for diastasis recti is particularly beneficial in complex cases.

Benefits of Robotic-Assisted Surgery

• Greater surgical precision for complex repairs

• Smaller incisions with minimal scarring

• Potentially reduced postoperative pain

• Enhanced visualization of the surgical field

4.   SCOLA Technique (Subcutaneous Onlay Laparoscopic Approach)

SCOLA (Subcutaneous Onlay Laparoscopic Approach) is a minimally invasive technique used to repair diastasis recti and ventral hernias.

In this surgical procedure, the surgeon creates a space beneath the skin (subcutaneous layer) without entering the abdominal cavity.

A mesh is then placed over the abdominal muscles (onlay position) using laparoscopic tools.

This method reduces the need for large incisions and lowers the risk of complications often seen with traditional open surgery.

Benefits of the SCOLA Technique

• Avoids entering the abdominal cavity, reducing surgical risk

• Shorter recovery time compared to traditional abdominoplasty

• Less postoperative discomfort

5.   Robotic-Assisted SCOLA

This technique uses the same principles as SCOLA but with robotic assistance. A surgical robot provides high-definition 3D views and allows precise movements.

The robotic arms help the surgeon perform delicate suturing and dissection with greater accuracy. This is especially helpful for patients with more complex abdominal wall issues or previous surgeries.

The repair can be done with or without mesh, depending on the size of the separation.

Benefits of Robotic SCOLA

• Superior precision and surgical control

• Smaller incisions and minimal scarring

• Reduced trauma to surrounding tissues

• Faster return to daily activities

6.   Mesh Reinforcement

In some patients with severe diastasis recti or significant weakness of the abdominal wall, the surgeon may use a surgical mesh to reinforce the repair.

Mesh provides additional support to keep the muscles in place after the repair.

It can be placed in different layers depending on the method: onlay (above the muscles), sublay (below), or intraperitoneal (inside the abdominal cavity).

Modern meshes are lightweight and designed to integrate safely with the body’s tissues.

Mesh can be used in traditional open surgery or placed via laparoscopic or robotic methods.

It’s particularly beneficial when diastasis recti coexist with abdominal hernias.

Benefits of Mesh Reinforcement

• Adds extra strength to the abdominal wall repair

• Reduces risk of recurrence in severe cases

• Useful for patients with hernias or weakened tissue

7.   Enhanced-view Totally Extraperitoneal Approach (eTEP)

The eTEP is a minimally invasive technique that allows the surgeon to repair diastasis recti without entering the abdominal cavity.

It involves creating a working space between the muscles and the inner lining of the abdominal wall.

Small instruments are inserted to close the gap between the rectus muscles. A mesh is typically placed between layers of tissue to reinforce the repair.

The technique offers good visibility and strong reinforcement while avoiding contact with the abdominal organs. 

Benefits of eTEP Technique

• Avoids entering the abdominal cavity for reduced surgical risk

• Suitable for combined hernia and diastasis repair

• Faster recovery with minimal postoperative pain

• Smaller incisions and cosmetic advantages

Which Surgical Technique is Right for You?

The right Diastasis recti treatment depends on several factors.

So, get consultation with a qualified surgeon specializing in abdominal wall reconstruction to determine which option is safest and most effective for your unique situation.

Care At ARDEN JR Surgery

If you’re struggling with diastasis recti symptoms or considering diastasis recti surgery in Singapore, talk to our experienced surgeon about the right approach for you.

At ARDEN JR Surgery, we specialize in laparoscopic surgery in Singapore for diastasis recti and offer patient-focused guidance based on your condition.

We evaluate factors such as the severity of muscle separation, skin condition, and overall health to recommend the most effective surgical approach tailored to your needs. 

Get safe, effective Diastasis recti treatment at ARDEN JR SURGERY.