SHARES
Many of us work out in the gym and diet to try to keep a trim and have a flat tummy. Some manage to achieve the results while some end up with a big bulge like a sausage pumping out in the midline of the abdomen. In this interview with Brazilian Plastic Surgeon Dr Marco Faria Correa who practices in Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital, Singapore, we find out that bulge is known as Rectus Diastasis and can lead to many medical conditions, But did you know it can be surgically corrected? Find out more here…
What is Rectus Diastasis?
Dr Marco Faria Correa: Rectus diastasis can also be called as Abdominal Separation or abdominal muscle gap or abdominal midline weakness. It simply means the belly sticks out because the space between the left and right belly muscles has widened and this causes the Bulge or pooch.
It is usually more common among ladies after pregnancy (part of mummy makeover) or among those with yo-yo weight problems; other causes could be idiopathic/genetic. It can happen to anyone at any age group and to men as well. And being a medical condition, this can be covered by insurance to a certain extent.
Why are our abdominal muscles important?
Dr Marco Faria Correa: The anterior abdominal muscle is also known as rectus abdominis is part of the CORE muscle. It is a long vertical muscle that runs down from the body’s midline. It holds our inner organs such as bladder, intestines, pelvis, uterus in place and works together with our lower back to help us move our weight around like a stabilizer. Our CORE muscles give us the foundation to perform movements, balancing and flexibility.
What happens if we do not repair the Rectus Diastasis/Bulge?
Dr Marco Faria Correa: It can cause an array of problems. Without the dynamic stabilization of the CORE, it can lead to weakness in the abdominal wall can jeopardize trunk stability and mobility; contribute to back pain, compromising posture, pelvic floor dysfunctions, hernia, cosmetic defects and vaginal delivery. Back and/or pelvic pains are the most common manifestation of a Diastasis Recti Abdominis.
How is it repaired?
Dr Marco Faria Correa: Exercise and working out reinforcing all the core muscles is mandatory but if the gap is more than 3cm, the best way to correct the rectus diastasis is with surgery. The surgical time is estimated to be between 2 to 4 hours depending on the severity of the diastasis.
There are different ways of performing the surgery to correct the recti diastasis: the open method will include skin removal or abdominal dermolipectomy for those who have over redundant fold of skin (also known as abdominal apron). This method will leave a scar in the bikini line but will give the benefit of a tightened stomach and lifting the pubis area giving you a flat stomach. For those presenting with a beautiful and non-redundant abdominal skin, we use a minimally invasive method known as endoscopic abdominoplasty or endoscopic rectus plication. The latest technology for rectus plication through key hole incision is the robotic rectus plication or robotic abdominoplasty which uses the da vinci surgical® system. It leaves minimal and inconspicuous scar.
What is the Recovery time?
Dr Marco Faria Correa: This procedure requires a 1 to 3 days stay in the hospital depending on the individual. The initial recovery is around 1 to 2 weeks and any carrying of heavy items or back to regular exercise is recommended only after around 6 to 8 weeks.
This article was originally published here. To make an appointment with Dr Marco Faria Correa, visit GetDoc
by Hridya Anand
A biochemist by education who could never put what she studied to good use, finally found GetDoc as a medium to do what she loved - bring information to people using a forum that is dedicated to all things medical. View all articles by Hridya Anand.
