Treatments

Diastasis recti repair in India

Quick answer

Diastasis recti repair stitches together the two vertical tummy muscles that have separated, usually after pregnancy. It is often done as part of a tummy tuck, but laparoscopic or endoscopic repair through small cuts is possible when there is little loose skin. Plan around 10 days in India for open repair.

Medically reviewed by The Curaventa Team · Last updated 2026-10-24

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At a glance

Cosmetic and Plastic SurgerySpecialty

During pregnancy the band of tissue between the two rectus muscles stretches. In many women the gap narrows again, but in some it stays wide, causing a bulging tummy, weak core and sometimes a small hernia at the belly button.

Repair (called plication) folds and stitches the stretched tissue so the muscles sit close again. Physiotherapy is tried first, and surgery is considered when a gap persists after the body has recovered from pregnancy.

How this approach differs

For an open repair with a tummy tuck, plan 10 to 14 days in India; NHS guidance is to wait 7 to 10 days after a tummy tuck before flying. Keyhole repairs may allow a slightly shorter stay. An abdominal binder is usually worn for about six weeks, and lifting is restricted for longer than after skin-only surgery because the muscle repair needs time to strengthen. Start core physiotherapy only when your surgeon allows.

Who needs diastasis recti repair

A muscle gap that remains many months after pregnancy
Bulging that does not improve with targeted physiotherapy
Umbilical or other small hernia linked to the gap
Women who have finished having children

How it is done

General anaesthesia
Through a tummy tuck incision or small keyhole ports
The stretched midline tissue is folded and stitched with strong sutures
Any hernia is repaired, sometimes with mesh
Skin is closed, with or without skin removal

Before you travel to India

An ultrasound measuring the gap width, if available
Photographs standing and lying with head lifted
Your pregnancy history and future plans
Physiotherapy records

Recovery and flying home

One or two nights in hospital
Tightness across the tummy for weeks
Avoid lifting anything heavy for six weeks or more
Desk work after two to four weeks

Risks

Recurrence of the gap
Bleeding or seroma
Infection
Breathing discomfort from tightness early on

Alternatives

Specialist core physiotherapy
Mini tummy tuck with limited repair
Hernia repair alone if no cosmetic concern

Hospitals in India for diastasis recti repair

How these hospitals compare

Specialists

Frequently asked questions

Can physiotherapy close the gap?

For many women it improves strength and narrows the gap. Surgery is for gaps that persist and cause symptoms.

Is it better to finish my family first?

Yes, surgeons generally advise this, as a new pregnancy can stretch the repair.

Will I need a full tummy tuck?

Only if there is loose skin. Some women need muscle repair alone, which can be done through smaller cuts.

Sources

Medically reviewed by The Curaventa Team. Last updated 2026-10-24. General information, not medical advice. Medical editorial board · Editorial policy · How we get prices

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