Medically reviewed by Dr. Orestes Fernández specialist in body contouring, licence no. 4304469Published on 3 November 2026
Diastasis recti after pregnancy: when does it need surgery?
Diastasis recti is the opening of the linea alba, the tissue that joins the two rectus abdominis muscles. It is operated on when it bothers you, because of how it looks or because it causes functional problems; if it causes no harm, it can be left as it is.
During pregnancy the abdomen stretches to make room for the baby, and in many women the two rectus muscles separate. After birth, in some the separation narrows and in others it remains: the belly stays rounded even after the weight is lost.
Get back a firm abdomen after pregnancy
What is diastasis recti?
“It is an opening of the linea alba that joins the two sides of the rectus abdominis,” explains Dr. Orestes Fernández, a plastic surgeon specialising in body contouring. The linea alba is the tissue that joins, in the centre of the abdomen, the two rectus muscles that form the “six-pack”.
When it opens, the abdominal wall loses firmness along the midline: the belly bulges, especially when straining, and a vertical groove may be felt between the two muscles.
When should diastasis recti be operated on?
Dr. Orestes’s criterion is clear: it should be closed surgically when it bothers you, “from an aesthetic or a functional point of view.” If it causes no harm, it can be left as it is.
- For aesthetic reasons: your belly still bulges even though you are back to your weight and you exercise.
- For functional reasons: your abdomen feels weak, uncomfortable or lacks support in daily life.
We assess it at your consultation by examining your abdomen and explain whether it is worth repairing.
How is it repaired?
It is closed by bringing the two rectus muscles back together with internal stitches, usually as part of a tummy tuck, which also removes excess skin. If you also want to correct your breasts after pregnancy, it can be combined in a mommy makeover.
If there is little excess skin and only in the lower area, a mini tummy tuck is sometimes enough; you can read more on our page on the tummy tuck.
Frequently asked questions about diastasis recti
Does diastasis recti close on its own after birth?
In many women the separation narrows in the months after birth; in others it remains. If over time your belly is still rounded and it bothers you, it is worth having it assessed.
Can diastasis recti be corrected with exercise?
Deep core work with a physiotherapist specialising in postpartum care helps improve support. When the linea alba has stayed open and it bothers you, the solution is to close it surgically.
What happens if I do not have diastasis surgery?
If it causes no aesthetic or functional problem, it can be left as it is. If it bothers you, the repair is surgical.
How much does diastasis surgery cost?
The repair is usually done as part of a tummy tuck, from €7,000 (VAT not included). We explain what the price depends on in tummy tuck price, and you can have it in Barcelona or Madrid.
How can you get your abdomen back after pregnancy?
With time, suitable exercise and, if needed, surgery. We share more ideas in how to lose belly fat after pregnancy.