For many, a strong core isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about confidence, stability, and feeling in control of their body. But what happens when that core weakens, leaving you with a bulging midsection that won’t go away, persistent back pain, or even difficulty with everyday movements?
Diastasis recti, a condition where the abdominal muscles separate, can affect both men and women in ways that go beyond the physical. For women, it’s often a frustrating reminder of pregnancy that lingers long after childbirth. For men, it can feel like an unshakable “beer belly” despite efforts to stay fit. Regardless of the cause, diastasis recti can take a toll on both self-image and quality of life.
In this article, we’ll help you understand just how this condition differs between men and women, so you can be in control of your health and image again. We’ll also share diastasis recti treatments that are available in Singapore, so you can weigh your options.
What Is Diastasis Recti?
Diastasis recti is a condition where the rectus abdominis muscles separate along the midline of the abdomen. This separation occurs when the connective tissue, known as the linea alba, becomes weakened or stretched.
The primary symptoms of diastasis recti include a noticeable bulge in the abdomen, lower back pain, poor posture, and core weakness. In some cases, individuals may also experience digestive discomfort and urinary incontinence due to compromised core stability.
Key Differences Between Men and Women
While diastasis recti affects both men and women, the causes, symptoms, and treatment approaches can vary significantly.
Causes
- Women: Pregnancy is the most common cause of diastasis recti in women. The growing uterus puts pressure on the abdominal muscles, stretching the connective tissue and leading to separation. Hormonal changes during pregnancy also contribute to the weakening of the linea alba.
- Men: In men, diastasis recti is often caused by improper weightlifting techniques, rapid weight gain or loss, and conditions that increase intra-abdominal pressure such as chronic coughing or bloating.
Symptoms
- Women: Women with diastasis recti often experience a protruding belly, especially postpartum. They may also suffer from lower back pain, pelvic floor dysfunction, and hernias.
- Men: Men typically present with a “beer belly” appearance or a persistent bulge in the abdominal area, even when at a healthy weight. They may also experience core instability, which can lead to discomfort during exercise or daily activities.
Recovery
- Women: Postpartum recovery plays a key role in healing diastasis recti. Some cases resolve naturally over time, but many women require targeted exercises or medical intervention.
- Men: Since men do not experience the natural post-pregnancy healing process, diastasis recti in men often require a structured exercise program or surgical correction for effective treatment.
How Diastasis Recti Is Diagnosed
Several methods are used to diagnose DRA, including:
- Finger Palpation: A simple at-home method where a person lies on their back and contracts their abdominal muscles. If a noticeable gap is felt, it could indicate DRA.
- Calipers and Ultrasound: These provide a more accurate measurement of the separation.
- CT Scan: The standard for precise measurement, typically used for surgical evaluation.
- Direct Measurement During Surgery: If a patient undergoes abdominal surgery, the separation can be directly measured.
Effective Treatment Options for Men and Women
Exercise Therapy
There is no universally agreed-upon exercise regimen to fully restore the linea alba. However, targeted exercises may help strengthen the transverse abdominis and oblique muscles, potentially reducing the width of the diastasis.
- Core strengthening exercises: Focusing on the deep abdominal muscles rather than crunches or sit-ups, which may worsen the condition.
- Pelvic floor exercises: Beneficial for postpartum women experiencing urinary incontinence.
- Electromagnetic muscle stimulation devices: These non-invasive devices claim to tone abdominal muscles but do not restore the linea alba to its original state.
Surgical Intervention
For severe cases, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) remains the most effective treatment. This procedure involves surgically repairing the rectus abdominis muscles, bringing them back to the midline. Additional benefits of abdominoplasty include:
- Repairing associated umbilical hernias
- Removing excess skin and stretch marks
- Enhancing abdominal contour through liposuction
Looking for Diastasis Recti Treatment in Singapore?
At Argent Plastic Surgery, we offer comprehensive diastasis recti treatment in Singapore for both men and women. We assess each case individually to recommend the most effective treatment plan.
Why Choose Argent Plastic Surgery?
- Experienced Specialists: Our team has extensive experience in treating diastasis recti in both men and women.
- Personalised Care: We provide customised treatment plans based on individual needs and lifestyle.
- Treatment modalities: Our clinic utilises surgical and non-surgical methods to ensure optimal results.
- Comprehensive Recovery Support: We offer post-treatment guidance to help patients achieve long-lasting benefits.
If you are struggling with diastasis recti and want to explore your treatment options, schedule a consultation with Argent Plastic Surgery today. Our experts will guide you through every step of the process to help you restore core strength and confidence.