Before diastasis recti repair, ask your surgeon whether they are on the GMC Specialist Register in Plastic Surgery, how they will measure the gap and check for a hernia, how the repair fits into a tummy tuck, where the surgery will happen, what recovery and lifting restrictions involve, and what happens if the separation returns. Good answers are specific to your body and never rushed.
Questions about qualifications
- Are you on the GMC Specialist Register in Plastic Surgery?: listen for a clear yes; the register can be checked online.
- Do you hold FRCS (Plast)?: this indicates completion of specialist plastic surgery training in the UK.
- Are you a member of BAAPS or BAPRAS?: membership signals commitment to professional and ethical standards.
- How regularly do you perform muscle repair with abdominoplasty?: a good answer describes routine experience and includes representative photographs shown at consultation.
Questions about diagnosis
Diastasis recti varies in width, length and whether it is accompanied by a hernia, so assessment matters.
- How wide and long is my separation?: the surgeon should examine you lying and standing, and may suggest an ultrasound.
- Is there a hernia, and who will repair it?: small umbilical hernias can often be managed at the same time, while larger ones may need a general surgeon.
- Would physiotherapy help first?: a responsible surgeon will usually encourage targeted rehabilitation before surgery.
- Is the bulge caused by the gap, by fat inside the abdomen or by loose skin?: fat around the internal organs cannot be removed by surgery, so the answer shapes what is achievable.
Questions about the operation
- How will the repair be combined with my tummy tuck?: with Mr Nassab, diastasis repair is performed as part of a full tummy tuck rather than as a standalone or mini procedure; the answer should explain how far the separation extends and how much loose skin will be removed.
- Where will the scar sit?: expect to be shown where the low horizontal scar and the navel scar will be.
- Will liposuction be included?: some patients benefit from combined contouring, which affects recovery and cost.
- Will drains be used?: surgeons vary; ask what to expect and how long drains stay in.
Questions about safety
Ask where the operation takes place and confirm the hospital is CQC-registered with overnight care. Ask who gives the anaesthetic, and how your individual risk of blood clots will be assessed and reduced. Ask about the main risks in your case, including seroma, wound healing, numbness, recurrence and the extra tightness that muscle repair causes. A clear, balanced answer is reassuring; dismissing risks is not. The risks guide can help you prepare.
Questions about recovery
- How long is the hospital stay?: typically one or two nights.
- When is it safe to lift children, drive and return to work?: a realistic answer is around six weeks for lifting, three to four weeks for driving and two to three weeks for desk work.
- When can exercise and core training restart?: listen for a gradual plan, ideally with physiotherapy input, from about eight weeks.
- Who should be called with concerns out of hours?: there should be a clear contact route.
Compare what you hear against the recovery guide.
Questions about the future
Ask how a future pregnancy or weight change might affect the repair, and whether there is a risk of the gap reopening. Ask how long the result is expected to last and what would happen if a revision were needed. A thoughtful surgeon will advise waiting until your family is complete and your weight is stable.
Questions about cost
Request a written quote showing what is included. With Mr Nassab, diastasis repair is performed as part of a tummy tuck costing from £12,500 with the final quote confirmed after assessment; the fee includes the surgeon, anaesthetist, hospital, garment and routine follow-up. The £150 consultation is separate. The tummy tuck cost guide has more detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a self-check for diastasis recti be done at home?
Lying on your back with knees bent and lifting your head slightly can reveal a gap along the midline, but a proper assessment by a clinician is needed to judge its size and significance.
Is surgery the only option?
No. Physiotherapy is the first-line treatment and can improve core strength and function. Surgery is considered when a significant gap and loose skin persist.
Does the NHS repair diastasis recti?
NHS surgical repair is uncommon and usually limited to specific circumstances. Cosmetic repair with a tummy tuck is carried out privately.
Is a referral from a GP needed?
A referral is not required for a private consultation, although it can be helpful to share relevant medical history.
What should be brought to the consultation?
A list of medications, details of pregnancies and any previous abdominal surgery, notes from physiotherapy and your written questions.
