In Cheshire, Mr Reza Nassab assesses patients with abdominal muscle separation at CLNQ on King Street, Knutsford, and performs diastasis recti repair at Deansgate Hospital in Manchester city centre, a short drive away. The repair is performed as part of a tummy tuck to restore a firmer core and a flatter lower abdomen, and it is typically considered once your family is complete and physiotherapy has been tried.
A closer look at diastasis recti
During pregnancy, the growing uterus stretches the band of connective tissue that joins the left and right rectus muscles down the centre of the abdomen. For many women the gap narrows naturally after birth, but in some it remains wide, leaving a central bulge, a lower tummy overhang and sometimes a small hernia at the belly button. Weight change and multiple or twin pregnancies can make it more likely. Men can develop it too, often in association with abdominal weight gain. Physiotherapy focused on the deep core is the first-line approach and can improve function for many people.
When surgery is considered
Surgical plication, in which the muscle sheaths are stitched together along the midline, is an option when a significant separation and loose skin persist after at least a year of rehabilitation, your weight is stable and you are not planning further pregnancies. It is carried out as part of an abdominoplasty, which also removes excess lower abdominal skin. Where fat is a factor, a lipoabdominoplasty may be discussed. Cosmetic surgery is for adults aged 18 and over.
Consultation at CLNQ, King Street, Knutsford
Your first visit, at CLNQ on King Street in Knutsford, is a detailed one-to-one with Mr Nassab. He will talk through your pregnancies, physiotherapy, symptoms and medical history, then examine your abdomen while you lie down and lift your head, which shows the gap clearly, and while standing, to assess skin and fat. He will look for an umbilical hernia and may suggest an ultrasound. You will come away with a clear plan, an understanding of scars and recovery, and a written quote. The consultation costs £150, charged separately. Appointments are also available in Manchester.
Your operation at Deansgate Hospital
Surgery takes place at Deansgate Hospital, Manchester, under general anaesthetic and generally lasts two to three hours. The scar is placed low, usually within the underwear line, with a second scar around the navel. Most people stay one or two nights, and blood clot prevention is part of the routine from admission onwards. You will leave wearing a supportive binder, sometimes with small drains, and will need someone to drive you home.
Aftercare around Cheshire
Follow-up appointments are held locally, so patients from Knutsford, Wilmslow, Alderley Edge, Macclesfield, Altrincham and surrounding villages avoid long journeys while sore. Reviews cover wound checks, drain removal, seroma monitoring and scar advice, and the team is available by phone between visits. Plan ahead for about six weeks without heavy lifting, which for many parents means arranging help with school runs, car seats and carrying toddlers.
Healing timeline and warning signs
Walking upright takes a week or two, desk work usually resumes at two to three weeks, driving at three to four weeks and gradual core exercise from about eight weeks. Swelling continues to settle over several months. Contact the team the same day with fever, spreading redness or wound discharge; urgently if the abdomen swells rapidly or becomes tense; seek a same-day GP or NHS 111 review for one-sided calf pain or leg swelling; and dial 999 for chest pain or breathlessness. The recovery guide gives more detail.
Prices
Diastasis repair is performed as part of a tummy tuck, not as a standalone operation, and a tummy tuck with diastasis repair costs from £12,500. Your final quote is confirmed after assessment. Your quote covers the surgeon, anaesthetist, hospital, garment and routine aftercare. Finance through Chrysalis Finance may be available, with Reza Nassab Ltd acting as a credit broker, not a lender.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which hospital is used for diastasis recti repair in Cheshire?
Surgery is performed at Deansgate Hospital in Manchester city centre, with consultations at CLNQ, King Street, Knutsford.
How is the gap measured?
Mr Nassab examines the abdomen by touch, often with you lifting your head while lying down. An ultrasound scan may be arranged for a more precise measurement.
Can men have diastasis recti repair?
Yes. Men can develop muscle separation, and repair may be combined with an abdominoplasty where there is loose skin.
How soon after having a baby can surgery take place?
It is usually advisable to wait at least six to twelve months after birth and after stopping breastfeeding, with physiotherapy tried first.
Is there a scar?
Yes. There is a low horizontal scar, usually hidden by underwear, and a scar around the belly button.
