A common component of tummy tuck surgery is repair of a rectus diastasis. This is a separation of the vertical rectus abdominus muscles into right and left halfs. Often thought of as a hernia, it actually is not as it is neither a defect or hole in the abdominal wall fascia. The muscle may be separated by the fascial lining of the abdominal wall remains intact.
Normally the rectus muscles are joined by the linea alba in the midline. During pregnancy this connection is stretched and is separated into two halfs but is connected by a thin layer of fascia. During a tummy tuck, the two halfs of the muscle are sewn together back together by fascial sutures. This is done only if it aids in making the abdominal profile flatter. Because rectus diastasis is a cosmetic condition, it is not covered by medical insurance…although many patients think that it is or should be.
Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana