What is diastasis recti?
During pregnancy the two vertical abdominal muscles move apart to make room for the baby. In many women they come back together within months; in others a gap remains. The result is a tummy that bulges even at a healthy weight, sometimes with back discomfort or a feeling of weak core.
A simple self-test
Lie on your back with knees bent, place your fingertips just above the navel and lift your head slightly. If you can feel a gap of two finger-widths or more between the muscles, you may have diastasis. A surgeon or physiotherapist confirms it during examination.
When physiotherapy is enough
Small gaps often improve with targeted core exercises guided by a women’s health physiotherapist. It is worth trying this first, especially in the first year after birth.
When surgery helps
If the gap is wide, combined with loose skin, or has not improved after exercise, the muscles can be stitched together during a tummy tuck. This rebuilds the internal corset and flattens the abdomen in a way exercise cannot.
Recovery after muscle repair
Muscle repair makes the first days more uncomfortable than skin removal alone. Lifting is avoided for about six weeks and abdominal training starts after about eight weeks, once your surgeon allows it.
New City Clinic
Why patients choose New City Clinic
New City Clinic is an Istanbul health-tourism company authorised by the Turkish Ministry of Health. Every part of your mommy makeover, from the first photo review to the last check-up, is organised by one accountable team.
- 01
Ministry of Health authorisation
New City Clinic holds the Health Tourism Authorisation Certificate of the Turkish Ministry of Health and is registered with HealthTürkiye.
- 02
Licensed partner hospitals
Surgery takes place at Acıbadem, Medicana, Medipol, Medical Park or Biruni University Hospital, named in your plan before you travel.
- 03
A named plastic surgeon
Op. Dr. Fatih Kılıç, plastic, oncology and reconstructive surgeon, plans and performs your operation and you meet him before surgery.
- 04
Certified processes
TÜRSAB licence No. 17659 and ISO 9001, ISO 10002, ISO 27001 and ISO 31000 certificates cover travel, quality, complaints, data security and risk.
- 05
Complication insurance and a written contract
Every New City Clinic package includes complication insurance; the contract and informed consent are prepared by the clinic’s legal department.
- 06
All-inclusive, in writing
Hospital, hotel, transfers, coordinator, interpreter and compression garments in one written, itemised quote, usually within 24 hours.
Questions about this topic
Can diastasis come back?
A future pregnancy or major weight gain can stretch the repair again. That is why surgery is recommended once your family is complete.
Is diastasis repair cosmetic?
It improves the shape of the abdomen, and many women also notice better core support.
24h
Get your personal plan and price
Send a few photos and your questions. The surgeon’s assessment is free and your written quote usually arrives within 24 hours.
- Free assessment by the surgeon
- Package with hotel, transfers and interpreter
- Compression garments and complication insurance included
- One coordinator from start to finish
Ministry of Health authorised health-tourism agency · licensed hospitals · transparent written prices.
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