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Diastasis recti is a common condition that affects the abdominal wall, often resulting in a visible separation between the abdominal muscles. It is most frequently associated with pregnancy, but can also occur in men and women due to increased abdominal pressure over time.
For some individuals, diastasis recti presents as a noticeable bulge or lack of core definition, particularly when engaging the abdominal muscles. In others, it may be accompanied by symptoms such as core weakness, poor posture or lower back discomfort. The severity of the condition varies depending on the degree of muscle separation and overall tissue quality.
At Paul Wilson Aesthetics, treatment for diastasis recti begins with a comprehensive assessment by Dr Wilson, evaluating both abdominal structure and functional concerns to create a personalised treatment plan.
About
What is Diastasis Recti?
Diastasis recti refers to the separation of the rectus abdominis muscles (the “six-pack” muscles) along the midline of the abdomen. This occurs when the connective tissue (linea alba) that holds these muscles together becomes stretched and weakened.
As a result, the abdominal wall may lose its firmness and support, leading to a visible gap or bulge, particularly when the muscles are engaged. While the condition is not always painful, it can affect both appearance and core stability.
Symptoms
Diastasis Recti Symptoms
The symptoms of diastasis recti can vary depending on the degree of muscle separation and the strength of the abdominal wall. While some individuals may notice primarily aesthetic changes, others may experience functional concerns related to core stability.
Common signs and symptoms include:
- A visible bulge or ridge along the centre of the abdomen, particularly when sitting up or engaging the core
- A soft or rounded appearance of the abdomen that does not improve with exercise
- Difficulty activating or strengthening the core muscles
- A feeling of weakness or lack of support in the abdominal area
- Lower back discomfort or poor posture due to reduced core stability
- In some cases, associated issues such as pelvic instability or reduced overall strength
Symptoms may become more noticeable during activities that increase intra-abdominal pressure, such as lifting, coughing or exercising.
Causes
What Causes Diastasis Recti?
Diastasis recti develops due to increased pressure within the abdominal cavity, which stretches and weakens the connective tissue over time. Several contributing factors may be involved:
Pregnancy
The most common cause of diastasis recti is pregnancy. As the uterus expands, it places pressure on the abdominal wall, stretching the connective tissue and causing the muscles to separate. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can also soften connective tissues, increasing the likelihood of separation.
Significant Weight Fluctuations
Rapid weight gain or loss can strain the abdominal wall, weakening connective tissue and increasing the likelihood of muscle separation.
Abdominal Strain and Exercise
Improper lifting techniques or excessive abdominal strain can place repeated pressure on the core, potentially contributing to or worsening diastasis recti over time.
Genetic Factors
Some individuals are more predisposed to connective tissue laxity, making them more susceptible to muscle separation.
Age-Related Changes
As collagen levels decline with age, connective tissue becomes less resilient, which may contribute to the development or persistence of diastasis recti.
Treatment
When to Consider Professional Treatment for Diastasis Recti?
Treatment may be considered when diastasis recti affects abdominal appearance, core strength or overall comfort. Common concerns include a persistent abdominal bulge, difficulty engaging the core, or ongoing weakness despite exercise.
While targeted physiotherapy and core-strengthening exercises may improve mild cases, they are often not sufficient to fully correct more significant muscle separation. A professional assessment provides a clear understanding of the condition’s severity and whether surgical intervention may be appropriate.
Options
Diastasis Recti Treatment at Paul Wilson Aesthetics
Treatment for diastasis recti is tailored to the individual, depending on the extent of muscle separation, skin quality and overall abdominal structure. Mr Paul Wilson provides advanced surgical techniques designed to restore core integrity while improving abdominal contour.
In cases of more significant or severe diastasis recti, where the muscle separation is wider and unlikely to respond to exercise or physiotherapy alone, surgical repair is often the most effective solution. If a significant ventral hernia or umbilical hernia is present, Mr Wilson may enrol the services of a general surgeon to optimise your outcome.
Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
Abdominoplasty is the most effective surgical treatment for diastasis recti. During the procedure, the separated abdominal muscles are brought back together and sutured into their correct position, restoring strength and support to the abdominal wall.
In addition to repairing the muscle separation, excess loose abdominal skin may be removed to create a smoother, firmer abdominal contour. This approach addresses both functional and aesthetic concerns, providing long-lasting results.
Choose Us
Why Choose Paul Wilson Aesthetics for Diastasis Recti Treatment?
At Paul Wilson Aesthetics, your care is grounded in safety, expertise and surgical integrity. Surgeries are performed by Mr Paul Wilson, an accredited Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon with dual qualifications in medicine and dentistry.
His background in complex reconstructive surgery ensures a meticulous, anatomically driven approach, where patient safety and functional outcomes are always prioritised. Every treatment plan is personalised and carefully planned using advanced imaging technology to provide a clear, realistic understanding of what can be achieved.
From your initial consultation through to recovery, you are supported with a transparent, considered approach that focuses on realistic expectations rather than overpromising outcomes. Mr Wilson’s aesthetic philosophy centres on restoring and refining rather than altering, ensuring results that feel balanced and authentically you.
Supported by a dedicated team, you can expect a seamless and attentive patient experience, where your concerns are heard, your questions are answered, and your care is tailored at every stage of your journey.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you fix diastasis recti?
The most appropriate treatment for diastasis recti depends on its severity. Mild cases may improve with targeted physiotherapy and core-strengthening exercises designed to support the abdominal wall. However, more significant muscle separation typically requires surgical correction, such as abdominoplasty, to bring the muscles back together and restore core function.
How do you check for diastasis recti?
A simple self-check can be performed by lying on your back with your knees bent and gently lifting your head and shoulders slightly off the floor. Using your fingers, you can feel along the midline of your abdomen for a gap or separation between the muscles. While this may indicate a possible separation, a clinical assessment is recommended to confirm the diagnosis and determine the extent of the condition.
What does diastasis recti look like?
Diastasis recti often appears as a bulge or ridge running down the centre of the abdomen, particularly when the core is engaged. The stomach may also appear more rounded or protruded, even in individuals who are otherwise fit. The appearance can vary depending on the severity of the separation and the surrounding tissue.
What causes diastasis recti?
Diastasis recti is most commonly caused by pregnancy, where the abdominal wall stretches to accommodate the growing uterus. It can also occur due to weight fluctuations, repeated abdominal strain or natural weakening of connective tissue over time. In some cases, genetic factors may also play a role.
Can diastasis recti heal on its own?
Mild cases may improve over time, particularly with appropriate exercise and physiotherapy. However, more significant separation of the abdominal muscles usually does not fully resolve without surgical intervention. The extent of recovery depends on factors such as tissue quality and the degree of separation.
Do I need surgery for diastasis recti?
Not all cases require surgery. Individuals with mild symptoms may benefit from non-surgical management such as guided core rehabilitation. Surgery is typically considered when the separation is more pronounced, affects function or does not improve with conservative treatment.
Can diastasis recti cause back pain?
Yes, diastasis recti can contribute to lower back pain in some individuals. The separation of the abdominal muscles can reduce core stability, placing additional strain on the lower back and affecting posture. Addressing the underlying issue can help improve overall support and reduce discomfort.
Is exercise safe with diastasis recti?
Exercise can be beneficial, but it is important to follow appropriate techniques. Certain movements that place excessive strain on the abdominal wall may worsen the separation. A guided exercise programme from a qualified professional can help strengthen the core safely and effectively.
How much does diastasis recti surgery cost?
The cost of treatment can vary depending on the complexity of the procedure, the extent of muscle repair required and whether additional contouring is performed. A personalised quote will be provided following consultation, with a clear explanation of all associated costs.
Schedule your consultation
Book a consultation with Paul Wilson Aesthetics
Patients choose Paul Wilson Aesthetics for a combination of surgical expertise, honest guidance and a highly personalised approach to care. To get started, book a consultation where Mr Wilson will assess your concerns, discuss your goals and determine whether abdominoplasty is the most appropriate option for you.
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A very enjoyable day at the joint BAAPS & ESAPS 2026 Meeting in London! 🇬🇧
These meetings are always a valuable opportunity to learn, exchange ideas and catch up with colleagues and industry partners.
It was good to spend time with the teams from VASER, MACOM and Silimed, as well as catching up with a fellow consultant friend from Truro, Cornwall.
Looking forward to the rest of the scientific programme over the next couple of days! 🩺✨
#plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeons #paulwilsonaesthetics
We do not always have the opportunity to capture the first time a patient sees the result of their surgery, but when we do, it can be incredibly special.
This patient underwent forehead reduction surgery, and this was the moment she saw her new hairline for the first time. The happiness in her reaction says everything.
Moments like this remind us that surgery can mean far more to a patient than the physical change alone.
This was an early postoperative reveal and the patients healing continued for her over the following months.
Shared with our patient’s kind permission.
📍 Northwood Hospital, Bristol
📍 The London Welbeck Hospital
☎️ Office: 0117 332 1585
📱 Call or WhatsApp: 07414 163133
✉️ info@paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
#hairlinelowering #foreheadreduction
#patientjourney
#paulwilsonaesthetics
Not every question is easy to ask.
Some can feel personal, awkward or even a little embarrassing, but they are often the questions that matter most.
A few honest answers to things patients sometimes hesitate to say out loud.
There is no such thing as the wrong question in a consultation. It is important to understand what surgery involves, what recovery may really be like and how it could affect your everyday life.
Clear, straightforward answers allow patients to consider their options properly and make decisions in their own time.
If you are considering surgery but are not yet ready for an in-person appointment, we also offer introductory virtual consultations. This can be a helpful first step and an opportunity to talk through your initial questions.
📍 Northwood Hospital, Bristol
📍 The London Welbeck Hospital
☎️ Office: 0117 332 1585
📱 Call or WhatsApp: 07414 163133
✉️ info@paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
#patienteducation #plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #paulwilsonaesthetics
One result, seen from different angles.
With septo-rhinoplasty, it is important to consider how the nose sits within the whole face, not only how it looks from the side.
In this case, surgery addressed the dorsal hump and tip projection while maintaining a result that remained in keeping with the patient’s natural features.
The profile shows the change most clearly, while the oblique views demonstrate how the new shape complements this lovely patient’s natural features.
Swipe to see the result from each angle.
Photos used with patients kind consent.
📍 Northwood Hospital, Bristol
📍 The London Welbeck Hospital
☎️ Office: 0117 332 1585
📱 Call or WhatsApp: 07414 163133
✉️ info@paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
#rhinoplasty #septorhinoplasty #septoplasty #paulwilsonaesthetics
Weight loss affects every body differently.
For some people, the biggest change is around the face and neck. For others, it may be the upper arms, breasts, abdomen or thighs. Sometimes it is one area; sometimes several.
Surgery after significant weight loss is never one-size-fits-all. Depending on your anatomy and concerns, options may include a facelift and neck lift, brachioplasty, thigh lift, abdominoplasty or breast surgery. VASER may also be considered for targeted body contouring where appropriate.
The aim is to address the changes that weight loss can leave behind and create a treatment plan that feels right for you.
Swipe through to explore some of the areas that can be affected.
All photos used with patients kind consent.
📍 Northwood Hospital, Bristol
📍 The London Welbeck Hospital
☎️ Office: 0117 332 1585
📱 Call or WhatsApp: 07414 163133
✉️ info@paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
#surgeryafterweightloss #weightlosssuccess #glp1 #weightlosssurgery #paulwilsonaesthetics
This lovely 30-year-old patient came to see me hoping to move from an AA cup towards natural B/C cup proportions.
Her priority was to add shape and volume while keeping the result balanced with her slim frame.
We used Vectra 3D imaging during the planning process and selected 295cc high-profile Silimed True Texture Natural-Biodiesign implants.
The photographs show her before surgery and at 12 months, once the implants had settled and the result had matured.
Implant selection is about much more than volume alone. Chest width, existing breast tissue, body proportions and the patient’s preferred look all need to be considered carefully.
Every patient and every result is different. A consultation is needed to discuss what may be suitable for you.
Photos used with patients kind consent.
📍 Northwood Hospital, Bristol
📍 The London Welbeck Hospital
☎️ Office: 0117 332 1585
📱 Call or WhatsApp: 07414 163133
✉️ info@paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
#BreastAugmentation #BreastImplants #PaulWilsonAesthetics
Thinking about breast augmentation? Your consultation with Mr Paul Wilson is the first step.
Mr Wilson will talk you through your goals, expectations and the options available to you. Every patient’s breast anatomy is different, so the choice of implant needs to be tailored to your individual shape, proportions and desired result. You will have the opportunity to discuss different implant types, sizes and profiles, as well as what to expect from surgery and recovery.
Vectra 3D imaging will also be used during your consultation to help visualise how different implant sizes and shapes may look on your individual frame. It’s a useful tool for discussing your options and ensuring your treatment plan is tailored to your anatomy and goals.
It’s also a chance to ask questions, understand your options and feel fully informed before making any decision—there’s no pressure to decide on the day.
To book a consultation, please contact us using the details below:
📍 Northwood Hospital, Bristol
📍 The London Welbeck Hospital
☎️ Office: 0117 332 1585
📱 Call or WhatsApp: 07414 163133
✉️ info@paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
#breastaugmentation #paulwilsonaesthetics #northwoodhospital #londonwelbeckhospital
It was lovely to catch up with my patient again this week at her six-week postoperative review.
This was not a straightforward implant exchange.
Her original breast implants had been in place for 18 years. Over time, she had developed capsular contracture, a waterfall deformity and breast ptosis, meaning the breast tissue had dropped away from the implants.
Simply replacing the implants would not have corrected all of these concerns.
During surgery, the old implants and capsules were removed. A mastopexy was then performed to lift and reshape the breast tissue, before placing 365cc high-profile round Silimed implants.
These photographs were taken just six weeks after surgery, so this is still a very early result. There is some swelling and the scars are continuing to settle, but the improvement in breast position, shape and proportion can already be seen.
Revision breast surgery requires careful planning. The condition of the capsule, the quality of the breast tissue, the nipple position and the choice of implant all need to be considered together.
Her result will continue to develop over the coming months, and I look forward to following her progress.
📍 Northwood Hospital, Bristol
📍 The London Welbeck Hospital
☎️ Office: 0117 332 1585
📱 Call or WhatsApp: 07414 163133
✉️ info@paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
Photographs shared with patient consent. Individual results and recovery will vary.
#BreastRevision #BreastImplantExchange #Mastopexy #breastaug #paulwilsonaesthetics @northwood_hospital
We are pleased to announce that Mr Paul Wilson will be holding his first consultation clinic at The London Welbeck Hospital on Friday 23 October.
Mr Wilson is a Consultant Plastic Surgeon with more than 35 years of surgical experience, including over 16 years as a consultant. He specialises in facial, breast and body aesthetic surgery, with particular interests in rhinoplasty, facial rejuvenation and complex revision surgery.
Consultations are available for a wide range of procedures, including facelifts, neck lifts, facial implants, hairline lowering, breast surgery, VASER liposuction, body contouring and mummy makeovers.
To book your consultation with Mr Wilson, please enquire via the link in our bio or via the information below.
📍 Northwood Hospital, Bristol | The London Welbeck Hospital
☎️ Office: 0117 332 1585
📱 Call or WhatsApp: 07414 163133
✉️ info@paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
#newlocation #paulwilsonaesthetics #thelondonwelbeckhospital
FACELIFT AFTER WEIGHT LOSS
Significant weight loss can leave behind loose skin, reduced facial volume and a loss of definition through the face and neck.
Following her weight-loss journey, this lovely patient underwent a deep plane facelift and neck lift to address generalised tissue laxity, descended cheeks and a softened jawline.
Shown here six weeks after surgery, she has a more defined jawline and neck, restored cheek volume and softened nasolabial folds—all while maintaining a natural, refreshed appearance.
Thank you to my patient for kindly allowing me to share her results.
📍 Northwood Hospital, Bristol | The London Welbeck Hospital
☎️ Office: 0117 332 1585
📱 Call or WhatsApp: 07414 163133
✉️ info@paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
#deepplanefacelift #necklift #paulwilsonaesthetics
A lovely review from a patient who recently underwent hairline lowering surgery with us at Northwood Hospital Bristol.✨
We understand that patients can feel nervous when considering surgery. From the initial phone enquiry to the consultation, surgery and aftercare, our aim is to make the entire experience feel as comfortable, supportive and stress free as possible.
We are delighted to hear how positive this patient’s experience was and how happy they are with their results.
Thank you for trusting Paul and the team with your care and for sharing such kind words.
If you are considering hairline lowering surgery and would like to explore your options, please contact us to arrange a consultation.
📍 Northwood Hospital, Bristol | The London Welbeck Hospital
☎️ Office: 0117 332 1585
📱 Call or WhatsApp: 07414 163133
✉️ info@paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
#HairlineLowering #ForeheadReduction #PatientReview #PatientExperience #PaulWilsonAesthetics
A small change beneath the chin can make a surprisingly big difference to the whole profile.
The neck and jawline are areas where a few millimetres really matter. Fullness beneath the chin can soften the jawline and blur the natural transition between the face and neck, even in someone who is otherwise at a healthy, stable weight.
One of the reasons I like using VASER in this area is the control it gives me. Ultrasound energy is used to loosen the fat before it is carefully removed, allowing me to work precisely around the natural contours of the chin, jaw and neck.
The aim is not to remove as much fat as possible or create an overly sharp, unnatural result. It is about removing the right amount in the right places, refining the angle between the neck and chin, revealing more of the jawline and keeping everything balanced with the patient’s face.
These photographs show the same patient from two different angles. Notice the reduction in fullness beneath the chin, the clearer jawline and the smoother transition into the neck.
VASER can be particularly well suited to this area when localised fat is the main concern and the skin quality is appropriate. Every patient is different, which is why careful assessment and planning are so important.
If you are considering neck or jawline contouring and would like to understand what may be suitable for you, please get in touch to arrange a consultation.
📍 Northwood Hospital, Bristol | The London Welbeck Hospital
☎️ Office: 0117 332 1585
📱 Call or WhatsApp: 07414 163133
✉️ info@paulwilsonaesthetics.co.uk
Individual results vary.
Photos shared with patient consent.
#VASERLiposuction #NeckContouring #JawlineContouring #ChinLiposuction #paulwilsonaesthetics
