Rectus Plication (Muscle Repair)

Rectus plication (muscle repair) is a surgical procedure that tightens the midline of the abdominal wall by suturing the rectus abdominis muscles closer together. It is commonly used to treat diastasis recti—the separation of these muscles that can occur after pregnancy or significant weight changes—and can reduce a persistent abdominal bulge and improve core support.

The operation is typically performed under general anesthesia, either as part of a tummy tuck or on its own through a small incision, and recovery generally includes a period of limited lifting and abdominal support with gradual return to normal activity. Risks are similar to other abdominal surgeries and include bleeding, infection, seroma, pain, and the possibility of recurrence; patients with true abdominal wall hernias may need concurrent hernia repair rather than plication alone.