Many people notice a soft, rounded appearance of their abdomen that never seems to go away, no matter how healthy they eat or how dedicated they are to exercise. For many women, this begins after pregnancy; for others, it follows significant weight change or simply time. The reason is not always excess fat or loose skin. In many cases, the true cause is a separation of the abdominal muscles known as diastasis recti.
At Body by Ravi Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics in Houston, Texas, Dr. Ravi Somayazula, a board-certified plastic surgeon with over two decades of surgical experience, offers a scientific and artful solution for this common concern. Through advanced techniques that restore core stability, repair muscle separation, and refine the body’s natural contour, Dr. Ravi helps patients feel stronger, more confident, and more at home in their bodies again.
Diastasis recti refers to a widening of the space between the two vertical muscles that form the abdominal wall, the rectus abdominis. This separation often develops when the connective tissue between these muscles, called the linea alba, stretches and thins. It commonly appears after pregnancy, but it can also affect men and women who have gained or lost significant weight or who engage in repetitive core strain.
When this tissue becomes overstretched, it can no longer hold the muscles tightly together, and the abdomen begins to bulge outward. The separation weakens the core, disrupts posture, and can lead to low back discomfort, poor balance, and functional limitations. Patients often describe it as “still looking pregnant,” even years after childbirth, or as a persistent fullness that makes clothing fit awkwardly.
While gentle core exercises and physical therapy can sometimes improve muscle tone, true muscle separation cannot fully close without surgery. For many people, especially mothers who have completed their families or individuals who have reached a stable weight, surgical correction becomes the most effective and lasting way to rebuild strength and restore a flatter, firmer abdomen.
Each abdomen tells its own story. Dr. Ravi Somayazula takes time to listen carefully and examine each patient’s anatomy, history, and goals before designing a tailored surgical plan. His philosophy combines the precision of reconstructive muscle repair with the artistry of cosmetic refinement, producing results that look natural while addressing the core issue of muscle separation.
At Body by Ravi Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics, diastasis recti repair is often performed as part of Dr. Ravi’s signature SMART Tummy Tuck, a procedure he designed to optimize both recovery and aesthetic results. SMART stands for Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic Resuspension Technique, a modern evolution of traditional abdominoplasty that incorporates advanced suturing strategies to improve healing, reduce discomfort, and enhance long-term outcomes.
During surgery, Dr. Ravi carefully reapproximates the separated rectus muscles in the midline using strong, layered sutures to restore the integrity of the abdominal wall. This meticulous internal repair not only flattens the abdomen but also reestablishes core function, improving posture and stability. At the same time, excess skin and fat are removed to reveal a smoother, more sculpted contour that reflects the patient’s natural physique.
A distinctive component of his SMART technique is the use of progressive tension sutures, which secure the overlying tissue layers to the deeper abdominal wall as he closes the incision. This eliminates dead space, significantly reduces the risk of fluid collection, minimizes the need for surgical drains, and distributes tension evenly across the incision line for a finer, more elegant scar.
When appropriate, Dr. Ravi may combine muscle repair with SAFE Liposuction, a specialized method that separates, aspirates, and equalizes fat to sculpt the waistline and accentuate the results of surgery. The goal is always to create an abdomen that looks strong and natural, with a gentle transition from the ribs to the hips and a subtle definition of the core muscles.
From the first consultation, patients notice that Body by Ravi Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics feels different. The environment is intentionally warm, calm, and welcoming - more like a private spa than a medical facility. Every detail is designed to promote comfort, privacy, and peace of mind.
Patients meet directly with Dr. Ravi during consultation to discuss their concerns, review photographs, and visualize achievable results. He is known for his compassionate demeanor and his ability to explain surgical concepts clearly, helping patients make informed and confident decisions about their care.
Safety remains at the center of every procedure. All surgeries are performed in the practice’s QuadA-accredited surgical suite, which meets the same rigorous safety standards as hospital operating rooms. Each patient is cared for by a board-certified anesthesiologist, ensuring comfort and close monitoring throughout the procedure. The entire surgical team follows strict sterilization and infection-control protocols to maintain the highest level of safety.
Beyond technical excellence, the experience is personal and attentive. Every patient receives direct access to Dr. Ravi and his nursing team before and after surgery. Questions are answered promptly, and follow-up visits are carefully scheduled to track healing and support recovery. This blend of concierge-style service and clinical precision defines the boutique philosophy that sets Body by Ravi Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics apart in Houston.
Repairing diastasis recti is about far more than appearance. It is a restoration of structure, stability, and comfort. By reconnecting the separated muscles, patients often experience a stronger core, improved posture, and relief from chronic back discomfort. Many also find it easier to engage in exercise, maintain balance, and feel physically capable again.
Visually, the transformation can be profound. The abdomen becomes flatter and firmer, the waistline more defined, and clothing fits more comfortably. Yet the result never looks over-tightened or artificial. Dr. Ravi’s goal is always to create a natural contour that moves harmoniously with the body, reflecting health rather than surgery.
The emotional change is equally meaningful. Many patients describe the experience as regaining a part of themselves they thought was lost. Mothers often share that they feel confident wearing fitted clothing again or stepping onto the beach without hesitation. Others appreciate being able to exercise comfortably and stand tall without feeling that their midsection is holding them back.
Dr. Ravi Somayazula views this procedure as both reconstructive and aesthetic - a restoration of confidence that goes hand in hand with physical strength. His patients often describe the outcome as life-changing, not only for the way they look but for how they feel about themselves each day.
Healing after surgery is an important phase of the journey, and Dr. Ravi’s enhanced recovery protocols are designed to make that process as smooth as possible. His multimodal pain management plan minimizes the need for narcotics and helps patients stay comfortable and mobile sooner. This includes the use of long-acting local anesthetics during surgery, as well as scheduled non-opioid medications after the procedure.
Most patients rest at home for the first several days, gradually resuming light activities as comfort allows. Walking is encouraged early to promote circulation and reduce swelling. Over the following weeks, patients notice steady improvement in strength and posture as the muscles heal and the swelling subsides.
By about two weeks, many patients are able to return to desk work and light daily tasks. By six weeks, most have resumed normal activities, including light exercise, while more vigorous abdominal workouts are usually delayed until about three months. The final contour continues to refine over several months as tissues settle and scars mature.
Throughout recovery, the team at Body by Ravi Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics provides detailed guidance, wound care instructions, and ongoing communication. Follow-up visits are scheduled at key milestones to ensure optimal healing. Scar optimization is a standard part of postoperative care and may include silicone therapy, microneedling, or light-based treatments to enhance scar quality and fade redness.
Every element of the recovery process is supported with the same attention to detail that defines the practice’s approach to surgery itself. Patients never feel alone in their journey - they have a dedicated team invested in their comfort, confidence, and long-term satisfaction.
Ideal candidates for diastasis recti repair are individuals who experience abdominal bulging, weakness, or core instability due to muscle separation and who have not achieved improvement with exercise or therapy alone. Many are women who have completed their pregnancies and wish to restore their pre-pregnancy shape, though men with weight fluctuations or athletic strain can experience the same issue.
Candidates should be in good general health, at or near a stable weight, and nonsmokers. Realistic expectations are also important. While surgery can create a dramatic improvement in both appearance and function, it is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle. Maintaining steady weight and regular activity helps preserve long-term results.
During consultation, Dr. Ravi Somayazula performs a thorough examination to confirm the presence and extent of diastasis recti. He evaluates the quality of the skin, the amount of excess tissue, and the patient’s overall abdominal wall strength. From there, he recommends a customized plan that may include full muscle plication with or without skin removal, depending on individual needs.
For mothers considering a broader rejuvenation, diastasis repair can also be part of a Mommy Makeover, which may include breast surgery or body contouring to restore balance and proportion throughout the figure. The focus is always on creating natural, personalized results that align with the patient’s vision of beauty and confidence.
Over the past twenty years, Dr. Ravi Somayazula has performed more than fifteen thousand surgical procedures, earning a reputation for his expertise in breast and body contouring and his unwavering commitment to safety. His patients describe him as meticulous, personable, and deeply attentive - a surgeon who listens as carefully as he operates.
His background includes extensive training through Harvard’s plastic surgery program and ongoing participation in advanced education through The Aesthetic Society and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. This lifelong dedication to learning ensures that his techniques reflect the latest science while maintaining time-tested standards of surgical excellence.
Patients also choose Dr. Ravi because his approach is never rushed or transactional. Consultations are unhurried conversations designed to understand not only physical goals but also emotional motivations. His calm demeanor helps patients feel at ease, and his explanations are clear and realistic, empowering them to make confident decisions.
Body by Ravi Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics is more than a surgical practice. It is a comprehensive center for wellness and aesthetic transformation. In collaboration with his wife, Dr. Swapna Gopathi, Dr. Ravi offers patients access to RISE Med Spa, where non-surgical rejuvenation, hormonal therapy, and regenerative treatments complement surgical results. This multidisciplinary model allows patients to continue their journey toward balance, confidence, and long-term well-being.
Houston patients value the combination of medical precision and boutique service that defines the Body by Ravi experience. Every aspect of care reflects the practice’s core values - Character, Accountability, Professionalism, Patient focus, and Team approach - known internally as CAPPT. It is this consistent commitment to excellence that has made Dr. Ravi Somayazula a trusted name in Houston plastic surgery.
Living with diastasis recti can be frustrating. It affects not only how the abdomen looks but also how it feels and functions. Many people quietly adapt, avoiding fitted clothing or intense exercise, never realizing that the problem can be safely and effectively corrected.
Dr. Ravi Somayazula believes that every person deserves to feel strong, balanced, and confident in their body. His expertise in diastasis recti repair allows him to restore the abdominal wall’s strength while delivering natural, elegant contours that complement the body’s proportions. With attentive care, advanced surgical precision, and genuine compassion, he helps patients rediscover the comfort and confidence that define true wellness.
For those in Houston, Texas, who are ready to take the next step, Body by Ravi Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics offers the ideal environment - luxurious yet welcoming, clinical yet personal, grounded in safety yet focused on transformation. From the first consultation to the final follow-up, patients are supported, respected, and cared for at every stage of their journey.
Patients in Houston often have thoughtful, sometimes unexpected questions about diastasis recti surgery. Dr. Ravi Somayazula and his team at Body by Ravi Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics welcome these conversations, believing that clear answers and genuine reassurance are the foundation of great care.
Houston summers can be warm, but your recovery will be mostly indoors in a climate-controlled environment. Dr. Ravi Somayazula recommends lightweight compression garments and staying hydrated. Most patients find recovery very manageable even during hot months.
Yes, in moderation. Balanced nutrition supports recovery, so lean proteins, vegetables, and hydration are key. A little Houston comfort food is fine once cleared by Dr. Ravi, but it is best to avoid excessive salt or alcohol until swelling has gone down.
That visible midsection bulge is a common reason patients seek help. Surgical muscle repair flattens and firms the abdominal wall, allowing patients to feel confident in fitted clothing, whether cheering at Minute Maid Park or enjoying a night out downtown.
During the early healing phase, mild tightness is normal as muscles adjust to their restored position. As healing continues, the abdomen feels naturally firm yet comfortable, allowing patients to return to outdoor activities like walking, cycling, or yoga in Houston’s parks.
Yes, many patients choose to pair muscle repair with liposuction or a tummy tuck for comprehensive contouring. Dr. Ravi carefully plans timing so healing is complete before travel or beach activities.
Most friends and family assume patients have simply been exercising or eating well. The goal is a natural, balanced result that enhances posture and shape without an over-tightened appearance. Patients often enjoy that “you look great” compliment without anyone guessing why.
His combination of advanced technique, safety, and genuine care sets him apart. Every procedure is performed in an accredited surgical suite with a board-certified anesthesiologist. Patients appreciate his calm communication style, attention to detail, and the boutique, patient-first environment at Body by Ravi Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics.
Choosing to repair diastasis recti is more than a cosmetic decision - it is a choice to restore strength, confidence, and comfort in your daily life. Dr. Ravi Somayazula and the compassionate team at Body by Ravi Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics in Houston, TX are dedicated to guiding each patient through that transformation with skill, safety, and respect. Whether the goal is to feel confident in fitted clothing again, move without discomfort, or simply stand taller with pride, every journey begins with a conversation. Schedule your private consultation today and discover how personalized care and precision artistry can help you feel stronger, smoother, and more confident from the inside out.
(281) 242-1061 
