Standard abdominoplasty rectus plication techniques may not suffice for severe cases of rectus diastasis. In our experience, prosthetic mesh facilitates the repair of severe rectus diastasis with or without concomitant ventral hernias. Sometimes, patients with a ventral hernia have an underlying condition called “rectus diastasis” or abdominal muscle separation. ... The muscles on either side of your abdomen -- the ones that make up your “six pack” are called the rectus muscles. They normally join at your midline, adjacent to the navel.