Major life events, such as pregnancy or significant weight loss, often have lasting effects on the body. Many men and women struggle with a permanent “belly pooch” that doesn’t respond to diet or exercise. This tummy bulge is often caused by a common issue known as diastasis recti. And while many nonsurgical methods claim to correct the condition, tummy tuck surgery is often the best solution.
Keep reading to learn more about diastasis repair and effective treatment options and view diastasis recti repair before and after photos.
What is diastasis recti?
Diastasis recti is a medical condition that occurs when the left and right sides of the abdominal wall pull away from one another. This separation creates a rounded, protruding bulge that’s most obvious when you tense your midsection. Diastasis recti often develops during pregnancy as hormones cause connective tissues to thin to accommodate your growing baby. Yo-yo dieting and exercise injuries (such as poor weightlifting form) can also damage weakened abdominal muscles.
Often, your ab muscles will strengthen over time and naturally realign themselves. However, this isn’t always the case, and diastasis recti can turn into a lifelong condition.
What are common diastasis recti treatment options?
Gentle exercise is the best nonsurgical approach to repairing diastasis recti. After getting the OK from your doctor, try at-home workouts and easy stretches that slowly strengthen the core. Intensive ab exercises like situps and planks should be avoided, as they can put too much strain on your muscles. Physical therapy or beginner’s yoga are often recommended instead.
If severe, your diastasis recti may not be fixed with a nonsurgical approach. Surgery may be the only full solution to repair weakened and separated muscle bands.
Why is a tummy tuck one of the best ways to solve diastasis recti?
Tummy tuck surgery corrects diastasis recti by going right to the source: the abdominal wall. During the procedure, your surgeon stitches the separated muscles back together to recreate a firm, solid core. This realignment supports the muscles and moves them back into their original position. The “belly bulge” is removed, and you can enjoy the look and feel of your old body.
A tummy tuck also has the extra perk of being able to remove loose, saggy skin and unwanted fat—and it can be paired with liposuction to remove unwanted fat in adjacent areas such as the waist, hips, and flanks. Many patients enjoy having a smoother, well-defined waistline and a natural-looking bellybutton after recovering from surgery.
Diastasis recti is a common condition that around two-thirds of pregnant women experience. But whether you got a belly pooch from pregnancy or another momentous body change, a tummy tuck will help you feel trimmer and more confident.
If you would like to learn more about tummy tuck surgery in the Brooklyn and Staten Island area, please request a consultation online. You can also contact our practice office by phone at (718) 720-9400.
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