Having children brings with it many wonderful joys. Unfortunately, childbirth can also make it difficult for some women to achieve their postpartum fitness goals. In some cases, a condition called diastasis recti can make getting rid of the dreaded “belly pooch” nearly impossible without surgery.
But the good news is that a tummy tuck can work to repair diastasis recti, as well as remove any loose skin that might be getting in the way of your goals.
What Causes Diastasis Recti?
Diastasis recti occurs when the two sides of your abdominal muscles separate down the middle, creating a bulge in the middle of your abdomen.
Not only is this often a cosmetic concern, but separated abdominal muscles can also cause back pain, as your core is less able to support your lower back. This condition is common in women who have had children, since your uterus stretches your abdominal muscles during pregnancy.
In some cases, diastasis recti can also occur due to obesity, when abdominal muscles become stretched and eventually separate. Following massive weight loss, some people choose to have a tummy tuck with muscle repair in order to correct this problem.
Can Exercise Cure Diastasis Recti?
An estimated 1 in 2 women experience diastasis recti after pregnancy.
Depending on the severity of the muscle separation, certain exercises may be able to help your muscle tissue repair itself. However, in more severe cases, muscle repair surgery will be needed in order to achieve the desired results.
Prior to surgery, you can try exercises that target your transverse abdominis (TVA) muscle, as well as your pelvic floor. When doing these exercises, it’s crucial that you start slow and gradually work up to doing more strenuous moves.
Work with your doctor or a physical therapist to ensure you’re getting the most out of your workouts. This can help you avoid putting too much strain on your muscles in the beginning.
What Does a Tummy Tuck with Muscle Repair Include?
If you are not seeing the improvements you’d like after trying targeted exercises for several weeks or months, muscle repair surgery might be the most effective solution for you. The good news is that a tummy tuck with muscle repair included can address a range of concerns in the same surgery.
A tummy tuck can tighten separated muscle tissue while also removing and tightening loose or excess skin in your abdominal area — another common cosmetic concern for some women after childbirth.
Liposuction is also often included in your tummy tuck to address any stubborn belly fat that isn’t responding to exercise.
If you think abdominoplasty with muscle repair could be the right solution for you, start by scheduling a consultation or two with a cosmetic surgeon who has ample experience performing this specific procedure. After a physical examination and carefully listening to your goals, he or she can help you decide if this procedure would make the most sense for you.
Dr. James Koehler at Eastern Shore Cosmetic Surgery provides today’s most popular cosmetic surgery and nonsurgical options. Choose from breast enhancement procedures such as breast augmentation, body sculpting procedures including liposuction and tummy tucks, and facial procedures such as facelifts, BOTOX® Cosmetic, and much more. We are dedicated to providing outstanding care and results. Come in for a visit and see our difference for yourself!
