Pregnancy changes the body in a way that tells the story of a new life being created, and there shouldn’t be any pressure to “correct” those changes.
However, many people experience what feels like a disconnect with their bodies because of the overwhelming differences between post- and pre-pregnancy, especially when those changes also affect comfort.
One of those changes is muscle separation, or diastasis recti, a condition that can result in a protruding belly months or even years after your last baby.
While diastasis recti can often be improved through specific movements and exercises, some women go through all of those options and still don’t see it resolve. In this article, we’ll talk about when a surgical intervention might be something to consider, as well as non-surgical approaches that can help.
What exactly is diastasis recti?
All pregnant women experience diastasis recti, at varying levels. This separation in the abdomen happens when the tissue between the rectus abdominis muscles, or the left and right sides of your “six-pack,” stretches or thins along the central vertical line.
After delivery, the condition can linger in a large percentage of women, around 60%, causing the belly to protrude.
While it’s not usually painful, it can still cause discomfort and unusual sensations, as well as other issues such as back pain, hernias, and a weakened core.
When should you start considering surgery for diastasis recti?
First of all, the condition won’t be a problem for many pregnant people. While it occurs in most women, it doesn’t linger for all of them. Very often, it goes away on its own as the uterus contracts and the muscles heal over time.
However, if it lasts past six months, it’s worth starting with non-surgical options first. Exercises such as pelvic floor physical therapy, breathing techniques, avoiding heavy lifting, and wearing supportive garments are all things that can help improve a protruding belly.
If you’ve exhausted all of these options, and your diastasis recti still doesn’t go away, then it may be time to talk to a doctor about the possibility of a surgical procedure, such as a tummy tuck.
How does a tummy tuck resolve diastasis recti?
A surgical tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a long-term solution for repairing persistent separation of the abdominal muscles.
During the procedure, a surgeon strengthens and reinforces the core by stitching the separated abdominal muscles back together and securing them into place. In addition to repairing the muscles, a tummy tuck removes excess skin and fat and may include reshaping the belly button for more natural-looking results.
Some patients who undergo a full tummy tuck may also notice an improvement in abdominal strength. While it won’t drastically change how you lift weights, it can provide better core support, and in some cases, patients report improvements in certain types of incontinence after the procedure.
More than anything, a tummy tuck procedure to fix muscle separation can bring back a sense of security and comfort in women whose bodies have gone through so much during pregnancy.
While a surgeon will usually tailor this advice to patients, most are able to return to their normal daily routines after roughly six weeks of recovery, depending on the specifics of their procedure.
Final Thoughts
When considering a tummy tuck after pregnancy, it can feel like an overwhelming decision. Your body has already changed so much, and you’re still probably getting used to it.
One of the most important factors is choosing a surgeon who can be honest with you about what can realistically be achieved, and whether it’s worth continuing with non-invasive options first.
At his clinic in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Dr. Bosbous takes the time during consultations to make sure you feel fully informed about all of your options. Beyond that, he aims to achieve natural-looking results that align as closely as possible with your goals.
If you’re wondering whether the procedure is right for you, consider booking a consultation to learn more.