Diastasis recti is a separation between the left and right sides of the rectus abdominis muscles, often caused by stretching of the abdominal wall during pregnancy. For some people, the separation improves with time and specific exercises. When it remains significant, a tummy tuck (or abdominoplasty) can repair the weakened abdominal wall and remove loose skin.
Tummy tucks are performed at Southlake Plastic Surgery in Southlake, TX, under the guidance of two board-certified plastic surgeons: Dr. Matt Novak, who completed additional fellowship training in aesthetic surgery, and Dr. Mark E. Mason, who founded the practice and has decades of plastic surgery experience.
What Does Diastasis Recti Look and Feel Like?
Your rectus abdominis muscles run vertically along the front of your abdomen. The connective tissue between them can stretch, allowing the muscles to move farther apart.
With diastasis recti, you might notice:
- A persistent abdominal bulge or “pooch”
- Doming or coning along the middle of the abdomen when using your core
- A feeling of weakness through the midsection
- A gap between the abdominal muscles
Pregnancy is strongly associated with diastasis recti, although abdominal stretching and weight changes may also contribute.
Can Exercise Repair Diastasis Recti?
Some cases improve through core exercises or physical therapy that works the deeper abdominal muscles. Some movements make doming or bulging more noticeable by placing excessive pressure on the abdominal wall, so professional guidance can help.
Surgery generally isn’t the starting point simply because a separation exists. It becomes more relevant when the abdominal wall remains loose or separated, and you also have concerns such as lax skin that doesn’t change with exercise.
How Does a Tummy Tuck Repair the Abdominal Wall?
During abdominoplasty, the surgeon removes excess abdominal skin and tightens weakened or separated abdominal wall structures. Sutures are commonly used to tighten the connective tissue over the abdominal muscles and bring the abdominal wall toward the midline.
At Southlake Plastic Surgery, tummy tucks are performed under general anesthesia and can treat loose muscles, sagging skin, and unwanted abdominal fat. Because every abdomen changes differently after pregnancy or weight changes, Dr. Mason or Dr. Novak will determine what degree of repair makes sense for you.
Schedule a Tummy Tuck Consultation Today
If a lingering abdominal bulge has you wondering whether muscle separation is part of the problem, contact Southlake Plastic Surgery in Southlake, TX, at 817-442-8900 to discuss your options with Dr. Mason or Dr. Novak.
