Do You Need a Tummy Tuck With Muscle Repair (Diastasis Recti Surgery)?

If you’ve had a baby, you know the physical changes that occur both during and after pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding: stretch marks, changes to the size or shape of your breasts, and even hair loss. One condition that catches many women off-guard, however, is separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti).

If the condition persists after childbirth, it can weaken your core, impact your posture, and cause a belly “pooch” that undermines confidence in your body. This post explains how diastasis recti develops, how to know if you have it, and what you can do to treat it—including tummy tuck surgery.

Understanding Diastasis Recti

Diastasis recti occurs when the rectus abdominis muscles, commonly known as the “six-pack” muscles, separate along the midline of the abdomen, as explained thoroughly in this research paper. This separation is typically caused by the stretching of the linea alba, the connective tissue that joins these muscles. The abdominal gap often closes on its own in the first few months after having a baby. The condition develops in about half of pregnant women, and it’s more likely if you’re an older mom or have had multiple pregnancies.

What are the symptoms of diastasis recti?

Early in your pregnancy, you may not even realize you have diastasis recti. The signs can become more evident as your pregnancy progresses, but those symptoms often go unnoticed.

After giving birth, you should wait several weeks before checking to determine if you have diastasis recti. As post-partum hormonal and physical changes decrease, the gap may close on its own. Symptoms of diastasis recti may include:

• A visible bulge or “pooch” in the midsection
• Lower back pain
• Poor posture
• Weakened core strength
• Difficulty with certain movements or exercises

If you’re unsure whether you have diastasis recti, a simple self-test can check for an abdominal separation:

• Lie down on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
• While lifting your upper body slightly, as if to do a crunch, use two fingers to gently push down into the center of your stomach just above your belly button, at your belly button, and just below.
• If you feel more than 2 fingers’ width of space between your abdominal muscles, you likely have diastasis recti. (A musculoskeletal ultrasound can determine the exact size of the muscle separation.)

Tummy Tuck Surgery for Diastasis Recti Repair

While standalone diastasis recti repair is possible, combining it with a tummy tuck offers comprehensive results for those with muscle separation and excess skin or fat. A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, effectively addresses diastasis recti while also improving the overall appearance of the abdomen. During a tummy tuck, Dr. Gill not only repairs the separated abdominal muscles but also removes surplus skin and fat, resulting in a flatter, more toned midsection.

In addition to these aesthetic benefits, repairing the abdominal muscles can often lead to better posture and reduced back pain. The combination of functional improvement and aesthetic enhancement can significantly boost self-esteem.

Are You a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck With Muscle Repair?

If you’ve determined that you have diastasis recti and are considering a tummy tuck, you should first undergo a thorough medical examination to ensure you’re in good overall health. You should also:

• Achieve a stable weight close to your ideal body weight
• Stop smoking and avoid certain medications that increase bleeding risk
• Arrange for help during the initial recovery period
• Be finished having children

You will need to schedule your surgery when you have the time to recover. Recovery from a tummy tuck with diastasis recti repair typically involves:

• Taking 2 weeks off from work (longer if your job involves strenuous physical labor)
• 6 weeks of limited physical activity
• Wearing a compression garment for at least 4 weeks to reduce swelling and support healing

If you have small children, it’s important to know that you won’t be able to lift them during the first 2 weeks of your recovery. It can take a few months to fully recover as residual swelling dissipates and core strength regains. Likewise, your scar will need some time to fade and flatten; learn more about tummy tuck scars in an earlier blog post.

Can a Mini Tummy Tuck Repair Diastasis Recti?

If you have little excess skin or fat, a mini tummy tuck may be the appropriate approach to diastasis recti repair surgery. A mini tummy tuck involves making a shorter incision than a traditional tummy tuck and only addresses concerns limited to the area of the abdomen below the belly button.

For mild cases of diastasis recti, nonsurgical options such as the following may be effective:

• Specific core-strengthening exercises
• Physical therapy
• Wearing supportive garments

If you’re concerned about a belly bulge and wondering whether nonsurgical or surgical diastasis recti treatment is best for you, consult your doctor for an assessment.

Getting Started

If you’re considering a tummy tuck to repair separated abdominal muscles, choosing a skilled and qualified surgeon is the most important decision you’ll make. Dr. Gill is a body contouring specialist who has performed numerous tummy tucks throughout his career. You can request a consultation using the online form or call us at (281) 853-5308to schedule an appointment with Dr. Gill.