Abdominoplasty is a popular and effective solution for restoring the stomach’s appearance and helping patients to enjoy a more youthful, sculpted physique.
In addition to trimming loose skin, tissue, and fat, the surgery can firm the underlying muscles that may have been weakened or separated during pregnancy, weight gain, or aging.
Once the abdominal muscles have separated, there is virtually no other solution for restoring their structure and appearance other than surgery. No amount of dieting or exercise can repair the issue. In this blog, Dr. Reps Sundin and Dr. Burton Sundin in Richmond, VA, explore the condition known as diastasis recti and why surgery is required to address this common concern.
What Is Diastasis Recti?
Diastasis recti is a medical condition that occurs when the abdominal muscles separate, resulting in a protruding stomach that many patients find displeasing. Unlike other abdominal contour irregularities, diastasis recti does not respond to conventional body sculpting solutions like dieting and exercise. This can leave patients with the condition feeling frustrated about their cosmetic goals and seeking viable solutions, including a tummy tuck.
What Are the Causes Behind Diastasis Recti?
Pregnancy is the leading cause of abdominal muscle separation. As the child grows, it causes enhanced pressure on the abdominal wall, leading to weakened and separated muscles. The condition can be exasperated by multiple births. Even women who maintain their weight and engage in regular exercise may experience diastasis recti.
The condition can also affect overweight men. A buildup of fat in the belly can cause chronic stress for the abdominal region, resulting in muscle separation. Bodybuilders can also suffer from diastasis recti if they perform certain exercises incorrectly and place undue pressure on the abdominal wall. Additionally, yo-yo dieters may experience the ailment and seek out surgery as a solution.
What Is Diastasis Recti Surgery?
Surgery is an excellent option for repairing abdominal muscle separation. During the procedure, the rectus abdominis muscles are reconnected, providing much-needed structural support for the midsection. This is something that dieting and exercise can never achieve. In addition to the cosmetic benefits of the procedure, surgery enhances core strength, improves posture, and relieves chronic pain and discomfort. Diastasis recti repair is typically incorporated into a tummy tuck, which also trims loose, sagging skin and repositions the belly button in a more youthful-looking location.
When to Choose Surgery
For patients whose weakened and separated belly muscles are interfering with quality of life, adding muscle repair to abdominoplasty is a wise choice. Patients with diastasis recti may have tried multiple solutions to contour the midsection in the past, including physical therapy, wearing supportive garments, doing specialized workouts, or adhering to a strict diet. Despite these attempts, they may still experience ongoing lower back pain, loss of core stability, and self-consciousness over a protruding abdomen.
A tummy tuck with abdominal muscle repair is recommended for patients who have undergone multiple pregnancies, have experienced significant weight fluctuations, or find their core has been destabilized by genetics or aging.
What Does the Procedure Entail?
Abdominoplasty with muscle repair involves reconnecting separated stomach muscles by suturing them together in the middle. Surgery also trims loose, sagging skin and places the belly button in a location that is more suitable for the physique. Additionally, liposuction may be used to remove stubborn pockets of exercise-resistant fat.
A tummy tuck typically requires general anesthesia, which ensures the patient sleeps soundly throughout the treatment process and wakes up with no memory of the procedure being performed. Surgery can last 1-3 hours, depending on the severity of the diastasis recti condition. While most undergo abdominoplasty with muscle repair as an outpatient procedure, a hospital stay may be recommended if more extensive repair is mandated or other procedures need to be performed at the same time. An overnight hospital stay allows providers to better manage potential complications and offset postoperative pain in a more controlled setting.
What Is the Takeaway?
If your abdominal muscles have separated, whether due to pregnancy, weight fluctuation, genetics, or aging, you will most definitely require muscle repair during your abdominoplasty, as there is little to be done about the issue non-surgically. Lifestyle changes, supportive garments, and even specialized exercises will not be able to reconnect the separated muscles, causing your belly to protrude and your lower back to ache. By pairing a tummy tuck with diastasis recti repair, your surgeon can restore your appearance, comfort, and quality of life.
FAQs
How Long Is Recovery After Abdominoplasty With Muscle Repair?
Patients often require about 4-6 weeks of healing after a tummy tuck with muscle repair. During the healing process, a compression garment should be worn to help reduce swelling and keep the core stable.
Is It Possible for Men to Suffer From Diastasis Recti?
Yes. While diastasis recti is most commonly found in postpartum women, men may develop the condition due to excess weight, improper weightlifting techniques, or medical conditions like chronic constipation.
What Are the Risks Associated With Diastasis Recti Repair?
Tummy tuck surgery with diastasis recti repair comes with the risk of swelling, bleeding, bruising, infection, fluid buildup, scarring, and potential negative reactions to anesthesia, among others. Selecting a board-certified plastic surgeon and carefully adhering to postoperative instructions can significantly reduce potential risks.
Want to Learn More About Abdominoplasty in Richmond, Virginia? Contact the Virginia Institute of Plastic Surgery Today to Book Your Consultation.
Dr. Reps Sundin and Dr. Burton Sundin at the Virginia Institute of Plastic Surgery provide an unparalleled level of expertise for patients seeking answers about abdominoplasty and diastasis recti repair. Contact our offices today to book an informative and empowering consultation!
