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Medically Reviewed By

Dr. Isakson

Diastasis recti is a common condition, especially for women after pregnancy. It happens when the muscles in the abdomen pull apart, creating a “pooch” that doesn’t go away with diet or exercise. A tummy tuck can be a helpful option to address this concern. The procedure removes loose skin and stubborn fat while bringing the separated muscles back together. A tummy tuck helps create a flatter, sleeker appearance by reconnecting the muscles.

What Causes Diastasis Recti?

Diastasis recti happens when the muscles along the middle of the abdomen separate. This condition often occurs during pregnancy when the belly stretches to make room for the growing baby. After pregnancy, the muscles sometimes don’t return to their original position, leaving a gap. This can cause a noticeable bulge in the stomach area and may even affect core strength, making it harder to engage muscles during daily activities or exercise.

How a Tummy Tuck Can Help

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, can help bring these separated muscles back together and improve the belly’s shape. During a tummy tuck at San Antonio Plastic Surgery Institute, our doctors reconnect the muscles to strengthen the core and give the stomach a firmer look. In addition to fixing diastasis recti, a tummy tuck can remove loose skin and extra fat, providing a smoother, more toned appearance.

Repairing diastasis recti through a tummy tuck strengthens core stability and can restore a balanced shape to the abdomen. This procedure removes extra skin and fat and reconnects the core muscles to strengthen the abdomen. By pulling the muscles back into place, a tummy tuck strengthens core stability and helps the stomach regain a smoother, more balanced shape. After this repair, patients with diastasis recti often notice a firmer, more toned appearance and improved support during daily activities.

Things to Consider Before a Tummy Tuck

While this procedure offers lasting benefits for diastasis recti, it’s also important to consider your future plans. For example, if you’re thinking of having more children, the pregnancy process would stretch the abdominal muscles again, possibly causing diastasis recti to return. That’s why we recommend waiting until you’re finished having children before undergoing a tummy tuck. Waiting helps avoid the need for additional procedures to repair the muscles. Discussing your lifestyle and goals with your doctor will determine if the timing for a tummy tuck is right.

Learn How a Tummy Tuck Can Help with Diastasis Recti

If you’re dealing with a persistent bulge that won’t go away, a tummy tuck may be an ideal choice. This procedure removes excess skin and fat and repairs separated abdominal muscles caused by diastasis recti. Our board-certified plastic surgeons at San Antonio Plastic Surgery Institute are here to help you achieve your goals, offering a smoother, more toned appearance through a tummy tuck.

Learn more about a tummy tuck at San Antonio Plastic Surgery Institute to see if this procedure could be the right choice for you!