A woman experiences a multitude of changes to her body during and after pregnancy. These may include changes to her breasts, like volume loss, sagging, and stretch marks. She may also experience loose, excess abdominal skin that doesn’t seem to snap back in the months after childbirth. Hormonal fluctuation may even cause hair thinning and hair loss. All of these changes are frequently discussed and well-known amongst most women. However, one thing that is not so commonly spoken of, even though it affects almost half of all pregnant women, is a condition called diastasis recti, or abdominal separation.
“Diastasis recti can be such a frustrating condition for women to battle after pregnancy,” says Dr. Brian Kobienia, a board-certified plastic surgeon and partner at Edina Plastic Surgery. “The condition causes significant weakness in core muscle strength, can affect a woman’s posture, and frequently changes the appearance of stomach muscles, making it appear as though a woman has a firm ‘pooch’ on her lower stomach. This can obviously make a woman feel self-conscious, but diastasis recti also impacts how a woman’s body moves and feels, which can be detrimental to her quality of life right when she should be enjoying time with her new child and being active. Fortunately, we can repair abdominal separation with plastic surgery and get a new mom looking and feeling like herself again!”
Understanding Diastasis Recti
Before delving into the details of plastic surgery for diastasis recti, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of the condition itself. Diastasis recti occurs when the connective tissue between the rectus abdominis muscles, commonly known as the “six-pack” muscles, stretches and separates, causing the midline of the abdomen to protrude. While diastasis recti is most commonly associated with pregnancy, it can also be triggered by factors such as repetitive heavy lifting, excessive weight gain, or genetic predisposition.
“As a baby develops, a woman’s uterus continues to expand and push against the stomach wall to accommodate the growth,” explains Dr. Kobienia. “This expansion sometimes causes the connective tissue between a woman’s abdominal muscles to widen, especially in the second and third trimester when a baby’s growth accelerates. As a result, a woman’s abdominal muscles are left with a stretched-out space down the midline of the stomach. This separation resolves on its own for most women during the first few months postpartum, but for many, it doesn’t. That’s when plastic surgery can help.”
Non-Surgical Approaches to Diastasis Recti Management
For mild to moderate cases of diastasis recti, non-surgical approaches are often recommended as the first line of treatment. Physical therapy, targeted exercises, and lifestyle modifications can help strengthen the abdominal muscles and improve the appearance of the midsection. Additionally, wearing a supportive abdominal binder or brace may provide temporary relief by holding the muscles in a firmer position, thereby reducing the appearance of the ‘pooch ‘. Still, some women experience more advanced cases of diastasis recti that need surgical intervention to be resolved.
Plastic Surgery for Diastasis Recti
“In cases where non-surgical interventions prove ineffective, plastic surgery offers a viable solution for repairing diastasis recti,” advises Dr. Kobienia. “The most common surgical technique used to address diastasis recti is known as rectus diastasis repair. During this procedure, your plastic surgeon makes an incision in the abdominal area, repositions the separated muscles, and tightens the connective tissue to restore the natural structure of the abdomen. At Edina Plastic Surgery, diastasis recti repair is most commonly performed in conjunction with tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty surgery to achieve optimal results both functionally and aesthetically.”
Who is a Good Candidate for Diastasis Recti Repair Plastic Surgery?
Candidates for diastasis recti repair plastic surgery should be in overall good health and have realistic expectations about the procedure’s outcomes. At Edina Plastic Surgery, diastasis recti repair is always performed in conjunction with tummy tuck surgery. This gives your surgeon access to the abdominal muscles for repair and allows them to remove excess skin and fat to restore a flatter, smoother abdomen.
Individuals considering this surgery must maintain a stable body weight and refrain from smoking in the weeks leading up to the operation. As with any surgical procedure, a thorough consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon is essential to assess candidacy and discuss the potential risks and benefits.
Recovery and Post-Operative Care After Diastasis Recti Repair
“Recovering from diastasis recti repair is essentially the same as recovering from tummy tuck surgery, with stricter and longer movement and lifting restrictions,” explains Dr. Kobienia. “Expect that you will have a bit more discomfort from having muscles repaired and tightened than if you had a tummy tuck that only removed excess skin and fat. Muscles take longer to heal than skin, so you’ll need to respect movement restrictions and spend your first week or two slightly bent over to prevent any stretch and strain on the abdomen.”
“Following surgery, expect a 6-8 weeks recovery period,” says Dr. Kobienia. “You’ll definitely want two weeks off work, with the first week primarily resting in bed with short walks around the house during the day to encourage circulation. You must follow all of your post-care guidelines. This includes instructions for emptying your drainage tubes and wearing those oh-so-fashionable compression garments to support your abdomen as it heals. You’ll be avoiding strenuous exercise and lifting for weeks, so take it easy and communicate with your Edina Plastic Surgery team if you have any questions or concerns. Know that initial bruising is normal and that mild swelling and numbness can persist for weeks, if not months. Patience is key when recovering from tummy tuck surgery that includes diastasis recti repair.”
Long-Term Results and Lifestyle Considerations After Diastasis Repair
Following successful diastasis recti repair plastic surgery, women can expect improved abdominal contour, core strength, and functional stability. However, it is essential to understand that plastic surgery is not a substitute for healthy lifestyle choices. Maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and avoiding activities that may strain the abdominal muscles are critical for preserving the results of your surgery in the long term. This empowerment and control over your long-term results is a key part of the journey to recovery.
The Importance of Consulting with a Qualified Plastic Surgeon for Diastasis Repair
“Form meets function with diastasis repair surgery,” stresses Dr. Kobienia. “It’s so important to seek the skill of a board-certified plastic surgeon who is experienced with this type of surgery because we are addressing both the structure and function of muscles and the aesthetic appearance of the abdomen as a whole. This is a surgery that is custom-tailored to each woman and her unique needs – you need to be in expert hands for a successful outcome.”
As you can see, plastic surgery for diastasis recti offers a viable solution for women seeking to address the separation of their abdominal muscles and achieve a firmer, more toned midsection with tummy tuck surgery. By understanding the surgical process, recovery expectations, potential risks, and the importance of selecting a qualified plastic surgeon, women can make informed decisions regarding their treatment options. Ultimately, diastasis recti repair plastic surgery can be a transformative experience, providing long-lasting improvements in both aesthetic appearance and functional well-being.
“As with any plastic surgery, diastasis recti repair with tummy tuck surgery is a significant decision that should be carefully considered with the guidance of a qualified plastic surgeon,” advises Dr. Kobienia. “Through comprehensive evaluation, personalized treatment planning, and adherence to post-operative care guidelines, women can undergo a transformative surgical experience that leads to improved abdominal contour, core strength, and overall well-being. I love performing this surgery because it allows a woman to feel confident about her appearance again and gets her back to being a physically active mom who enjoys playing with her kids!”
Are you a woman who experienced abdominal separation after pregnancy that has not resolved itself? Please consider scheduling a complimentary consultation with Dr. Brian Kobienia or another board-certified plastic surgeon at Edina Plastic Surgery to discuss your concerns and our solutions! Call (952) 234-6145, text (952) 925-1765, or CLICK HERE to get started!
