What Post-Pregnancy Moms Should Know About Diastasis Recti?

Diastasis recti is a separation of the two large parallel bands of muscles that make up the abdominal wall. It can occur during pregnancy, in which case it is known as a postpartum diastasis recti or an abdominal separation.

This can happen when the growing uterus and baby put strain on the abdominal muscles, leading to a visible ridge running down the middle of the abdomen. This separation can remain even after losing baby weight and may cause the abdomen to look bulging or misshapen.

As a plastic surgeon, I treat diastasis recti with a tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty. This procedure will improve the contours of the tummy area by removing excess skin and fat, tightening the abdominal muscles, and flattening the remaining tissue. It’s important to note that the procedure won’t just address appearance; it can also help to reduce physical symptoms associated with diastasis recti, such as lower back pain.

To prepare for a diastasis recti tummy tuck, I encourage my patients to eat healthy, exercise regularly and maintain an overall healthy lifestyle. It’s also important that they quit smoking and stop taking any medication which could interfere with the healing process.

On the day of surgery, I make an incision in the bikini line, separating the belly from the ribcage. Then, I will tighten and repair the abdominal muscles before repositioning them in their natural position and securing them with sutures. Finally, I will remove any excess skin before closing up the incision and applying dressings.

Diastasis recti can be a cause of insecurity due to its noticeable effects on the body’s appearance. Through a tummy tuck procedure, however, this condition can be effectively corrected. If you are experiencing any symptoms related to diastasis recti and would like to learn more about treatment options, be sure to consult your plastic surgeon in India.