Can I Still Get a Tummy Tuck with Diastasis Recti?
A common question regarding tummy tuck surgery is whether or not a person with diastasis recti – or abdominal muscle separation – is eligible for the procedure. In most cases, the answer is yes – patients with separated ab muscles can safely undergo abdominoplasty surgery. Not only that but the procedure can actually be used to correct their diastasis recti! At Jeffrey LaGrasso MD, sought-after Miami, FL board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jeffrey LaGrasso performs a complete range of tummy tuck procedures – including full, mini, and extended tummy tucks – to address a host of cosmetic and functional concerns. Keep scrolling to learn more about who may benefit from a tummy tuck and how the surgery can potentially repair your abdominal wall musculature.
What causes diastasis recti?
A vertical separation of the abdominal muscles at the midline – known as diastasis recti – is a common side effect of pregnancy. The condition can also develop as the result of significant weight fluctuation, injury, chronic cough or heavy lifting, and other factors.
Do I have diastasis recti?
Patients with separated ab muscles can often feel a gap in their musculature and are able to “insert” several fingers between the muscles at the midline. Women who have had children may report still looking pregnant many months or even years after delivery, with diastasis recti notorious for producing a visible pooch or pouch on the belly. If you suspect diastasis recti, your doctor can perform a simple evaluation to determine its presence with certainty.
Can a tummy tuck fix my diastasis recti?
In many cases, a diastasis recti can be repaired during tummy tuck surgery. During the procedure, Dr. LaGrasso will create an incision on the lower abdomen. The placement and length of a tummy tuck incision vary based on how much excess skin is present and other anatomical factors specific to the patient. Through this incision, Dr. LaGrasso can access the abdominal wall muscles, allowing him to reposition, tighten, and reinforce the muscles – thereby repairing the diastasis recti. Some types of hernias can also be repaired during a tummy tuck. If needed, liposuction can be added to a tummy tuck to remove stubborn belly fat. Finally, loose skin is trimmed away, and Dr. LaGrasso closes the incision to create a smooth, firm, more desirable new contour.
Who would benefit from a tummy tuck?
Diastasis recti isn’t the only complaint that can be addressed with abdominoplasty surgery. Patients with one or more of the following concerns may find that tummy tuck surgery is an appropriate solution for them:
- Loose abdominal skin
- Wrinkled stomach
- Hanging skin on stomach
- Stretched-out stomach
- Belly pooch
- Mommy pooch
- Bulging fat on stomach
- Ventral hernia
- Weakened abdominal wall
- Stress urinary incontinence
- Poor posture
- Low self-esteem based on appearance of midsection
With a tummy tuck, these aesthetic and functional concerns can be dramatically improved, and – with a stable weight and healthy lifestyle – patients can enjoy their results for years or even decades.
Blast your belly pooch with tummy tuck surgery in Miami, FL
If a diastasis recti has left you with weakened abdominal muscles resulting in an unsightly bulge, stress urinary incontinence, or other unwanted side effects, you may benefit from tummy tuck surgery. Take the first step toward regaining your body and your comfort by calling Jeffrey LaGrasso MD to schedule your consultation for tummy tuck surgery in Miami, FL with leading board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jeffrey LaGrasso today.