Treatment for Diastasis Recti Following Pregnancy
An aesthetic concern many women experience following pregnancy is an apparent bulge in the abdomen that remains immune to a healthy diet and regular exercise regimen. Depending on its severity, this bulge can be so prominent that new mothers feel they still appear pregnant, particularly when wearing tight-fitting clothing.
Medically referred to as diastasis recti, this relatively common condition occurs when pressure put on the abdominal wall during pregnancy is so significant that the muscles separate down the middle, creating a noticeable protrusion or “pooch.” Since diastasis recti usually remains unaffected by even the most stringent diet and exercise efforts, surgery is generally the most effective—and often the only—solution.
The good news is, diastasis recti can typically be successfully resolved with abdominoplasty, more commonly known as tummy tuck surgery. As part of this body contouring treatment, abdominal muscles that have stretched and/or torn during pregnancy can be reattached and repaired, and any loose, excess skin in the region can be removed for an improved overall rejuvenation. As an added benefit, issues such as umbilical or ventral hernias can also be treated during abdominoplasty, and liposuction can be employed to diminish localized accumulations of stubborn fat that may be present in the midsection.
At Parva Plastic Surgery, many of our patients seeking to correct diastasis recti following pregnancy elect to combine their tummy tuck surgery with some form of breast enhancement to address volume loss and/or sagging in the breasts—both of which are concerns also commonly experienced by women who have had children. Known as a Mommy Makeover, this combination treatment often includes abdominoplasty, liposuction, breast augmentation, and/or mastopexy, and it can be custom-tailored to meet the specific needs and goals of each individual.
If you are experiencing diastasis recti and/or any other pregnancy-related cosmetic concerns that remain resistant to diet and exercise, we encourage you to contact our practice today to schedule a consultation. Following a thorough exam and discussion of your unique goals, our board-certified plastic surgeon—Dr. Behzad Parva—can determine which treatment(s) would be right for you.
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