What Is Diastasis Recti? And Can a Tummy Tuck Solve It?

Sometimes diet and exercise aren’t enough to get a slim, toned midsection. Many patients struggle with a “belly pooch” that won’t go away—no matter what lifestyle changes they make. In many cases, this bulge is caused by a condition called diastasis recti. Unfortunately, many patients are unfamiliar with this issue and don’t know how to solve it.

Tummy tuck surgery is one of the best ways that Baton Rouge men and women can address diastasis recti. In this blog post, we’ll answer a few questions people often ask about the condition.

What is diastasis recti? What causes it?

Diastasis recti is a medical condition wherein the left and right abdominal muscles have separated from one another. This separation causes the muscle edges to “flare out,” creating a noticeable bulge along the lower midsection. Because the core works together with many other muscle groups, weakened abdominal muscles can cause other complications and side effects. Beyond aesthetic issues, many diastasis recti patients struggle with urine leaking and lower back pain.

Diastasis recti is often caused by pregnancy because the baby places constant pressure on the abdominal wall. Significant weight changes, improper form during weightlifting, or other activities that put stress on the core can also cause the condition.

How can I treat diastasis recti?

The muscle bands involved in the condition can occasionally heal themselves over time and reconnect. This self-healing isn’t always the case, though, and outside help is often required. Diastasis recti treatment options include yoga, physical therapy, and general core-strengthening activities.

Diet, exercise, and strength training alone can’t help all diastasis recti patients. In these situations, surgery is the only true solution.

How can diastasis recti be fixed with a tummy tuck?

A tummy tuck is one of the few procedures that can fix diastasis recti because it directly addresses the muscles along the midsection. During surgery, the surgeon can stitch the separated muscles back together and reinforce the core. This surgical repair pulls the muscles back into place and removes any stubborn bump or belly pooch.

Many recent mothers struggle from diastasis recti, so a tummy tuck is a common part of any mommy makeover procedure. When combined with breast augmentation or liposuction, these transformative treatments can create comprehensive results.

If you struggle with a belly bulge that just won’t go away, don’t be embarrassed. There’s a strong chance that the real issue is diastasis recti, which can easily be fixed by a tummy tuck at our plastic surgery practice in Baton Rouge.

Browse our before-and-after gallery to see examples of real patient results. If you would like to learn more about body contouring treatments, request a consultation online or call (225) 399-0001.