The “six-pack” muscles are stretched during pregnancy and weight gain and often separate, leaving a visible gap and compromising abdominal muscle strength. Many women struggle with this abdominal rectus diastasis (or diastasis recti) and may experience lower back pain, poor posture and urinary incontinence. Rectus plication during the tummy tuck procedure can correct diastasis recti.
Our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Arnold Breitbart, will evaluate your abdominal muscles and cosmetic complaints with your post-pregnancy body to determine if tummy tuck is the right option for you.
Research on Tummy Tuck with Rectus Plication
Diastasis recti decreases the strength of the abdominal wall, impacting the look and function of the abdomen. Women complain about bulging in their midline above and below the bellow button, and diet and exercise can’t improve this muscle separation.
Several studies have investigated how effective rectus plication is during tummy tuck to improve the core strength, posture, lower back pain and quality of life in postpartum women. These bodies of research show encouraging results for increasing the function and cosmetic appeal of the abdomen.
A study involving 214 women across nine Australian plastic surgery centers reported that 51 percent of these women had moderate to severe disability from back pain, and 42.5 percent were significantly concerned with urinary incontinence. They were re-evaluated six weeks and six months after tummy tuck and showed excellent improvement with both issues. Only 9 percent of women still experienced moderate back pain, and just two percent reported ongoing problems with urinary incontinence. The study offers hope for women looking to restore their abdominal and pelvic stability and strength after pregnancy and childbirth.
Repairing the abdominal muscles during abdominoplasty leads to a better quality of life for women with diastasis recti and provides a flatter stomach and aesthetically pleasing body shape.
Tummy Tuck with Dr. Breitbart in Long Island and Manhattan
Dr. Breitbart has helped many women achieve their body goals with tummy tuck and abdominal muscle repair. The procedure starts with an incision in the lower abdomen beneath the underwear line. Excess skin tissue and fat are removed, then the muscles are tightened and repositioned for a flatter contour and stronger abdominal wall. The resulting scars are concealed by underwear and bathing suits. Tummy tuck is typically an outpatient procedure but may require an overnight stay if combined with other plastic surgeries, such as breast augmentation and liposuction.
If you struggle with diastasis recti, contact Dr. Breitbart to discuss your tummy tuck options. Call our Manhasset and New York, New York offices at (516) 365-3511 or fill out our online contact form.
