Many people are of the mistaken belief that the tummy tuck procedure is only for those with excessive, sagging abdominal skin. In reality, that is only one condition that the tummy tuck is used for. For example, diastasis recti is a condition that many women who have been pregnant struggle with. Many of them are also candidates for tummy tuck .
Diastasis Recti
Diastasis recti is a common condition that develops when gaps form in abdominal muscles during the stretching that occurs during pregnancy. Affected women are left with a small pooch that may remain for as long as several years after childbirth.
Most people affected by diastasis recti attempt to exercise to improve the appearance of the condition. Unfortunately, this approach is normally doomed to failure. If you are affected by diastasis recti, you may have received a recommendation to try exercises like pelvic tilts, ab compressions, or single-leg stretches. Although these types of exercises will certainly help strengthen your core, they are unlikely to “fix” diastasis recti.
Why plastic surgery?
Most people make good candidates for a tummy tuck procedure, regardless of if they desire it for cosmetic purposes or because their condition is truly problematic. Whenever the gap is at least 2 cm or the width of two fingers, the condition is considered to be problematic. Another sign that diastasis recti is a problem is if the condition results in pain.
Tummy Tuck for Treating Diastasis Recti
Medically known as an abdominoplasty, the tummy tuck procedure is commonly used for the repair of diastasis recti. Each surgical procedure is individually tailored to the unique needs of each patient and their particular anatomy. Sometimes a mini tummy tuck can be performed and other times an extended or circumferential tummy tuck needs to be
done in order to meet the patient’s goals.
Tummy Tuck Recovery
Since all tummy tuck procedures involve in-depth surgery, recovery can take a good deal of time. It is common to experience restricted mobility for as long as two weeks. You should avoid vigorous physical activities like strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for five or six weeks.
It is common to experience some degree of swelling and bruising after a tummy tuck. And the scar from the incision will take some time to lighten, flatten and fade. Tummy tuck patients will need some assistance during their first few weeks post-surgery, especially if they are required to care for young children.
Schedule Your Consultation
Are you suffering from diastasis recti? If so, we encourage you to contact our office, and take the first step in correcting your condition by scheduling a convenient consultation today.
To book a consultation for any of your skincare or plastic surgery questions, contact the offices of Queen City Plastic Surgery at 704-751-4595 or use our simple online form. Our conveniently located Charlotte office welcomes patients from throughout the region and across the country.