The rectus abdominis muscles form the “six pack” on the stomach, with muscles connecting in a linear, vertical line from the ribcage down to the lower abs. If these ab muscles are stretched outward, which occurs with pregnancy or massive weight gain, they can separate along that vertical line, a condition called diastasis recti. Once separated, the abdomen muscles may not repair themselves after child birth or weight loss, creating a “pooch” on the stomach. Be That Beautiful™ Plastic Surgery offers diastasis recti repair at our clinic in Beverly Hills, CA.
Diastasis recti repair can have a similar effect to abdominoplasty, but they are different cosmetic body procedures. Abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck surgery, is primarily used to remove excess skin and tighten the stomach area. While some muscle repair may be performed with a full tummy tuck, diastasis recti repair surgery focuses on restoring the connection between the rectus abdominis muscles. Diastasis recti repair can be combined with abdominoplasty to address both the excess skin and damaged ab muscles to restore a flat, tight abdomen.
Symptoms of Diastasis Recti
While the majority of patients who want diastasis recti repair are women who are post-pregnancy, others can experience abdominal muscle separation. Excessive weight gain can stretch the ab muscles, as can strain. Weight lifters can tear their abdominal muscles and other types of strain can tear the tissue connecting the “six pack” on the stomach. Signs of diastasis recti include:
- Bulge in the mid-stomach – more pronounced when contracting the abdominal muscles
- Back pain
- Constipation
- Bloating
- Incontinence
Diastasis recti can be more than an aesthetic concern – the separation of muscles can impact the support for the back and spine, as well as the pelvic floor. Diastasis recti repair surgery can restore a flatter stomach while resolving other problems caused by a weakened abdomen.
If you have a stomach bulge from diastasis recti, repair is possible with plastic surgery. To learn more about repairing your six pack, contact Be That Beautiful™ Plastic Surgery in Los Angeles to book your consultation with Dr. Chaudhry.