Tummy Still Sticking Out After Pregnancy? Diastasis Recti Might Be the Culprit
Posted October 25, 2022 in Tummy Tuck
If you still have a tummy bulge months after giving birth, diastasis recti might be to blame. This is a condition in which the stomach muscles have separated, leading to a protruding belly. While exercise can help tone the muscles, only tummy tuck surgery can fully repair the stomach wall and give you a flat tummy once again.
What is Diastasis Recti?
During pregnancy, the growing baby pushes against your internal organs. This pressure against the stomach wall causes the muscles and connective tissue to stretch and weaken. Sometimes, this pressure is so intense that it can cause the abdominal muscles to separate, creating a condition called diastasis recti. This manifests as a permanent or semi-permanent belly pooch that can last for years after pregnancy, even despite dieting and exercise.
Who is Most Likely to Get Diastasis Recti?
While any pregnant woman can get diastasis recti, it is more common in women who meet the following criteria:
- Multiple pregnancies (especially close together)
- Pregnant with multiples (twins, triplets, etc.)
- Pregnant over age 35
- Petite women carrying a larger-than-average baby
- Intense pushing during vaginal delivery
How Do I Get Rid of My Tummy Bulge?
A healthy diet and regular exercise are important parts of the mother’s recovery after childbirth, and they can help flatten and firm the abdomen. However, they cannot repair separated stomach muscles. If your tummy continues to bulge despite your best efforts, you could have diastasis recti, in which case surgery will be necessary to correct the problem.
Tummy tuck surgery can help women who want to tighten bulging stomach muscles. Through an incision in the lower belly, the surgeon can tighten the abdominal muscles and restore a firm and flat abdominal contour. As an added benefit, the surgery often includes some skin tightening and removal so that the tissues lie smooth and flat.
If you think diastasis recti may be causing your tummy bulge, talk to your doctor about tummy tuck surgery as a potential solution. With the help of a skilled surgeon, you can reclaim your youthful figure and feel comfortable in your own skin once again.
To learn more about tummy tuck surgery, schedule your consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Andres Taleisnik. Call (657) 294-8375 or contact us online today.
