The abdominal muscles are connected by fascia and tissue to create the “six pack” appearance from the bottom of the ribcage down to the lower abdomen. When the stomach muscles are stretched or strained, the tissue and muscle in the abdomen can be torn or separated. While common after pregnancy, anyone can experience diastasis of the recti abdominal muscles. At pēkomd®, we offer diastasis recti repair surgery at our cosmetic surgery center in Toledo, OH.
Diastasis of the recti abdominal muscles can result in the muscles protruding along the vertical midline. This area, the linea alba, can stretch and widen, allowing the muscles to push outward. Pregnancy can cause this stretching, as can excessive weight gain in the abdomen or strain when lifting heavy objects. Not only does diastasis recti result in a protruding stomach, but it can also impact the pelvic floor and bladder function, as well as increase risks for hernias.
Restoring a Flat Stomach
Diastasis recti repair and abdominoplasty are different procedures, but they both can help achieve a flatter, more attractive abdomen. Abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck procedures, focus on removing excess skin or tissue and cosmetically tightening the tummy. Diastasis recti repair is used to reconnect the abdominal muscles and close the widened linea alba, restoring a stable abdominal wall that is flat and tight. Often, diastasis recti repair is combined with a tummy tuck to address both the separated muscles and excess skin from pregnancy or weight gain in the abdomen area.
Dr. Peter Koltz at pēkomd® is a board certified plastic surgeon and diastasis recti repair specialist. If you have protruding stomach muscles that are causing discomfort or cosmetic concerns, he can perform muscle repair with or without a tummy tuck procedure. Most patients prefer to have both procedures completed to obtain a firmer, flatter abdomen that is healthier and functions better.
If you have protruding abdomen muscles a year or longer after pregnancy or weight loss, you may need diastasis recti repair to restore a flat stomach. If you want to explore abdominoplasty or diastasis recti repair, contact us at pēkomd®. We can schedule an abdomen muscle repair consultation with Dr. Koltz at our Toledo, OH, plastic surgery center.
