If your belly still looks rounded or feels less firm after pregnancy or significant weight changes, you may wonder why it has not returned to its previous shape. You are not alone. Diastasis recti can affect the abdominal muscles and may contribute to changes in your stomach’s appearance and strength.
At Mehdi Balakhani, DDS, MD, FACS, Newark and New Castle County, DE can explore whether muscle separation, loose skin, or both may be contributing to their concerns. As part of the practice’s body procedures, a tummy tuck may be considered to address these concerns and create a firmer, smoother abdominal contour.
What Is Diastasis Recti?
Diastasis recti develops when the primary left and right abdominal muscles separate as the connective tissue joining them stretches or weakens. Unlike extra abdominal fat, this condition directly affects the structure of the abdominal wall and the positioning of the muscles. Consequently, it can result in a lingering belly bulge or altered stomach contour that persists despite weight fluctuations. Many individuals experiencing this separation also notice diminished core stability and a lack of support throughout their midsection.
What Causes Diastasis Recti?
The abdominal wall expands and stretches during pregnancy as the uterus enlarges, making pregnancy a leading cause of diastasis recti. Major weight fluctuations can similarly place strain on these abdominal muscles, and any other activity or condition that increases pressure in the midsection may also contribute. This muscle separation often remains visible long after weight changes or pregnancy have passed.
Can Diastasis Recti Improve Without Surgery?
You may be able to improve abdominal strength and function without surgery. Physical therapy and targeted exercises can help you learn safer ways to activate and strengthen your core. However, exercise does not remove excess skin, and nonsurgical care may not directly repair significant muscle separation. If abdominal bulging, weakness, or other concerns continue, an evaluation at Mehdi Balakhani, DDS, MD, FACS can help identify what may be contributing to the problem and which options may fit your needs.
Tummy Tuck for Diastasis Recti
A tummy tuck, also called abdominoplasty, may repair or tighten separated abdominal muscles when appropriate. It can also remove excess abdominal skin, which may be helpful when pregnancy or significant weight loss leaves both muscle separation and loose skin. The surgical plan depends on your anatomy, the degree of separation, skin laxity, and your goals.
During surgery, the abdominal wall may be repaired, excess skin removed, and the incision placed as discreetly as possible based on your anatomy. Recovery commonly includes swelling, tightness, discomfort, and temporary limits on physical activity. Your results develop gradually as the tissues heal. Not everyone with diastasis recti needs or qualifies for a tummy tuck, so an individual evaluation is important.
Why Choose Mehdi Balakhani, DDS, MD, FACS?
Mehdi Balakhani, M.D., F.A.C.S., has been board-certified in both Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery since 1983. He serves as the Emeritus Chief of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Christiana Care Systems and as the Director of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at St. Francis Hospital in Wilmington, Delaware. Nurses and peers have recognized him as a top doctor in Delaware since 1992.
Dr. Balakhani has contributed more than 20 instructional exhibits on cosmetic surgery to the Medical Society of Delaware and has presented over 200 public education seminars on cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. His experience allows him to evaluate concerns that may contribute to changes in your abdomen, including diastasis recti, loose skin, and excess tissue.
At his Newark and New Castle County, DE, practice, Dr. Balakhani can assess your abdominal structure and discuss whether a tummy tuck may help address muscle separation along with loose skin. Your anatomy, concerns, and goals help guide the treatment plan.
You can explore real patient outcomes through our before-and-after gallery or read firsthand experiences on our patient testimonials page.
Schedule a Consultation
If your abdomen has changed after pregnancy or weight loss, you do not have to figure out the cause on your own. An evaluation with Dr. Balakhani in Newark and New Castle County, DE can help determine whether muscle separation, loose skin, or other changes may be affecting your abdomen. You can discuss your concerns, learn about your treatment options, and decide what approach feels right for your needs.
Schedule your consultation to take the next step toward a clearer understanding of your options.
