After pregnancy, it’s not at all uncommon to carry some extra weight in your midsection. For some women, these extra pounds seem an easy fix with the right amount of exercise and healthy eating. For others, the post-pregnancy belly bulge just won’t go away, no matter how much they exercise. If this is the case for you, that tummy bulge after pregnancy might require tummy tuck surgery to correct a condition called diastasis recti.
What Is Diastasis Recti?
Also called abdominal separation, diastasis recti is a common condition that many women face after pregnancy. It happens when your abdominal muscles separate from each other, creating a permanent bulge that often resembles a still-pregnant belly and/or an indentation in your abdominal area.
While the right exercise regimen may help to improve diastasis recti, working out isn’t always enough to resolve it completely, especially if your symptoms are moderate to severe.
Incontinence, lower back pain and a belly bulge are some of the common symptoms of diastasis.
What to Do about a Post-Pregnancy Tummy Bulge
If you’re having trouble getting rid of a belly bulge after pregnancy, talk with a board-certified plastic surgeon. In the case of diastasis recti, a tummy tuck can repair your muscles and thus restore your flatter pre-baby stomach. As an added bonus to your tummy tuck, your plastic surgeon can also remove and tighten any loose skin you might be left with after having kids.
Of course, pairing plastic surgery with healthy habits like getting enough exercise and eating a balanced diet is the best way to see complete results.
Author: Dr. Daniel G. Kolder
Dr. Daniel G. Kolder is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. As a highly trained plastic surgeon serving Ventura County, he is best-known for his warm, easy manner, compassionate care, and beautiful, natural results.