When considering a tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, many people focus on the aesthetic benefits: a flatter stomach, tighter skin, and a more toned appearance. But there’s another significant benefit that is often overlooked—the procedure can help repair separated abdominal muscles, a condition known as diastasis recti. This separation can occur for a variety of reasons, most commonly due to pregnancy or significant weight changes, and it can lead to several functional and health issues, such as back pain, poor posture, and weakened core strength.

As a plastic surgeon, I frequently encounter patients who are unaware that a tummy tuck offers more than just cosmetic improvements. Lesser known, however, are the functional benefits of abdominoplasty. By correcting muscle separation, we can restore abdominal strength while narrowing the waistline.

What is Diastasis Recti?

Diastasis recti is the separation of the rectus abdominis muscles, the two bands of muscles that run down the center of your abdomen – often known as the six pack muscles. These muscles are responsible for stabilizing your core and maintaining posture, but certain factors can cause them to stretch and separate. The most common cause of diastasis recti is pregnancy, as the growing uterus puts pressure on the abdominal wall. Other contributing factors include rapid weight gain or loss, heavy lifting, and even genetics.

Patients with diastasis recti often report a bulging or pooch in the abdominal area, even after weight loss or returning to a healthy lifestyle. Beyond the cosmetic concerns, diastasis recti can lead to back pain, difficulty with physical activities, and poor posture. Unfortunately core exercises and diet alone aren’t enough to correct this separation, which is where surgery becomes an option.

How a Tummy Tuck Corrects Separated Muscles

During a tummy tuck, the primary goal is to remove excess skin and fat from the abdominal area, creating a flatter, firmer appearance. However, the surgery also allows me to address diastasis recti. I accomplish this by bringing the separated rectus abdominis muscles back together and suturing them in place, restoring the integrity of the abdominal wall.

Here’s a breakdown of the steps involved in repairing muscle separation during a tummy tuck:

1. Incision: I make a low horizontal incision just above the pubic area, extending from hip to hip. The length of the incision depends on how much skin needs to be removed. In some cases, a second incision around the navel may be necessary to reposition it after the excess skin is removed.
2. Exposing the Abdominal Muscles: Once I’ve made the incision, I lift the skin and underlying tissue to expose the rectus abdominis muscles. This allows me to assess the degree of separation and plan the muscle repair. Before surgery, we usually have a good idea of how large the diastasis is.
3. Suturing the Muscles: Using sutures, I stitch the separated muscles back together into their normal anatomic position. This step not only repairs the separation but also improves the function of the muscles by restoring normal kinematics – the way the abdominal muscles work together to stabilize the core.
4. Removing Excess Skin and Fat: After the muscles are repaired, I remove any excess skin and fat from the abdomen. This step helps to flatten and contour the abdominal area, giving the patient both functional and aesthetic benefits.
5. Closing the Incision: Finally, I close the incision with dissolving sutures beneath the skin and dress the area. The scar is low on the abdomen and can be easily concealed by underwear or swimwear.

The muscle repair aspect of a tummy tuck is crucial for patients suffering from diastasis recti, as it addresses the root cause of many of their symptoms. By bringing the muscles back together, I can help restore core strength, improve posture, and alleviate discomfort.

Functional Benefits of Repairing Separated Abdominal Muscles

One of the most significant advantages of repairing diastasis recti during a tummy tuck is the improvement in core function. When your abdominal muscles are properly aligned, they provide better support for your spine and internal organs, which can lead to several health benefits:

1. Improved Posture: Separated abdominal muscles can weaken the core, causing poor posture and an exaggerated curve in the lower back (lordosis). After the muscles are repaired, many patients report that they can stand upright without discomfort and experience less strain on their lower back.
2. Reduced Back Pain: Diastasis recti often leads to back pain because the abdominal muscles are no longer able to support the spine effectively. By repairing the muscle separation, a tummy tuck can help alleviate or even eliminate chronic back pain, especially in the lower back.
3. Increased Core Strength: A weak core can make it difficult to perform everyday activities, such as lifting, bending, or exercising. After the muscles are repaired, patients often notice an improvement in their strength and endurance during physical activities. This not only makes exercise easier but also improves overall physical performance.
4. Enhanced Physical Activity: Many patients with diastasis recti struggle with physical activities that require core stability, such as yoga, Pilates, running, or weightlifting. After a tummy tuck, patients often find that they can engage in these activities with greater ease and confidence. The repair of the abdominal muscles enhances the stability of the core, making it easier to perform exercises that were previously uncomfortable or difficult.

Aesthetic Benefits of a Tummy Tuck

In addition to the functional improvements, a tummy tuck also provides several aesthetic benefits. For many patients, the appearance of their abdomen is a significant concern, especially after pregnancy or weight fluctuations. Here are some of the key aesthetic advantages of the procedure:

1. Flatter, Firmer Abdomen: One of the most noticeable outcomes of a tummy tuck is a flatter and more toned abdominal area. By removing excess skin and fat, I can create a smoother contour that enhances the overall shape of the body.
2. Improved Waistline Definition: In many cases, tightening the muscles around the waistline creates a more defined and sculpted appearance. This is particularly beneficial for patients who have experienced significant weight loss and are left with loose, sagging skin around the midsection.
3. Reduced Stretch Marks: While a tummy tuck isn’t designed to eliminate stretch marks, it can help reduce their appearance, especially if the stretch marks are located on the lower abdomen. By removing excess skin, many patients see an improvement in the visibility of stretch marks after surgery.
4. C-Section Scar Improvement: For patients who have had a C-section, I can often remove the existing scar with the tummy tuck incision. This corrects overhanging skin and removes tethered scar tissue. leading to a more aesthetically pleasing result.
5. Boost in Self-Confidence: Many patients report a significant boost in self-esteem and body confidence after a tummy tuck. The combination of improved muscle function and a flatter, firmer abdomen can lead to a more positive self-image and greater satisfaction with one’s appearance.

Health and Lifestyle Benefits

In addition to the functional and aesthetic improvements, a tummy tuck can offer several other health and lifestyle benefits. Here are some of the ways the procedure can positively impact your life:

1. Improved Urinary Incontinence: Some patients, particularly women who have given birth, experience stress urinary incontinence (SUI), which causes urine leakage during activities like coughing, sneezing, or exercising. In some cases, a tummy tuck with diastasis repair can help improve or resolve this condition by providing better support to the bladder and pelvic floor muscles.
2. Better Digestion: Separated abdominal muscles can contribute to digestive issues, such as bloating or discomfort after meals. By repairing the muscles and tightening the abdominal wall, some patients experience improvements in their digestion and a reduction in gastrointestinal symptoms.
3. Long-Lasting Results: The results of a tummy tuck are typically long-lasting, especially if patients maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. While the procedure can’t prevent future weight gain or pregnancy-related changes, the improvements in muscle function and appearance are generally permanent.
4. Encouragement for a Healthy Lifestyle: Many patients find that their tummy tuck results motivate them to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet. The improved core strength and body confidence can make it easier to stay active and make positive health choices.

Risks and Considerations

As with any surgical procedure, a tummy tuck carries some risks, including infection, scarring, and complications related to anesthesia. It’s important to discuss these risks with your surgeon and ensure that you are a good candidate for the procedure.

Here are some factors to consider before undergoing a tummy tuck:

1. Recovery Time: A tummy tuck is a major surgery, and recovery can take several weeks. You’ll need to avoid strenuous activity and lifting – including picking up children – for at least six weeks after the procedure, and it may take several months for the swelling to subside fully.
2. Scarring: While the scar from a tummy tuck is typically well-concealed, it’s important to understand that some scarring is inevitable. Your surgeon will do their best to minimize the appearance of the scar, but you should be prepared for a permanent scar along the lower abdomen.
3. Weight Stability: For the best results, it’s important to be at or near your ideal weight before undergoing a tummy tuck. Significant weight fluctuations after surgery can affect the results, so it’s important to maintain a stable weight through a healthy diet and regular exercise.
4. Choosing the Right Surgeon: When considering a tummy tuck, it’s crucial to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience in abdominoplasty and muscle repair. Your surgeon should be able to explain the procedure in detail, answer your questions, and help you determine if the surgery is right for you.

Final Thoughts

A tummy tuck offers more than just aesthetic benefits—it can also provide significant functional improvements.

Book A Tummy Tuck Consultation With Plastic Surgeons of Northern Arizona

Our award-winning, board-certified plastic surgeons specialize in an extensive range of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Book a consultation today at our Flagstaff, Sedona, Cottonwood, Prescott, or Kingman, Arizona offices.

Author Profile: Brian Cripe, M.D., is an award-winning, board-eligible plastic and reconstructive surgeon and Plastic Surgeons of Northern Arizona partner. Dr. Cripe specializes in cosmetic surgery, limb salvage, peripheral nerve microsurgery, hand surgery, and oncologic reconstructive procedures. He has performed over 6,000 surgical cases during his nine-year tenure as a surgeon.