As a board-certified plastic surgeon and mom of two, I often meet women who are frustrated by a persistent bulge in their abdomen that just won’t go away, no matter how much core exercise or pelvic floor therapy they undergo.
Let me share some insights about this common condition, known as diastasis recti, and explain why it’s not something you can just exercise away.
What is Diastasis Recti?
Diastasis recti is a normal and common condition that occurs in 40 to 60% of women during pregnancy. It’s the separation of your rectus abdominis, more commonly known as the six-pack muscles.
This separation happens to accommodate your growing baby. While this gap naturally closes for some women after pregnancy, many find that it persists, leading to what’s commonly called the “mom pooch.”
How to Check if You Have Diastasis Recti
A simple self-check can help you identify if you might have diastasis recti:
- Lie on your back with your knees bent.
- Perform a partial crunch, lifting your head slightly.
- Look for a dome-like bulge along your midline.
- Feel for a gap between your abdominal muscles.
Why Exercise Alone Won’t Fix Diastasis Recti
One of the most common myths I encounter is that you can exercise away diastasis recti. However, the truth is that exercise alone won’t fix the condition.
Diastasis recti is a structural issue, not a fitness issue, and even women in excellent physical shape can have persistent diastasis. The separated muscles need to be physically brought back together.
The Impact of Diastasis Recti on Your Core Strength
In the operating room, I can clearly show you what diastasis recti looks like. As you can see in the video below, there’s a visible gap between the rectus muscles that affects your core stability. This separation can lead to:
- Lower back pain
- Core weakness
- Pelvic floor dysfunction
- Poor posture
- Difficulty with certain exercises
Here’s the link to my Instagram video where I show the Diastasis Recti. Warning, this shows a medical procedure. Viewer Discretion is advised.
Surgical Repair: A Permanent Solution for Diastasis Recti
At Reddy Plastic Surgery, we address diastasis recti through a surgical repair that’s built into every full tummy tuck procedure. During surgery, we:
- Bring the separated muscles back together
- Secure them with strong, permanent sutures
- Remove excess skin
- Create a smoother, firmer abdominal contour
What the Recovery Process Looks Like
Recovery from diastasis recti repair is straightforward but requires patience. The initial recovery period takes 4 weeks of lifting restrictions.
You can return to light activities after 3 to 4 weeks, and full exercise resumption occurs after 6 to 8 weeks. Your core strength improves over several months after the procedure.
Is Surgery Right for You?
You might be a good candidate for diastasis recti repair if you:
- Have completed your family planning
- Are within 10-15 pounds of your goal weight
- Experience physical symptoms like back pain and core weakness
- Feel self-conscious about your abdominal appearance
- Have tried exercise without success
The Reddy Plastic Surgery Advantage
At our practice, we understand the physical and emotional impact of diastasis recti. As both a surgeon and a mother, I bring a unique perspective to your care and strive to maintain an individualized and highly personal care plan for each of my patients.
During your consultation, we’ll:
- Evaluate your specific condition
- Discuss your goals and concerns
- Create a customized treatment plan
- Review recovery expectations
Take the Next Step
Schedule a consultation at our Richmond office to learn more and discuss your options. Together, we’ll develop a plan to restore your core strength and confidence.
Remember, diastasis recti is a structural issue that affects many women after pregnancy. While it may be common, you don’t have to live with its effects. We’re here to help you achieve the strong, confident core you deserve.
