The core abdomen muscles, the “six pack” that can be seen in fit individuals, are susceptible to injury and tears. Diastasis recti is a condition where the side-by-side abdomen muscles are separate due to pressure. This condition is most commonly caused by pregnancy but there are other factors that can put pressure on these muscles. Dr. Aleksandr Shteynberg and our team at Vantage Plastic Surgery offer advanced options in diastasis recti repair surgery at our clinics in NYC.
When pressure is placed on the abdominal muscles, they can be stretched, and the connecting tissue can be torn. Diastasis recti with pregnancy occurs when the pressure of the expanding uterus stretches the abdominal muscles beyond the point of bouncing back after childbirth. Women with multiple pregnancies or pregnancies with multiple babies are more prone to diastasis recti. Once the muscles are separated, the lower stomach can appear flaccid with a protruding pooch, even when all the pregnancy weight is lost.
Diastasis recti can also occur from congenital conditions in children, or from excessive strain on the core muscles. Weight lifters can separate their abdomen muscles and have the same problem of a protruding lower stomach.
Flatten and Tighten the Lower Abdomen
Diet and exercise will not flatten an abdomen affected by diastasis recti – no number of sit-ups or planks will repair the separated muscles. To restore a flat and tight lower abdomen, diastasis recti repair surgery is necessary. Dr. Aleksandr Shteynberg is a diastasis recti repair specialist, using his skills to suture the damaged core muscles back together to recreate the side-by-side design.
If there is stretched skin or excess fat accompanying the diastasis recti, a tummy tuck can be combined with the muscle repair. Liposuction to remove fat and excision of loose skin can create the flat appearance many people desire.
If you have a lower abdomen “pooch” caused by diastasis recti, repair surgery is the best way to restore a flat stomach. To discuss plastic surgery to improve the shape of your lower abdomen, contact us at Vantage Plastic Surgery in UES Manhattan or Brooklyn to book your private consultation with Dr. Shteynberg to determine the best procedure to obtain the flat stomach you desire.
