Trust. Experience. Results.
Trust. Experience. Results.
11/3/2020
Even after a woman loses her pregnancy weight, she may still struggle to restore her pre-baby body. Stubborn fat, drooping breasts, and loose skin are just some of the physical side effects of pregnancy that can linger long after giving birth. In fact, some postpartum changes may only be correctable with surgery. One of these conditions is rectus diastasis, which refers to a separation of the abdominal muscles. Rectus diastasis is often responsible for the unappealing pouch or pooch appearance that many women develop after pregnancy, though it can cause a number of other frustrating symptoms as well.
The award-winning team of plastic surgeons at Austin-Weston, The Center for Cosmetic Surgery in Reston VA is proud to offer advanced abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, as a life-changing solution for correcting diastasis rectus and restoring a more natural, smoother, slimmer figure. Learn more about Northern Virginia tummy tuck surgery for abdominal muscle separation here, including if the procedure may be right for you.
In the vast majority of cases, rectus diastasis develops in women as a result of pregnancy. As the fetus grows in the uterus, the abdominal muscles stretch to create additional room and often separate from one another, resulting in a vertical gap between the right and left sides of the abdominal fascia. In many cases, the muscles are weakened and never return to their original position, and cause a protruding pouch or pooch that is virtually impossible to get rid of with diet and exercise alone. In fact, some exercises may even make the condition worse. While separated ab muscles are most commonly a side effect of pregnancy, they can also occur as the result of extreme weight fluctuation in both men and women.
A tummy tuck, formally known as abdominoplasty, is, without a doubt, one of the most transformative cosmetic procedures available today. With its long list of potential benefits, it is no surprise that more and more patients seek out tummy tuck surgery in Northern Virginia each year. Some of the life-changing enhancements that can be made during tummy tuck surgery at Austin-Weston include:
During tummy tuck surgery for diastasis rectus, the surgeon may still utilize skin removal and fat removal (liposuction) techniques to address additional concerns and further enhance the patient’s overall results. To correct the muscle separation specifically, the surgeon will carefully tighten and reposition the abdominal muscles to their original position, closing the gap between the left and right sides. Internal sutures will be used to secure and reinforce the abdominal fascia, and the surgeon will complete the skin removal portion of the procedure before closing the external incision with sutures. In most cases, the experienced surgeons at Austin-Weston are able to perform tummy tuck surgery without the need for postoperative drains, making the patient’s recovery much more comfortable and convenient.
One of the most effective things patients can do to maintain and preserve their tummy tuck results for as long as possible is to avoid subsequent weight gain. This also makes it important for women to defer their procedure until after they are done having children. Pregnancy after tummy tuck dramatically increases the risk of recurrent rectus diastasis. However, should a patient redevelop this condition after another pregnancy, a revision procedure can often help to restore her original results. If you are interested in a tummy tuck in Northern Virginia but aren’t sure about your plans to have children in the future, be sure to discuss this with your surgeon so that he can help you determine the most appropriate timeline for your cosmetic surgery.
Every patient deserves to look their best and feel comfortable and confident in their own skin. When frustrating conditions like diastasis rectus make it impossible to achieve your ideal figure through diet and exercise alone, it may be time to consider plastic surgery. If you are struggling with separated abdominal muscles or an unsightly abdominal pooch, we invite you to call the friendly team at Austin-Weston, The Center for Cosmetic Surgery to schedule your private in-office or virtual consultation with one of our sought-after plastic surgeons today. We look forward to helping you finally achieve the stunning body of your dreams with tummy tuck surgery in Northern Virginia!
Our four, board-certified plastic surgeons have over 100 years of combined experience & work together in our dedicated, luxurious center providing combined knowledge on all procedures. Schedule your consultation today to learn how our surgeons can guide you on your journey to aesthetic harmony.
