Can a Tummy Tuck Address Loose Skin and Muscle Separation?
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When the abdominal muscles become separated at the midline — known as diastasis recti — it can create a prominent pooch or bulge on the lower belly. This abdominal separation is particularly common in women who have had children, and the resulting pooch often makes these women feel like they still look a few months pregnant long after giving birth. Additional concerns — like loose stomach skin, wrinkles, and even incontinence — accompany diastasis recti in many cases, leaving people frustrated and discouraged. For both men and women who are struggling with a wrinkled stomach, separated abs, or related issues, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brandon-Dzung Mang of Rejuve Aesthetic Surgery in Atlanta, GA may recommend tummy tuck surgery. Keep reading for more information about how a tummy tuck works to address these problems, and find answers to many tummy tuck FAQs to help you better understand whether this popular procedure may be effective and appropriate for you.
What causes diastasis recti?
There are a number of factors that can contribute to the separation of the abdominal muscles, including the stretching that occurs during pregnancy, chronic coughing or straining, weight fluctuation, injury, and others.
Will diastasis recti correct itself?
In certain cases, the abdominal muscles may come back together in the midline without the need for surgery. This is more common in younger patients with mild abdominal separation. For more significant cases of diastasis recti — like in a woman who has had multiple children, for example — surgery offers the best opportunity to correct ab muscle separation and restore a smoother, flatter midsection. One common misconception about diastasis recti is that sit-ups and crunches can help to reverse ab muscle separation. While specific exercises may be beneficial in restrengthening the abdominal fascia, traditional crunches and sit-ups may actually make the condition worse.
How does a tummy tuck fix diastasis recti?
During tummy tuck surgery, formally known as abdominoplasty surgery, Dr. Mang creates a horizontal incision on the lower abdomen, allowing him to access the layers of fat, tissue, and muscle beneath. In cases of diastasis recti, Dr. Mang can close, tighten, and reinforce the ab muscles along the midline to effectively correct separated ab muscles. In turn, the unsightly pooch or pouch caused by diastasis recti can be dramatically reduced.
What else can a tummy tuck fix?
In addition to manipulating the abdominal muscles during a tummy tuck, Dr. Mang may also utilize skin excision, skin tightening, liposuction, and other techniques to address the full range of a patient's concerns. Common issues that can be greatly improved with tummy tuck surgery include:
- Loose stomach skin
- Wrinkled stomach skin
- Hanging stomach
- Diastasis recti
- Stretched out belly button
- Stubborn belly fat
- Abdominal stretch marks
During your initial consultation for abdominoplasty surgery in Atlanta, GA, Dr. Mang will listen to all of your concerns and discuss a customized tummy tuck surgical plan that can help you achieve the most dramatic and desirable transformation possible.
Get the slim, smooth stomach that makes you feel sexier than ever with tummy tuck surgery in Atlanta, GA
Whether you developed a diastasis recti that won't respond to exercise, or you're frustrated by loose, wrinkled skin on your stomach — or both — a tummy tuck may be the transformative procedure that can help address all of your abdominal concerns at once. Take charge of your physique and happiness today by calling Rejuve Aesthetic Surgery to schedule your consultation for Atlanta, GA tummy tuck surgery with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brandon-Dzung Mang, and discover the exciting results that may be possible for you.