The abdomen muscles are responsible for creating a tight and flat abdomen. When these muscles are stretched due to excessive weight gain or pregnancy, they can become loose and separated. This can create an abdomen “pooch” that cannot be flattened with diet or exercise. Diastasis recti repair surgery is a type of tummy tuck plastic surgery that repairs the abdomen muscles and tightens the midsection, available at Maia Plastic Surgery in Tysons Corner, VA.

The abdomen muscles that create the “six-pack” on toned, tight stomachs are the muscles that can be stretched and separated with weight gain. In women, diastasis recti usually occurs from pregnancy. Multiple pregnancies, large deliveries and multiple birth pregnancies are common causes of abdominal muscle separation. For men, diastasis recti can occur due to excess weight gain (this can occur in women as well, but it is less common). The symptoms are a protrusion and laxity in the abdomen, from below the belly button up to below the breast bone.

Tummy Tuck with Diastasis Recti Repair

Diastasis recti repair can be performed on its own to suture the abdomen muscles back together to strengthen the abdomen wall. However, it is common for a tummy tuck or liposuction to be completed during the same procedure. Combining the repair of the abdominal muscles with the removal of excess skin and fat can create a flat, tighter stomach. Both women and men with diastasis recti and flabby stomach tissue can benefit from this procedure, resulting in a slimmer, firmer abdomen without the “pooch” caused by protruding muscles.

Separated abdomen muscles, or diastasis recti, is a common issue that can change the appearance of your stomach and weaken your core. If you want to restore your abdomen wall and flatten your tummy, contact us at Maia Plastic Surgery. We offer diastasis recti repair surgery and tummy tucks at our clinic in the greater Washington, DC, area.