Diastasis Recti is a very common condition in women postpartum. This presents as a separation of the abdominal muscles caused by pregnancy that does not repair itself, often leaving a protruding bulge.

A tummy tuck can be an extremely effective way to correct physical damage done by pregnancy by tightening up the abdominal wall and creating a flatter, firmer stomach.

Causes of Diastasis Recti

Pregnancy is the most common cause of Diastasis Recti, as the connective tissue (fascia) between the abdominal muscles can stretch and thin to allow space for the baby. After birth, it is possible that the fascia heals back into its original state, but in many cases, this does not happen.

Diastasis Recti after giving birth is more common in petite women over 35 years old, as well as women who have twins or triplets.

Signs You Have Diastasis Recti

There are a few signs you may have Diastasis Recti, the most prominent of which will be your belly remaining larger than normal after giving birth. Here are some other potential signs:

Distended or Asymmetrical Belly – Your belly may appear bulging or uneven, especially when you are standing up from a position of lying on your back.

Back Pain – Many women experience changes to their posture, and the resultant back pain can be very uncomfortable.

Does a Tummy Tuck Treat Diastasis Recti?

Separated abdominal muscles can be treated with a tummy tuck.

A tummy tuck is generally a cosmetic procedure aimed at removing excess skin, but it can also work to correct the muscles separated after pregnancy, tightening and restoring your stomach to a more natural and aesthetically pleasing form.

Tummy Tuck Procedure

The method used for your tummy tuck will depend greatly on an assessment of your needs. Some people opt for a full tummy tuck rather than a mini tummy tuck, which can result in smaller scars. It’s best to try to understand which of these two tummy tucks might be appropriate for you.

In the case of Diastasis Recti, muscle repair will need to be a core element of your tummy tuck.

There is also extended abdominoplasty, and fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty, for patients who require more extensive skin and fat removal.

All tummy tuck methods will work to remove sagging excess skin, to help give you a flatter, more even midriff. However, a mini tummy tuck will not work to repair the abdominal muscles.

How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost?

At the CREO Clinic, the price of a mini tummy tuck begins at £8,900, while a full tummy tuck begins at £10,900.

As the cosmetic surgery will be personalised to you, the exact cost will vary depending on your needs. An initial consultation will be required before the final cost breakdown can be given.

How Long is Tummy Tuck Recovery?

Many patients may be able to go back to work after one or two weeks, but complete recovery from your tummy tuck procedure is likely to take a minimum of 12 weeks.

When to begin exercise after your tummy tuck is made clear to you during the collaborative planning stage with your surgeon. Part of your planning will also be to make you fully aware of the best tips and tricks for ensuring an optimal recovery.

If you aren’t sure what to expect from tummy tuck recovery, this week-to-week guide will give you an approximate timeline.

When Can You See Tummy Tuck Results?

Initially, it is perfectly normal to experience swelling, especially in the first week.

You should begin to see a flatter stomach at around 6 weeks, but it can take between 6 and 12 months for a complete recovery. At that point, you should be able to see the full effect of the cosmetic surgery, then return to your usual day-to-day routine, feeling more comfortable and confident in your physique.

Other Benefits of a Tummy Tuck

There are a variety of important medical and aesthetic benefits of tummy tuck. Here are some other important improvements that a tummy tuck can offer:

Remove Stretch Marks – Abdominoplasty removes sagging skin and fat to tighten up the skin, leaving it much smoother and helping to tackle bothersome stretch marks by removing those which have formed on your excess skin.

Exciting New Wardrobe – Your tummy tuck should open up new clothing options. You can experiment with fresh and varied styles that may previously have caused self-consciousness or embarrassment.

A More Active Lifestyle – Bringing back together your separated abdominal muscles can help you feel stronger at your core and more capable of adventurous physical activities and pastimes.

Schedule a Consultation with CREO Clinic Today

If you would like to explore the possibility of a tummy tuck, book a consultation with Dr. Omar Tillo, the Creo clinic’s double board-certified plastic surgeon.

A consultation will be an opportunity to discuss any questions you may have about the cosmetic procedure.

Dr Tillo is an experienced specialist in tummy tucks and will be able to collaborate with you in order to create a bespoke treatment plan designed specifically to your needs. Through careful, attentive planning, he can set you on the journey to achieving your desired outcomes.