A tummy tuck is not only one of the most effective ways to correct diastasis recti; it is, in many cases, the only reliable solution when the abdominal muscles and connective tissue have stretched beyond what exercise can repair.
At Ann Arbor Plastic Surgery, our board-certified surgeons, Dr. Tiffany Ballard and Dr. Pramit Malhotra, specialize in advanced abdominal surgery and frequently perform muscle repair procedures. Their fellowship training, extensive surgical experience, and focus on natural, strong, long-lasting results make our practice a trusted authority for patients seeking answers about persistent abdominal separation.
In this blog, we’ll explain how diastasis recti develops, why it often cannot fully improve without surgery, and how our detailed, expert approach to abdominoplasty can help restore both form and function.
What Is Diastasis Recti?
Diastasis recti occurs when the left and right rectus abdominis muscles separate along the midline, most commonly due to pregnancy, substantial weight changes, or abdominal strain.
When these muscles stretch beyond the capacity of normal tissue elasticity, connective tissue thins and widens, resulting in a gap that can cause:
- A persistent abdominal bulge
- Core instability
- Back pain
- Pelvic floor symptoms
Research shows that pregnancy is a significant cause of rectus separation, with up to 60% of postpartum patients experiencing diastasis at six weeks and many continuing to have symptoms months later (Cleveland Clinic; National Institutes of Health).
While physical therapy plays a crucial role in strengthening the core, severe separation or laxity often cannot be fully corrected without surgical intervention.
How a Tummy Tuck Addresses Diastasis Recti
- Muscle Tightening (Rectus Plication): Using meticulous, layered suturing, our surgeons realign and secure the rectus muscles. This restores tension to the abdominal wall, creating lasting support.
- Removal of Excess Skin: Pregnancy and weight fluctuations often stretch the skin beyond its natural ability to recover. A tummy tuck removes this excess and tightens remaining tissue.
- Improved Belly Button Contour: We reposition the belly button using techniques that create a natural, “tucked-in” appearance—a detail our surgeons are known for.
- Enhanced Core Strength and Posture: Repairing muscle separation can improve stability and reduce low back pain, a benefit supported by clinical research (NIH).
- Option to Combine Liposuction for a Power Tuck: For patients with excess fat in the flanks or back, combining abdominoplasty with flank liposuction, our signature Power Tuck, creates a more sculpted, hourglass-shaped result, allowing for a single recovery period.
Is a Tummy Tuck Always Needed for Diastasis Recti?
Not always. Mild separation may improve with guided physical therapy, particularly in the early postpartum period. However, the connective tissue in true diastasis recti cannot “contract” on its own once stretched beyond a certain point. According to peer-reviewed data, exercise often strengthens surrounding muscles but cannot eliminate the gap when tissue integrity is compromised (NIH).
A tummy tuck becomes the most predictable, long-lasting solution when:
- The abdominal bulge remains despite exercise
- Core weakness affects movement or posture
- Skin laxity is present
- Separation is moderate to severe
- Muscle function has not returned with therapy
During your consultation, our surgeons evaluate the severity of the separation, skin quality, and overall abdominal anatomy to determine whether surgical repair is the right option for you.
Is a Tummy Tuck the Right Solution for Diastasis Recti for You? Let’s Find Out Together.
For many patients, especially mothers seeking to re-strengthen their core and restore a smooth abdominal shape, a tummy tuck is the most effective and comprehensive solution for diastasis recti. Ann Arbor Plastic Surgery pairs decades of focused expertise with thousands of successful procedures, a reputation for achieving natural-looking results, and a philosophy rooted in meticulous surgical planning.
If you suspect you have diastasis recti, or if you’re simply ready to feel strong and confident again, we invite you to schedule a private consultation at our Ann Arbor or Novi office today.
