Our Philosophy on Postpartum Abdominoplasty
At AR Plastic Surgery, postpartum abdominoplasty is offered to patients who experience persistent abdominal changes following pregnancy, particularly abdominal muscle separation and excess skin. A common cause is rectus diastasis, where the abdominal muscles stretch and separate to accommodate a growing uterus. While this separation is part of a normal pregnancy, the muscles may not fully return to their original position after childbirth, which can result in abdominal wall weakness or changes in shape.
Our approach to postpartum abdominoplasty focuses on supporting abdominal wall strength and removing excess skin where needed. The procedure typically involves bringing the separated abdominal muscles back together and removing skin from the lower abdomen that has not returned to its previous condition. It is generally considered for patients in good health who have completed their family, as a future pregnancy could affect the muscle repair and change the surgical outcome.
Patient education and shared decision-making are key parts of our care. The surgical plan is explained clearly, including how the muscles are repaired, how much skin may be removed, and what the recovery process may involve. Each patient is assessed individually, and the procedure is tailored to support physical function and address specific concerns discussed during consultation.
Understanding Rectus Diastasis and Abdominal Wall Changes
Rectus diastasis is a separation of the two vertical muscles that run along the front of the abdomen. During pregnancy, the growing uterus stretches these muscles and the tissue that connects them. In some cases, especially after multiple pregnancies, this tissue does not return to its original tightness, resulting in a visible or palpable gap in the midline.
This separation may lead to functional concerns such as poor core strength, lower back discomfort, or difficulty with certain movements. In addition to muscle weakness, excess skin and soft tissue may remain in the lower abdomen, contributing to the overall change in abdominal shape after pregnancy. Exercise alone may not fully address these changes, particularly when the underlying muscles remain separated.
Abdominoplasty with rectus diastasis repair addresses both the muscle separation and excess tissue in the lower abdomen. The procedure involves bringing the abdominal muscles back together using sutures to support the abdominal wall and core function. Skin and fat below the belly button are removed to reduce the amount of excess tissue and support the underlying structure.
