Muscle Repair in Tummy Tucks (Diastasis Recti Repair)

Let's discuss a certain aspect of tummy tuck surgery--muscle repair for diastasis recti. What causes diastasis recti? The culprit-childbearing, due to the muscles being separated and stretched from the child growing inside. When I preform an abdominoplasty or tummy tuck, my goal is to achieve that flat, toned, snatched look for my patients once again and more commonly than not that includes muscles repair. 

Key aspects of muscle repair in Abdominoplasty

1. Diastasis Recti Correction

a. During the surgery, I can pull the muscles back together and suture them in place. This is similar to tightening a corset to repair the muscles and reduce the abdominal circumference. This restores the abdominal wall integrity and improves the overall contour.

2. Surgical Technique

a. During the repair I use permanent sutures for long lasting results. Those sutures will hold the muscles back together. 

3. Benefits

a. Musle repair can help your posture, reduce back pain, and improve functional strength in addition to improving the aesthetic appearance of the abdomen. The pooching out from the muscles is corrected and a flat, toned look is the goal. 

4. Recovery

a. Post-operative care is similar for any of the abdominoplasty or tummy tuck types without muscle repair.

b. If muscle repair is done, I often recommend the addition of Exparel, a long acting local anesthetic for improved pain control after. It lasts for up to three days and is helpful in those first few days of healing after tummy tuck surgery.

5. Risks

a. As with any surgery there are potential risks. Risks include but are not limited to bleeding, infection, seroma, hematoma, scarring, wound healing problems, asymmetry, contour irregularities, and possible complications related to anesthesia. This is also where I'll add the plug to make sure you have a board certified plastic surgeon preforming the surgery. You want an expert working on you and someone who knows exactly what they are doing. 

If you are considering a tummy tuck or mommy makeover come meet the team at Derrick Plastic Surgery and see how we can help you achieve those body goals!

Dr. Chase Derrick of Derrick Plastic Surgery has two office locations, one in West Plano, Texas and another in Anna, Texas. He is a board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery.