Any benefit to strengthening the abs (transverse especially) prior to tummy tuck?

Question

I have diastasis recti big time. I'll get a TT hopefully in July. Is there any benefit to strengthening the transverse abs and attempting to close the gap by exercise/splint wearing prior to surgery? Would it increase healing of the muscle and reduce my recovery time? Or am I just wasting my time?

Christopher J. Morea, MD · Answer

There are no exercises that will correct a diastasis recti.  The only factor which will correct a diastasis is tightening of the muscle with sutures during a tummy tuck.  However, exercising prior to your tummy tuck is a great idea for overall conditioning and weight control.  You will probably find that the results of your tummy tuck will be better if your body is at your ideal weight.Best of luck,

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

There is no exercise that will type close the diastasis gap. The diastasis is best treated surgical tightening of the muscle. Exercise will strengthen the muscle. This may give you a better cosmetic appearance to the muscle after a tummy tuck if you have very little fat beneath the skin.Earl Stephenson Jr, MD, DDS, FACS

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

I think that strengthening the muscles is reasonable, though the separation of the muscle can only be corrected with surgery.Find
 a plastic surgeon who performs hundreds of tummy tucks each year, has great reviews, and has great before and after 
pictures.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Megan Jack, MD · Answer

Abdominal exercises certainly won't HURT anything but as far as reducing the gap or changing your recovery--it won't make a difference. I would never say that doing excercise is a waste of your time. It's always a good idea to build muscle and exercise to increase your metabolism (so that you burn fat more efficiently and stay in good cardiovascular health!)!!!  Wearing any type of wrap or splint will also not help but may help you to look/feel better in clothing.  Good luck!

Maan Kattash, MD, FRCS, FACS - Account Suspended · Answer

Diastasis is the separation of the rectus muscles. It is infrequently associated with weakness and laxity of other abdominal wall muscles. Exercise will tone rectus muscles and strengthen them, but as 2 independent units. Only surgery will unite them. Muscle strengthening exercises will help but they will be of more help after surgery, when these muscles act as one unit. Usually, people who are as motivated as yourself get the best outcome from their surgery.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

I would encourage you to tone your abdominal muscles in preparation for your tummy tuck.The better condition you are in the easier your recovery from surgery will be.  In particular strong abdominal muscles can help you maintaining your posture as you recover from tummy tuck.

Harlan Pollock, MD (retired) · Answer

Toning abdominal muscles pre-operatively will not reduce the gap between the muscles,  only surgery can do that.  That said,  the better toned your abdominal muscles the better the surgical result,  starting toning preoperatively i should be beneficial to you, as you resume muscle excercises post op.

Any benefit to strengthening the abs (transverse especially) prior to tummy tuck?

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