Can yoga make diastasis come back after a full tummy tuck?

Question

I had a full TT Aug 2016. 4 fingers width of diastasis after 3 kids. After 6-8 wks I started yoga after my doctor’s ok. 10 month later I noticed my lower abs bulging out. A “pooch” but muscular. At my 1 yr follow up we discussed my concerns. below my belly button had opened up again. he wanted to do a minor repair and re-stitch that area. Free of charge. But once In surgery, diastasis was much longer 10 inches. I love yoga but will never get my Tummy fixed again! Should I stop yoga? Pilates?

Ozge Ergun, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question. After 4-6 weeks your surgery area is totally healed and yes you can doing yoga and also do other activities. I wish you all the best.

Ross Blagg, MD · Answer

Hello,The majority of patients would be fine doing yoga at that point. However, with a very large diastasis, it may be more likely to widen over time. If you love yoga then that's probably something you should continue to do.All the best, Dr. BlaggAustin, TX

Luis M. Rios Jr., MD · Answer

Sorry for your experience, but thanks for the question.In the majority of patients, the abdominal muscle repair is very solid after 6 weeks. Most patients can return to full physical activity, including yoga, without affecting the repair.Having said that, most plastic surgeons have probably encountered a patient or two that stretch their muscles even after a repair or two. It may have something to do with the patient's ability to hold the repair.I can understand your hesitation to return to yoga too quickly, so you might want to hold off for longer than 6 weeks. You might try to wait for 3 months. At that point the repair should be solid. As is customary, follow your plastic surgeon's advice and guidance.At some point, you should be able to return to yoga without risking your repair.Good Luck!

Cain R. Linville, MD, FACS · Answer

I would definitely have you wait longer after your tummy tuck before doing intense yoga or stretching.  Scar tissue isn't fully formed or strong until 6-8 weeks, but that doesn't mean that you should strain it.  You want to let things heal in very well before stressing them.  The body has its own healing process, and it must be respected.

Susan Buenaventura, MD, FACS · Answer

It sounds like you may have strained your rectus muscles too early after the surgery.  Pilates is wonderful for core but you will still be best off avoiding exercises that isolate the rectus muscle, as you seem to have a tendency to "stretch".  I think you can do yoga with some modifications but would wait 4-6 months to do isolated rectus exercises.  Good luck!

Can yoga make diastasis come back after a full tummy tuck?

Answers (5)

Answer: Yoga after TT

Answer: Yoga after TT

Answer: Recurrent diastasis/yoga

Answer: Recurrent diastasis/yoga

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Can yoga make diastasis come back after a full tummy tuck?

Answers (5)

Answer: Yoga after TT

Answer: Yoga after TT

Answer: Recurrent diastasis/yoga

Answer: Recurrent diastasis/yoga

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.