Would a tummy tuck and muscle repair improve ab strength and functionality after having children? (photo)

Correction of the muscle separation will greatly improve the appearance of the abdomen, but whether is will improve your core strength is an open question. Back pain improvement is also not guaranteed. I would go into the surgery expecting a super star looking belly, and if you eventually have improvement in the other areas, I would consider that an unexpected happy result. Be aware that initially after correction of rectus diastasis, you will have pain when you strain the abdominal muscles. This lasts for a few weeks as the repair heals. 6 weeks after surgery, you can return to core exercises.

If you are not planning future pregnancies, I recommend abdominoplasty with mesh reinforcement. The mesh creates a more hourglass figure by compressing the abdominal wall resulting in early satiety and helps maintain a reduced weight.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

There have actually been studies showing that muscle repair does help with symptoms you describe as well as backpain. Your photos show a wide diastasis and you appear to be a good candidate for tummy tuck with muscle repair

Thank you for sharing your question and photograph. Unfortunately there is no certainty in the repair improving your symptoms, but many patients do feel better after the muscle tightening procedure.

Dear saywhat420,
based on your photos, you look like a good candidate for a TT. Full tummy tuck should tighten your abdominal muscles and remove the excess skin. Flanks liposuction would give you a better shape. I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon because only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

You appear to be a good candidate for a tummy tuck. This procedure will remove excess fat and skin as well as repair you abdominal wall separation. This separation is common with pregnancy and severity varies person to person. See a board certified plastic surgeon near you for a consultation. I've included a video about the procedure I hope you find helpful.

Hello saywhat420,Removal of extra skin during a tummy tuck improves appearance of the abdomen; a tummy tuck with muscle repair is likely to significantly improve functionality and strength of the abdominal muscles. A tummy tuck with repair of diastasis or “separated abs” often improves the ability to strengthen and engage core muscles and sometimes can decrease back pain.
Best,A. Shteynberg, M.D., F.A.C.S.Diplomate, American Board of Plastic SurgeryNew York, NY.

Yes, a tummy tuck where the muscles are brought back together can help give your abdominal wall more strength.

It is difficult to tell whether you are a good candidate without a physical examination and complete medical history. It would depend on your anatomical findings, motivation, realistic expectations, and whether you are finished having children.

Weight ideally should be within 10 pounds of your ideal weight.

If a member of my family underwent these procedures, they would be performed by an experienced plastic surgeon who is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. If you are serious about undergoing these procedures, you should have a thorough consultation with a plastic surgeon having those credentials, who will fully explain what is entailed in the procedures, including both the positives and potential problems. You should be complimented on the fact that you are seeking valid information before jumping into any procedure.

Robert Singer, MD FACS
LaJolla, California

Muscle separation does not affect the muscles at all. muscle separation happens to the facia or the flat tendon covering abdominal muscles. Likewise muscle tightening also has no impact on the muscles other than tightening the fascia between the muscles putting the rectus muscles next to each other or potentially on top of each other.

The procedure and condition are purely related to fascia and not the muscles themselves.

While muscle tightening typically aims at the separation in the midline between the two rectus muscles pregnancy also causes the facia to be thinned out and stretched in other areas of the abdomen as well. some plastic surgeons will include muscle tightening on the sides of the abdomen as well as in the midline.

Plastic surgeons often speak of the condition as being one that affects muscle but the truth is it is not the muscles but the facia that are involved in both pathology and correction.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD