Diastasis Recti Repair Sarasota | Muscle Plication Sarasota

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The body changes throughout our lives. While this is perfectly normal and natural, it is not always welcome. It can even sometimes cause some health issues or conditions. A common change the body may undergo is diastasis recti which can cause the stomach to protrude. For patients experiencing diastasis recti, it can be a startingly and frustrating condition. Thankfully, there are options. Dr. Alberico Sessa of Sarasota Surgical Arts provides the best diastasis recti repair Sarasota offers.

Overview: What Is Diastasis Recti?

Diastasis recti is a separation of the abdominal muscles. Normally, the abdominal muscles are joined together tightly by connective tissue known as the linea alba. This is what creates the appearance of space between visible abs. When diastasis recti occurs, the connective tissue loosens and some or all of the abdominal muscles have moved away from one another.

It is estimated that two-thirds of pregnant women have or will develop diastasis recti during pregnancy. Beyond that, it affects roughly 60% of all people. Abdominal muscle separation is extremely common and not inherently harmful. Though, there are cases where severe separation can cause certain medical and cosmetic problems.

Causes

Diastasis recti has many causes. In some patients, multiple factors may contribute. Understanding the possible causes of diastasis recti, can help you seek out the proper care. As well as help Dr. Sessa craft an individualized plan. Among the causes of diastasis recti include:

  • Pregnancy (more than one pregnancy, vaginal delivery, having multiples, a naturally petite body, and having a large or heavy baby can all increase the risk of or worsen diastasis recti)
  • Injury or improperly performed exercise
  • Aging
  • Yo-yo dieting
  • Underdeveloped abdominal muscles (mostly in babies)
  • Certain medical conditions such as cirrhosis of the liver

Both men and women can be genetically susceptible to diastasis recti. Also, it can occur several times during a person’s lifetime and repair itself. Though, this is not always the case and becomes less likely with subsequent occurrences.

Benefits Of A Tummy Tuck With Muscle Plication

The most effective way to treat diastasis recti is with a procedure known as muscle plication. It is frequently combined with a tummy tuck since many people with diastasis recti develop extra abdominal skin as well. Therefore, a tummy tuck with correction of abdominal muscle separation is ideal. Some of the benefits of a Sarasota tummy tuck with muscle plication include:

  • Tightening of the abdominal muscles
  • Removal of extra skin on the abdomen
  • Slimmer physique
  • Flat stomach (possible in most cases, but not all)
  • Reduction in clothing size
  • Improved and more proportional body contours
  • Treatment of back pain or incontinence caused by muscle separation
  • Repositioning or reshaping the belly button
  • May make it easier to exercise
  • Reduces stress on ligaments and abdominal cavity
  • Lessened risk of hernias
  • May improve confidence and self-esteem

Types Of Diastasis Recti Repair

Tummy tuck surgery is often considered the most effective and best treatment for diastasis recti. However, it is not the only option and not always necessary. There are some non-surgical options and other surgical options available.

Non-Surgical Options

The most frequently used non-surgical option for treating diastasis recti is simply time. For women who do not gain a ton of weight with pregnancy, they may find that diastasis recti resolves over time. This is also true in cases where babies are born with or develop diastasis recti due to their underdeveloped abdominal muscles. It almost always corrects itself.

For minor cases, physical therapy and at-home exercises can sometimes help repair abdominal muscle separation. However, this is not guaranteed to provide full correction. Additionally, people with diastasis recti should avoid exercises that cause their stomach to become compressed or bunched such as crunches, sit-ups, and planks. It may seem counterintuitive, but these exercises can actually worsen diastasis recti.

Surgical Options

Surgical diastasis recti repair looks similar, but may be performed along with a different procedure. Correcting diastasis recti surgically involves stitching the affected abdominal muscles back together. This is known as muscle plication surgery. While most often done during a tummy tuck, it is also sometimes performed alongside other procedures such as a hernia repair.

Dr. Sessa performs muscle plication with most of his tummy tucks. It not only improves the overall appearance of the abdomen, but also allows him to remove more skin. This can sometimes even lead to abs when a patient has fairly low body fat or loses weight.

Before & After Muscle Plication Surgery

Consultation

The first step to undergoing muscle plication surgery is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Alberico Sessa at Sarasota Surgical Arts. At this consultation, he will ask about your medical history, goals for the procedure, and aspects of your lifestyle. He will then examine your abdomen to determine the right surgery for you.

If he believes you are a good candidate for a tummy tuck with muscle plication surgery, he will further describe the procedure and what you can expect from the results. You will also receive a finalized price quote and financing information. Patients can schedule following their consultation.

Surgery

Upon checking in and undergoing initial testing, you will meet with Dr. Sessa for surgical markings. He will also review the surgical plan with you. After this, a licensed anesthesia provider will place you under general anesthesia.

Dr. Sessa will start your tummy tuck with diastasis recti repair surgery by making the lower abdomen incision. The exact length of the incision will differ based on your needs. If only experiencing lower abdominal diastasis recti, then a mini tummy tuck may suffice. The most common incision is the standard tummy tuck incision from hip to hip.

Through this incision, he will use a spiraling vertical incision up the center of the abdominal wall to stitch them back together and pull them tight. He will then remove extra skin and fat before pulling the remaining skin over your abdomen. Finally, he will close the incision in the lower abdomen and you will begin to slowly wake up from surgery.

Recovery

The recovery process following a tummy tuck with muscle plication will involve staying hunched over for around a week. You will also need about two to three weeks off work. Dr. Sessa’s instructions will vary depending on your medical history and specific procedure. However, you can expect instructions such as:

  • Avoid strenuous exercise for about four to six weeks
  • Do not lift anything over about five pounds
  • Elevate the head of the bed when sleeping/resting
  • Do not smoke or drink during recovery
  • Attend all post-operative appointments
  • Take prescribed medications
  • Keep the incision area dry
  • Do not return to work or activities before being okayed by Dr. Sessa

You may notice bruising, swelling, redness, numbness, itchiness, and other side effects. Swelling can stick around for a few months, but most of the uncomfortable symptoms should subside in about two weeks.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • What’s The Difference Between a Tummy Tuck and Mini Tummy Tuck?

    For Bradenton patients seeking a tummy tuck, there are two main types of tummy tucks, full and mini. A full tummy tuck is most commonly used and addresses sagging skin and loose muscles across the entire abdomen. A mini tummy tuck only addresses loose skin and separated abdominal muscles in the lower abdomen but not in the top. Dr. Sessa will guide you through the options and help determine the best surgery for your needs and goals.

  • How Bad Is The Pain After a Tummy Tuck?

    The first three to four days after a tummy tuck will be the worst of the discomfort after the surgery. The pain and swelling will begin to fade after this period and will gradually get better in the following weeks. Dr. Sessa will prescribe pain medication to ease any discomfort.

  • How Much Does A Tummy Tuck Cost In Bradenton, Florida?

    Not including the cost of anesthesia, Bradenton tummy tucks start at around $7,500. Depending on the extent of the surgery and any additional procedures, the cost can vary. Dr. Sessa offers Care Credit to provide financing options for his patients.

The Top Tummy Tuck Surgeon In Bradenton

Dr. Alberico Sessa provides the highest quality care for all of his Bradenton patients. His start-of-the-art cosmetic surgery practice, Sarasota Surgical Arts, provides the best cosmetic procedures in the Bradenton area. He and his staff are dedicated to every patient and are passionate about providing the highest quality tummy tucks. 

Dr. Sessa is a double-board certified cosmetic surgeon, certified by The American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. His training was in every cosmetic procedure, and he has performed hundreds of successful tummy tucks for his patients. 

To learn more and schedule a consultation with Dr. Alberico Sessa, call us at 941-923-1736. Patients can also reach out online via chat, contact form, and Price Simulator.

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