Posted: December 8, 2016
Pregnancy can have a tremendous impact on the strength and tone of abdominal muscles. Even women who are athletic and continue to exercise throughout pregnancy may experience a separation of abdominal muscles as the uterus expands. In fact nearly 70% of women experience abdominal separation during pregnancy – and no amount of core strengthening exercises will be fully effective at reconnecting these muscles after the baby is born.
If pregnancy has weakened your core and impacted the tone of your midsection, please contact John J. Corey, MD online or by calling 480-767-7700 today to schedule a mommy makeover consultation at our Scottsdale office. We welcome mothers from all areas of Arizona including Phoenix, Chandler, and Mesa.
Diastasis Recti
The linea alba is comprised of collagen connective tissue and runs the length of the abdominal muscles. Separating the right and left rectus abdominis muscles, it is the linea alba that produces the “six-pack” appearance in athletic individuals.
During pregnancy, the linea alba becomes more elastic, allowing the transverse and oblique muscles to separate as the uterus grows. This condition, known as diastasis recti, is often more visible in the third trimester and is more common in women who have previously had children. Unfortunately, once the linea alba has stretched, there is little that can be done by way of physical activity to reattach the abdominal muscles. This is why tummy tuck surgery is so often included in the mommy makeover procedure.
Tummy Tuck Surgery
Tummy tuck surgery provides a number of benefits for moms. Cosmetically, abdominoplasty removes excess skin and fat around the midsection, producing a flatter and firmer appearance while also removing some stretch marks. Physically, tummy tuck surgery addresses diastasis recti, reattaching abdominal muscles and restoring tone to the core, hips, and waist. Dr. Corey’s artistic training pulls in the muscles, beautifully contouring the tummy to highlight your newly tightened tummy. Once completed, additional strengthening exercises can be performed to further define and enhance the abdominal muscles, though even mild exercise will help you maintain results. This can be discussed in greater detail during your initial consultation with Dr. Corey.
To schedule your mommy makeover consultation with our board-certified Scottsdale plastic surgeon, please call 480-767-7700 today.