Understanding Abdominal Muscle Repair After Pregnancy

After pregnancy, many women experience weakening and separation of their abdominal muscles, which can affect their strength and stability. Abdominal muscle repair is key to restoring function and helping prevent problems such as low back pain and a lack of central support. 

This process may involve specific exercises, therapies and in some cases surgical intervention to realign and strengthen the muscles.

Abdominal muscle recovery does not occur automatically after delivery and may take several months. It is important to understand that muscle function and muscle thickness may decrease and that a careful approach to rehabilitation is necessary to prevent injury and improve quality of life. Therefore, proper repair must consider both the structural and the functional part.

Key Points

• Muscle repair improves abdominal strength and function after pregnancy.
• The recovery process can last several months and requires specific care.
• There are both non-invasive and surgical options to restore abdominal muscles.

Importance of abdominal muscle repair after pregnancy

After giving birth, many women face a weakening of their abdominal muscles, especially the rectus abdominis. This can affect your posture, movement and general health. La Proper Repair helps restore strength and muscle function key to daily life and physical recovery.

Consequences of the separation of the abdominal muscles

The separation of the abdominal muscles, known as diastasis of the rectus abdominis, can cause problems such as low back pain, core weakness and poor posture. This separation decreases the ability of the abdomen to support the spine and stabilize the trunk.

In addition, it can cause difficulty performing basic physical activities, such as lifting objects and walking. In some cases, this condition increases the risk of abdominal hernias. Muscle repair prevents these complications and improves quality of life.

Rectus abdominis And its function after delivery

The rectus abdominis is a long muscle that runs from the chest to the pubis. Its primary function is to maintain intra-abdominal pressure and aid in torso movement, especially flexion.

After pregnancy, this muscle usually weakens and separates, affecting body stability. Regaining your function is essential for improving abdominal strength, preventing low back pain and facilitating postpartum recovery.

Common Causes of Postpartum Muscle Damage

Stretching and pressure on the abdomen during pregnancy are the main causes of muscle damage. As the uterus grows, tissues and muscles stretch to accommodate the baby, which can cause the rectum abdomen to separate.

The vaginal delivery process can also contribute to muscle injury due to pressure exerted on the abdominal area. Factors such as the number of pregnancies and lack of exercise after delivery increase the risk of abdominal muscle damage.

Abdominal muscle repair options

There are a number of ways to approach abdominal muscle repair after pregnancy. Some options are based on exercises and non-invasive treatments. Others require surgery, depending on the severity of the muscle separation. The choice of treatment should consider the specific health and needs of each patient.

Indications for muscle repair surgery

Surgery is indicated when the separation of the abdominal muscles is greater than 2.2 cm and does not improve with physical therapy. It is also recommended in the presence of symptoms such as abdominal pain or associated hernias.

There are minimally invasive and open techniques to repair this condition. Surgery may include the plication of the alba line and the placement of meshes to improve abdominal wall strength.

The selection of the surgical method depends on factors such as the size of the diastasis, the presence of hernias, the condition of the skin and the body mass index.

Dr. Abel Salazar: Expert in postpartum abdominal repair

Choosing the right specialist is key to obtaining safe and aesthetic results after a pregnancy. El Dr. Abel Salazar, a certified plastic surgeon, has extensive experience in abdominal repair procedures, combining traditional and minimally invasive techniques according to the needs of each patient.

During the consultation, Dr. Salazar evaluates each woman's anatomy, objectives and health status in a personalized way. Your surgical planning includes a clear explanation of risks, benefits and recovery times, always with an honest and realistic approach.

In addition, their accompaniment does not end in the operating room. Dr. Salazar offers close postoperative follow-up, with guidance on the proper use of girdles, skin care and preventive measures to minimize complications such as seromas or recurrences.

The Abdominal Repair Surgical Procedure

Surgical abdominal muscle repair after pregnancy is a specific process that seeks to restore the function and appearance of the abdomen. It involves careful preparation, precise surgical techniques, and appropriate post-operative management for safe and effective results.

Preparing for surgery and medical evaluation

Before surgery, the patient must undergo a full medical evaluation. Dr. Salazar reviews medical history, especially previous pregnancies, abdominal surgeries, and conditions such as obesity.

Physical tests are performed to assess the diastasis of the rectus major muscles and the quality of the musculature. In some cases, an ultrasound or MRI is ordered to measure the separation and rule out hernias.

It is also essential to control factors that hinder healing, such as smoking or diabetes. The patient is told to avoid certain medications and to maintain a stable weight before surgery.

Details of the surgical process

The repair is usually performed under general anaesthesia. Dr. Salazar uses techniques to join the rectus abdominis muscles, correcting diastasis.

The most common technique is plication, which involves suturing the aponeurosis of the muscles to reinforce the abdominal wall. In cases with preserved musculature, this repair can be done without meshes.

During surgery, the navel may be reshaped if it is elongated or mispositioned. The procedure lasts between 1 and 3 hours and can be combined with aesthetic procedures such as liposuction to improve abdominal contour.

Care immediately after surgery

After surgery, the patient must rest relatively, avoiding intense abdominal efforts for at least 4 to 6 weeks.

The use of abdominal girdles or bands is recommended to maintain pressure and promote healing. Pain management is done with medications prescribed by the surgeon.

Initial follow-up visits are essential to monitor progress, detect possible complications such as infections or bruises, and adjust the recovery plan.

It is also important to start gentle movements to avoid stiffness and circulatory problems, always following medical indications.

Postoperative recovery and recommendations

Recovery after surgical repair of the abdominal muscles requires specific care and constant monitoring. It is essential that the patient understands the times, the measures at home and the importance of medical control for adequate healing and avoiding complications.

Recovery phases and estimated time

The initial recovery usually lasts 4 to 6 weeks, during which the swelling and pain gradually decrease. In this phase, the patient must limit sudden movements that strain the abdominal area to protect the suture.

Between weeks 6 and 12, muscle strength is expected to increase little by little, but intense physical activity is contraindicated. Only after the third month can a gradual return to exercise be considered, always under medical supervision.

Dr. Salazar guides this process, evaluating tissue recovery and ensuring that there are no hernias or infections.

Care at home and return to physical activity

At home, it's key to keep the incision clean and dry to avoid infection. You should avoid carrying weight or straining that involves abdominal pressure for at least 6 weeks.

A balanced protein-rich diet is recommended to facilitate tissue repair. The use of an abdominal girdle can be useful to provide support and reduce tension in the surgical area.

The return to physical activity should be slow and gradual. Start with short walks and gentle exercises that don't compromise the operated area. Only under the instructions of the medical team should the intensity be increased, especially to strengthen the abdomen.

Medical monitoring and outcome control

Postoperative visits with the plastic surgeon are essential to monitor muscle healing and function. Check-ups are usually scheduled 2, 6, and 12 weeks after surgery.

During these visits, signs of infection, persistent pain, or seroma formation are evaluated. In addition, the correct alignment and tension of the repaired abdominal muscles are checked.

If follow-up is adequate, the risk of complications is reduced. In some cases, support with specialized physical therapy may be necessary to improve the tone and functionality of the abdomen after surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exercises are recommended to improve postpartum rectal diastasis?

It is recommended to perform exercises that strengthen the transverse muscle of the abdomen and avoid putting pressure on the midarea. Exercises such as deep abdominal contractions and bridges are common. Training should be gradual and supervised to avoid worsening the separation. Pelvic floor exercise may also be beneficial.

Is it possible to see positive results in rectal diastasis without undergoing surgery?

Yes, many women experience improvement with appropriate exercises to strengthen the abdomen. However, it is not always possible to completely close the gap without surgery. The outcome depends on the severity of the diastasis and the consistency in postpartum rehabilitation.

Can rectal diastasis surgery be performed without including a tummy tuck?

Yes, it is possible to repair rectal diastasis without a tummy tuck, especially if there is no excess abdominal skin. Surgery may focus only on attaching muscles. However, in cases with excess skin, it is usually combined with a tummy tuck.

What do the results look like before and after rectal diastasis surgery in men?

Surgery in men also improves abdominal appearance and function. Before surgery, the bulge or separation is visible; afterward, the midline is usually firmer and less bulging. The results include better muscle support and can improve posture and comfort.

‍