How abdominoplasty can fix split abdominal muscles

This article has been reviewed and approved by Chief Medical and Aesthetic Surgeon Dr. Ali Bagher on March 12, 2024.

During pregnancy, it is not uncommon to have split abdominal muscles, also known as diastasis. Diastasis occurs as your baby grows bigger in the belly and takes up more space. For many people, the abdominal muscles gradually regress for some time after delivery, but in some cases the split abdominal muscles cannot contract again. In this case, abdominoplasty can be a great help, as the abdominal muscles can be sewn back together, helping you to regain a well-functioning everyday life and a less puffy stomach.

Symptoms of split abdominal muscles

It's not always easy to distinguish between diastasis and a bulging stomach due to bloating or weight gain, but there are common symptoms of split abdominal muscles that will help you understand the difference:

• Weak abdominal muscles
• Pain in the lower back
• Pain or discomfort when pushing on your stomach
• Difficulty participating in sports and exercise

The most common and obvious sign that you have suffered from split abdominal muscles is a bulging stomach. The bulge is not over the entire stomach area, but is centered in a "baguette" in the middle of the stomach.

The reason why the pad looks like this is simply because the connective tissue is able to penetrate the opening between the divided abdominal muscles. If the distance between the abdominal muscles is large, the organs can also take up space. With abdominal surgery, a surgeon can sew your abdominal muscles together to prevent the connective tissue from protruding.

Split abdominal muscles - Surgery and treatment

An abdominoplasty can help you with diastasis to regain your confidence and everyday functioning. In an operation to correct split abdominal muscles, the surgeon goes under the skin and reconnects the abdominal muscles. It is not uncommon to also remove excess fat with liposuction during such surgery.

When you come for your consultation with us at Estetikcentrum, you will talk to an experienced surgeon who will find the best solution for you based on your circumstances. In connection with your consultation, you will also get your questions and concerns answered, and an exact price for the operation.

Split abdominal muscles surgery - Price

How much your tummy tuck will cost depends on a variety of factors. The price depends on the extent of the problem, any liposuction, and the method that suits you best. On Estetikcentrum , prices for a full tummy tuck start at €64,900. This price also includes high-quality aftercare and free return visits.

Diastasis - before and after

Before you decide to undergo split abdominal surgery, you will probably want to get an idea of the results you can expect. It's important to remember that everyone's body is different, so it's hard to predict how you'll fare based on pictures of other people. Therefore, you should also have realistic expectations and take into account the limitations of the surgery. The surgeon will always consider your conditions and anatomy to give you the best possible result. 

Looking at before and after pictures of diastasis is a good way for you to get an understanding of the results you can expect, but remember that many pictures come from operations with additional liposuction. In some cases, liposuction may be needed to get rid of the connective tissue that has accumulated between the abdominal muscles. If this is something you also need, you will be informed about it before your surgery.

Do you want to know more about abdominoplasty to correct split abdominal muscles? You can read our guide to everything you need to know about abdominoplasty here, or our guide to the timing of abdominoplasty here. If you're ready to talk to us, you can book a consultation with a surgeon to discuss your options. We are happy to answer your questions.