What conditions require tightening of the abdominal muscles?
Abdominoplasty is often indicated following pregnancy. One of the body’s primary muscle girdles is the rectus abdominis, the area that allows us to perform movements like sit-ups. Comprised of two parts, these muscles are contiguous from the breast bone to the pubic bone, forming an internal restraint system that holds the tummy firmly in. During pregnancy, these muscles split to allow the baby to grow. Following birth, these muscles often stay separated, making it impossible to firm the lower abdomen through exercise, diet or other nonsurgical means. During abdominoplasty, this condition, called diastasis recti, is treated by bringing these muscles back together, restoring their strength and tone.
