Some women can improve this with dedicated core exercises, but others don’t see the results they hoped for. That’s where expert care from Dr. Sean Bidic and Dr. Vinay Gundlapalli at American Surgical Arts in Mullica Hill can make a difference. Both surgeons are board-certified and experienced in correcting diastasis recti with abdominoplasty surgery in South Jersey.
What Exercise Can and Cannot Do
Strengthening your core is important for overall stability, and in mild cases of diastasis recti, exercise may help close a small gap. Physical therapists often recommend specific breathing techniques, pelvic tilts, and gentle abdominal movements to engage the right muscles. These exercises can improve muscle tone, reduce discomfort, and even help flatten your belly a bit.
That said, exercise alone isn’t always enough. When the gap is wide or the connective tissue is too stretched, no amount of planks or crunches will bring those muscles back together. This is especially true if you’re also dealing with lower back pain, a visible bulge that doesn’t go away, or core weakness that interferes with everyday movement.
Why Abdominoplasty May Be the Best Solution
When diastasis recti is more severe, abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck surgery, tends to be the most effective way to repair it. This procedure allows the surgeon to bring the separated abdominal muscles back together and reinforce the midline in a way that exercise alone simply can’t. At the same time, abdominoplasty removes loose skin and tightens the entire midsection.
While many people think of a tummy tuck as just a cosmetic procedure, it can offer real functional benefits. Restoring the abdominal wall can improve your posture, reduce strain on your lower back, and help you feel more stable.
If you have lived with core weakness or a persistent belly bulge, the change can make you feel whole again, emotionally and physically.
Talk With a Surgeon Who Understands
The best way to know what your body needs is to speak with a qualified surgeon. Dr. Bidic and Dr. Gundlapalli take time to understand your goals and recommend the right path forward.
Call American Surgical Arts in Mullica Hill at 856-362-8898 to schedule your consultation today.