Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Blog | Dr. Linderman

Rectus diastasis is a widening of the space between the two large vertically oriented rectus muscles of the abdominal wall. This occurs to some degree in all women after pregnancy. It is not a true hernia but can result in a bulge or protrusion of the abdomen. In most tummy tuck procedures, the widening is corrected by suturing the rectus muscles back together. This protrusion may be confined to the lower abdomen, which may be a good indication for a mini tummy tuck. Sit-ups and other exercises cannot correct this condition.

Implants come in both round and anatomic or more oval shapes. A majority of my patients achieve excellent results with round implants. Over time and with the effects of gravity most implants assume a tear drop shape if capsular contracture is avoided. Anatomic implants are either textured or silicone gel type implants. It is my feeling that textured implants have a higher incidence of leakage. Newer anatomic gel implants may be indicated in certain patients with a narrow chest wall and long torso.