21/10/2026
Some changes after pregnancy don’t fully resolve with time and exercise.
One example is re**us diastasis: a widening of the connective tissue (linea alba) between the abdominal muscles, often called “the gap”. It may be more likely in some women, including those of smaller stature or who carried larger babies.
For many women, targeted physiotherapy and core rehabilitation improve symptoms. For some, a gap of 3cm or more remains despite consistent effort. This can be associated with:
• Lower back pain
• Discomfort around the lower ribs
• Urinary symptoms such as leakage
Another common change is enlargement and drooping (ptosis) of the breasts after breastfeeding ends. For some women, the added weight contributes to back, neck or shoulder discomfort.
If you’re experiencing ongoing symptoms, start with your GP or a women’s health physiotherapist. They can assess you and talk through the options suited to your situation. Dr. Beryl Tan(FRACS Plastic surgery; AHPRA MED0001806513) is a certified medical professional specialising in plastic surgery. It’s critical to understand that surgical and non-surgical procedure outcomes are unique to each individual, influenced by genetic and lifestyle factors; therefore, your results may not mirror those depicted. Surgical procedures carry inherent risks and necessitate recovery periods. The information provided is general and should not replace specific medical advice.
Prior to committing to surgery, consider obtaining a second opinion from a suitably qualified medical professional such as a plastic surgeon. The term ‘plastic surgeon’ is regulated and exclusively used by
surgeons who have undergone specialised training in plastic surgery and are fellows of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS)
