CHANGES TO ABDOMINAL MUSCLES AFTER PREGNANCY ABDOMINOPLASTY ROLE: AN ORIGINAL RESEARCH.

Objective: This prospective cohort study aims to investigate the morphological and functional changes in abdominal muscles following pregnancy and evaluate the efficacy of abdominoplasty in restoring muscle integrity. Methods: A total of 100 women were recruited, including 50 postpartum women who underwent abdominoplasty within 12 months postpartum and 50 age-matched nulliparous women as controls. Ultrasound imaging was used to assess abdominal muscle morphology, including diastasis recti width and muscle thickness, preoperatively and at 6 and 12 months post-abdominoplasty. Functional assessments, including muscle strength and endurance, were conducted using standardized tests. Statistical analysis was performed to compare preoperative and postoperative measurements within the abdominoplasty group and between the abdominoplasty group and controls. Results: Significant improvements in abdominal muscle morphology and function were observed following abdominoplasty. Reductions in diastasis recti width and increases in muscle thickness were evident at 6 and 12 months post-abdominoplasty compared to preoperative measures. Functional assessments demonstrated enhanced muscle strength and endurance post-abdominoplasty. No significant changes were observed in the control group over the study period. Conclusion: Abdominoplasty emerges as an effective intervention for addressing post-pregnancy abdominal changes, offering improvements in both aesthetics and functionality. By restoring abdominal muscle integrity and function, abdominoplasty contributes to enhanced abdominal contour and patient satisfaction. However, further research is warranted to optimize surgical techniques and patient selection criteria, as well as to evaluate long-term outcomes and complications associated with abdominoplasty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]