03/31/2026
A persistent lower abdominal pooch is not always caused by excess fat or loose skin. In many patients, the underlying issue is re**us diastasis—a separation of the abdominal muscles that commonly develops after pregnancy, weight fluctuation, or prolonged abdominal stretching.
As the connective tissue between the muscles weakens, the core loses support, often creating a visible bulge or pooch that remains despite exercise and a healthy lifestyle.
In this video, Kimberly Prock, plastic surgeon at Austin Cosmetic Surgery, explains how repairing the abdominal muscles and restoring them to the midline can strengthen the core, improve support, and create a flatter, more refined contour.
Because abdominal shape is often determined by what is happening beneath the surface, restoring the foundation can create a profound transformation.