Diastasis Recti, Possible Hernia and Tummy Tuck? (photo)

I am 32 and 5'3" 148 pounds. I had 2 horizontal c sections & 1 vertical c section. My children were all over 10 lbs l currently would like to lose another 10lbs but between bfing and the pain in my belly it has been difficult. I saw a gastro surgeon and have a CT scan scheduled. I would love to get a TT because of the extra skin, but I am not sure who to see. This surgeon, a general surgeon, plastic surgeon? Am I a good candidate for TT? What steps do I need to take in going forward?

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age 25-34 diastasis recti hernia 5 ft 0 in to 5 ft 3 in 130-149 lbs c-section candidate

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8 Doctor Answers | Asked by cctt5

Doctor Answers (8)
Community Comments (1)

Plastic Surgeon is your Answer

The best time to do a tummy tuck is when you are done with pregnancies and your weight is close to normal. By your photo, you look to be a good candidate for a tummy tuck. A tummy tuck will address the loose skin, muscle wall laxity and possible hernia. Complete your evaluation with your gasto doctor and then see a board certified plastic surgeon. Best Wishes Dr. Peterson

Marcus L. Peterson, MD

4 reviews

Saint George Plastic Surgeon

Who should I see for a tummy tuck?

Thank you for your question and for your photographs. While you will need to be formally examined it seems clear from your photographs that you have a significant amount of loose skin and most likely have significant diastasis of the rectus abdominus muscles. These are the washboard muscles of the abdomen which separate with childbearing, particularly with a larger births. It is not clear to me what is causing your pain, so certainly, you should continue to evaluate... more

See a Plastic Surgeon

See a Plastic Surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery for a tummy tuck consultation. A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) removes the extra skin and repairs the diastasis rectus. You also mentioned a hernia which can be repaired at the same time. Extra skin and diastasis rectus do not cause pain, so have your belly pain thoroughly checked out as you are doing. Don't expect the tummy tuck to correct your abdominal pain - that is a separate issue.

Which doctor to see

I would start with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. It appears that you would be a good candidate for a tummy tuck, and that is often a good time to get the hernia repaired as well. I am a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon as well as being Board Certified in General Surgery. You may want to search if there are doctors in your area who have both of these certifications. Good luck.

Mennen T. Gallas, MD

8 reviews

Houston Plastic Surgeon

Possible abdominoplasty candidate

Assuming that you are not planning on having any more children, you would be an excellent candidate for a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty). You definitely should see a board certified plastic surgeon.

Kenneth L. Stein, MD

5 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Diastasis Recti, Possible Hernia and Tummy Tuck

From the attached photo, you are as good a candidate for a tummy tuck as they come. This procedure will: Remove excess skin Remove excess fat Tighten the abdominal wall The correct physician is a board certified plastic surgeon. If you have a hernia, your surgeon may want to have a general surgeon involved . When you ready for an in person consultation, RealSelf has listings of surgeons in your area. You should consider cross referencing the listings from... more

Get several consultations with well trained board certified plastic surgeons

Hello, Thank you for the question and photo. You are a terrific candidate for a tummy tuck which will removed the excess skin laxity, tighten the abdominal wall, and remove the c-section scars. I would recommend having multiple consultations with well trained board certified plastic surgeons that can show excellent before and after photos. All the best, Dr Remus Repta

Good candidate for tummy tuck

Based on your photos and description, you would be an excellent candidate for a tummy tuck. A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty consists of 3 components; skin removal, muscle tightening and fat removal. Because of recent style changes (low cut jeans) tummy tucks now include removal of the "muffin top" and extension into the hips and back. Make sure you see a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon for your consultation. Good Luck!

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Comments (1)

SVR 27 Jan 2013

I'm have a Plastic surgery handle my Full TT, Muscle repair, lipo of flanks and will have a general surgeon do the hernia repair while I'm under so I only have one recovery. I would see both a plastic surgeon and general surgeon, my PS gave me name of GS he works with and they work together to resolve the issues and pain. Best of luck to you.

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