4 months post-op. How do I look? (Photo)

The left side of your belly at the same level as the belly button has a dent from overdone lipo at that site. I don't think lipo has changed the appearance for better or worse (except for the dents in your belly and your wallet), but it's your opinion that counts. Frankly, I would have recommended a diet, then a tummy tuck and no lipo beforehand. In addition to a large diastasis, you've got excess internal fat (visceral fat) and that's the part that is causing a large potbelly and will prevent you from getting a good tummy tuck result without dieting.

Thanks for posting you questions. The bulging of the upper abdomen can mean you have something called diastasis recti. This is a condition usually seen after pregnancy. The muscle expands and unfortunately after giving birth does not always return to normal. The way to fix this is with a full abdominoplasty and muscle repair. All that said it is impossible to tell if this is truly your case without a proper exam. Some patients are prone to fat deposits behind the muscle - this has a similar effect but will resolve with diet and exercise. Best of luck, Dr. M

i don't think you were a very good candidate for Smartlipo. Smartlipo is a great technique but only for the correct patient. I would recommend you lose a moderate amount of weight and then get a consult for a TT where the muscle wall can be tightened (assuming you are not planning on having more children. Otherwise hold off until you are done having kids. )david berman md