Crooked abs - could this be fixed with a tummy tuck? (Photo)

Question

Hi I'm considering a Diastasis repair with hernia repair and tummy tuck. Have any of you surgeons ever seen this crooked and line before surgery and feel confident it could be fixed and straight again? Thank you

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

This may be corrected with a full tummy tuck. Your surgeon will need to assess you in person to first determine the cause of the crooked line, and then will let you know if this can be effectively resolved.

Andre P. Marshall, MD · Answer

Hi lm30269, 
There are multiple reasons for body asymmetry before surgery. Sometimes it's caused by scolisosis. Othertimes it is a natural variant and it is often present in patients prior to surgery. 30-40% of patients don't have a perfectly centered belly button before surgery. The main goals of a tummy tuck are to provide muscle repair for diastasis, remove extra skin, and provide a better contour to the abdomen and waist. The goal with any surgery is not perfection but correction towards a more normal appearance. Most board certified plastic surgeons would be able to achieve a satisfactory result in patients with notable preoperative asymmetry. Best wishes in your surgical journey,
Dr. Andre P. MarshallDouble Board Certified Plastic SurgeonBeverly Hills, CA 90210

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

There are a number of possibilities as to why your midline of your abdomen looks slightly off. Your diastasis or your hernia may be causing this. Also, nobody’s umbilicus is exactly in the midline, it is usually slightly to either side just as it can be slightly higher or slightly lower in different people.An in person examination will help determine exactly what your issue is.  An abdominoplasty with correction of your diastasis and repair of your hernia as well as some liposuction should help to smooth and flatten your abdomen, narrow your waistline and improve the midline of your abdomen. See a board-certified plastic surgeon for an in person consultation.  Best wishes.

Carmina Cardenas, MD · Answer

Scoliosis is a very common feature we find among people and you must acknowledge that will not be fixed with surgery. 
Your Tummy tuck must be adjusted to your scoliosis and your abdomen will appear to be more, also during surgery it will be needed to get fixed the position of the belly button and the midline. 
Be encouraged!!
Dr. Cárdenas

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear lm30269,
based on your photos, you look like a good candidate for a TT. Full tummy tuck should tighten your abdominal muscles and remove the excess skin. Flanks liposuction would give you a better shape. I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon because only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Miguel Mota, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for posting this excellent question. The answer is yes. Your curve is probably more pronounced them most, but it is more common then you think. In most cases this is associated with some degree of escoliosis and maybe even one hip is higher then the other.

That said, your abs can be corrected with a tummy tuck with hernia and muscle repair. Maybe not 100% because there might be other issues at play, but certainly much straighter then it is now!

Best of luck,
Dr. Miguel Mota

Finny George, MD · Answer

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. You are a good candidate for tummy tuck. This will help straighten your torso (unless there is an underlying spine issue causing this curvature). I hope this helps.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

With a tummy tuck, the line could be made more straight. However, it is probably crooked because of your back which will not be changed.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

The asymmetry you are noting in your abs is likely a result of scoliosis.  This cannot be corrected during a tummy tuck.  However you do appear to be a good candidate for the surgery.  Along with addressing your hernia a tummy tuck will remove excess skin and fat as well as correct abdominal wall laxity.  The next step is to visit with a board certified plastic surgeon near you!

Lourdes Rodriguez, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question and pictures.

After evaluating your case you seem to be a great candidate for a Tummy Tuck to remove the skin excess on the abdomen combined whit 360 liposusuction to reshape your body. The BMI neet to be under 33 for surgery. By combining these procedures we can achieve goog results.

Yes is possible to remove to repair the abdominal wall to achieve good results. Make sure to approach to a certified surgeon to help your clear all your doubts.