Does it look like I have DR? (Photo)

Hello, Nikkyg123,
Thanks for your question. Diastasis recti (diastasis rectus abdominis or diastasis) is the separation of the rectus abdominis muscles during and after pregnancy.
It is common after pregnancy and especially after the third pregnancy.
To ensure you receive the correct answer to your question, it is recommended you visit several experienced surgeons who specialize in this surgery to get opinions and an in-person examination.
Good luck!
Dr. Adam Kinal

Diastasis is a weakness of the abdominal muscles usually due to pregnancy. Based your side view pictures you definitely have a diastasis. It can be repaired with a tummy tuck or a mini tummy tuck depending on the degree of skin laxity.

While it doesn't appear to be severe, I would say it is very likely you have a decent size diastasis recti, especially after 3 kids.

Diastasis recti is the seperation of your rectus muscles. For any woman that has had children they will have some component of diastasis recti. Considering the outward bulge you have of your abdomen despite being very small and thin i would very confidently say you have a component of Diastasis recti.
Your skin does not have a significant amount of laxity. I would recommend a modified tummy tuck that would allow us to fix the diastasis remove a little bit of skin laxity but would avoid placing a scar around your belly button.

Dear nikkyg123,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you had 3 pregnancies, then there is a high chance that you have diastasis recti. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Hi Nikkyg123,

Thank you for your question and photos. Based on these photos, it's possible you do have DR. However, it's difficult to give a firmative answer without examining your abdomen. There are very few candidates who qualify for a mini tummy tuck as once the DR is closed, there tends to be more excess skin. I highly recommend you see a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who can further assess your abdominal wall.

I have attached some videos you may find helpful.

Hope this helps!

Endoscopic lipoabdominoplasty (ELAP) is the surgical technique utilizing endoscopy to repair acquired abdominal wall defects, such as diastasis recti or ventral hernias.An internal corset (muscle plication) is performed .Only three mini incisions are used, a large wound is not made as in conventional abdominoplasty.

Hi nikkyg123,
Now, I'll start by saying that without doing an exam I cannot say for sure but....based on you photos I do believe you have abdominal wall laxity that can be markedly improved with an abdominoplasty with rectus muscle plication. I do not think (again, based on you photos) you would be happy with a miniTT. A miniTT in the right patient works really well but it does not address any upper abdominal (above the belly button) laxity. Also, we offer all our patients liposuction with our abdominoplasties to give them a sculpted look. I would recommend evaluation by a cosmetic surgeon to evaluate your needs. Good luck!

After reading your post and reviewing your photos, it looks like you do have a diastasis recti. The only way to truly know is to perform a physical exam but I am fairly confident that you have some separation of your rectus muscles. In regards to your question about having it repaired with a mini TT, I would say that is going depend on your surgeon and what they do during the procedure. Typically, a mini TT only addresses the lower abdomen from right above your pubic area to the area right above the umbilicus (both in terms of skin/tissue removal and muscle repair). You should definitely speak with your surgeon about whether or not they repair the full muscle during a mini, if that's the procedure you want to go with.