How High Up Torso Does Diastasis Repair and Tummy Tuck Go?

Tightening the fascia that surrounds the rectus muscles is commonly performed as part of a standard tummy tuck. Some patients have an easily felt separation between the mid-line muscles known as a diastasis, while others just have an overall laxity. Tightening this layer to restore a more flat abdominal profile usually involves a tapered tightening that extends from the lower part of your breast bone to the pubic bone.

In some cases, the tightening of the deep layer can exaggerate the looseness horizontally of the skin. Having a clear understanding of the shape improvements and effect on the skin is important to discuss before surgery. Tightening the upper abdominal skin after surgery is difficult and often not worth the additional scarring required. Allow yourself to heal completely (more than 6 months) before evaluating your result to closely.

Dr. Mosher

Usually the diastasis repair goes from the sternum to the pubic bone.  It varies depending on the patient's need.  Your surgeon can demonstrate for you in your consultation. Good luck.

A TT typically will have varying amounts of muscle repair along the torso where it is tightened the most at the waist so there's no ribs or pelvic bones limiting the tightening and thus reducing the waist as much as possible.  The upper abdomen can be stubborn sometimes and you may need liposuction but only on exam would one be able to tell because this area is tough to examine.

Most plastic surgeons repair the diastasis from the lower end of the rib cage to the pubic bone.

I always advise patients preop that they will see somewhat less improvement over the upper abdomen compared to the lower. This is mainly due to the fact that the flap, or apron, is being pulled downward  from below. As we get higher on the abdomen the effect of the pull decreases. If it did not, then your breasts would be pulled down along with your tummy.

I usually do a small amount of liposuction over the upper abdomen at the end of the procedure. This tends to flatten the area enough to avoid postop bulging. However, the skin in this area may still not be as tight as you would have wished.

Remember: a tummy tuck is surgery, not magic!

Tightening and flattening the abdominal wall with plication sutures is probably the most important part of a TT procedure- it recreates a feminine and youthful form in a way that liposuction or simple skin excision cannot achieve. I plicate the abdomen from the xyphoid to the pubic bone level. Partial plication will create a 'partial' result, and who wants that ?