Is a flat tummy achievable with a tummy tuck? Is there a difference between diastasis and muscle laxity? (Photos)

Hi MMO Time,
The photos are particularly helpful--thanks for attaching them.
From the perspective of contour, you have excess lower abdominal skin and fat, and extra fat around the hips as well. Tummy tuck can treat both problems through a combination of direct excision and liposuction.
From the perspective of your abdominal wall, the "sucking in" vs. "relaxed" pictures show you have bulging. There are two common reasons for bulging, and both can occur concurrently. Reason 1: Some women have rectus diastasis--a right to left gap in the six pack muscles from stretching of the abdominal wall--this is potentially correctable with rectus muscle plication in tummy tuck. Reason 2: Some women hold their fat ("visceral fat") inside the abdomen next to their intestines, and this fat produces a rounded or bulgy upper abdomen. this is not correctable with tummy tuck.
I would suggest meeting with a board certified plastic surgeon to explore your options.
Hope this helps!
Best,Christopher Pannucci MDBoard Certified Plastic SurgeonPlastic Surgery NorthwestSpokane, Washington

Thank you for your questions and photos. From your photos, you are a good candidate for a tummy tuck with liposuction. A tummy tuck will address excess skin & repair of the abdominal muscle. The abdominal wall can be weakened after pregnancy and (or) significant weight gain & loss. By repairing the muscle, not only does the appearance of your abdominal area improve, but your core strength as well. The repair of the muscle will cinch your waist like an inner corset, which will accentuate your curves. Liposuction will remove excess fat from unwanted areas with some skin retraction. Your expectations and health will dictate the best procedure(s) for you. I suggest a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to go over the options that best address your goals. Best of luck!

Dhaval Patel MD
Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Chicago
South Barrington
Oakbrook
Orland Park

Hello @MMO TIME thank you for your question and showing your pictures. Yes, a flat tummy is achievable as long as it is performed with a total muscular plication. To answer the second question, yes, there is a difference. The diastasis is the separation of the muscles generally associated with pregnancy and large weight gain, while laxity is the muscle stiffness associated with genetic and dietary factors. I hope this helps shed some light. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS.