Do I have a fat problem or is this diastasis recti? What procedure do I need? (Photo)

Question

im 120 lbs. this problem with my stomach started after i had my son who is now 8yrs old. my stomach will not go down. and when im bloated it gets EVEN BIGGER. i also get stomach pains very often on the left side of my stomach. and im constipated ALOT. An was told i had GERD. i just want a flat stomach. WHAT CAN I DO TO FIX THIS PROBLEM? How much will it cost me out of pocket? will insurance pay?

Calvin Jung, MD · Answer

Hi there,You have some fat in the abdomen but you also have a significant degree of muscle separation.  The only way to fix muscle separation is with a muscle tightening procedure which can be performed with a tummy tuck.  Lipo can help rid some of the fat under the skin but you will still have a protruding appearance due to muscle separation.  Unfortunately there is no lipo that can repair your muscle

Marco A. Pelosi III, MD, FACOG, FACS · Answer

Separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) are a very common consequence of pregnancy. When severe, like yours, the intestines will lean forward into the gap and push outward causing a potbelly appearance. The muscles need to be surgically sutured back together to achieve a flat belly. Anybody and everybody who does tummy tucks knows this and you should know this too since this is the third time you've been informed. Constipation and any other bowel problems which cause the intestines to swell will create more pressure on the gap between the muscles and a more pronounced potbelly. Insurance doesn't pay for tummy tucks because a desire to have a flat belly isn't considered a medical problem.

Brian Coan, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you  for your awesome question! Your bio is very helpful, however without the benefit of knowing your full health history and an in person exam it's impossible to say for certain.   I would recommend you have an in person consultation with a plastic surgeon with these credentials: *Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery -- The gold star symbol *A member of the ASPS (American Society of Plastic Surgeons) -- The circle symbol *A member of the ASAPS (American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons) -- the Queen Nefertitti symbol with a Triangle  *On faculty at local plastic surgery teaching program -- in our office we are affiliated with both Duke and UNC schools of plastic surgery. I hope this is helpful and wish you all the best in your journey.  My sincere best, Brian S. Coan, MD, FACS

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