Diastasis recti or excess stomach fat? (Photo)

Question

Hi there, I have this tummy pooch right where my belly button is, I've had it for many years probably since I was about nine. Im not sure if it is just excess belly fat or if it is diastasis recti. I have had a baby just over two months ago but My stomach always had this pooch. Please let me know thanks.

Michael Kreidstein, MD, FRCS(C) · Answer

Although photos don't tell the whole story, it appears you have excess belly fat, and would be a great candidate for liposuction.  This procedure could be performed under local anesthetic (tumescent technique) and recovery should be quick.  I hope you find an excellent surgeon to help with this small problem!

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  The only way to know for sure if there is a diastasis is with physical examination.  Based on your history of giving birth, it is likely that you have a diastasis.  You may be a candidate for liposuction, as you don't appear to have too much skin laxity. 
Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of
real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate
their results.  The most important aspect is to find a surgeon you are
comfortable with. I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified
board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

It looks like a stubborn fat collection which would respond nicely to Vaser ultrasound liposuction.An exam and consultation with a plastic surgeon is recommended to make sure the muscle is ok and to discuss your options and expectations.

Francesco Campanile, MD · Answer

The issue you’re concerned about is most likely caused by excess belly fat rather than separated abdominal muscles. If that is the case, you are probably a good candidate for liposuction. If you do have torn muscles, this can be fixed during a tummy tuck. In any case, you should wait for at least 6 months after giving birth before seeking out any kind of plastic surgery. If you are still unhappy with the way your stomach looks after 6 months, book a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area to get an accurate assessment of which procedure or combination of procedures would work best for you.

Jean Paul Giudicelli Saba, MD · Answer

Hi, thanks for sharing your concern and photos with us!
First I want to congratulate you for making this important decision. Deciding to get an aesthetic procedure to change your body and get a new life style is a big step!
  
Looking at your photos I might say that you´ll be a great candidate to get an entire back, waist and flanks liposuction, with BBL, and tummy tuck, this is because all the extra skin located in this areas plus your abdominal muscle needs to be repaired. Before all this, of course, you need to get a complete medical evaluation and laboratory exams to check everything is fine. For us your safety, always, is going to be first.
  
Have a great day! 
  
Dr. JPG

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

First, you should wait about 6 months before doing anything. A diastasis is a diagnosis made on physical exam.  A photo is not the way to diagnose it. If you have a thick subcutaneous fatty layer, lipo may be beneficial.

Carlos Burnett, MD, FACS · Answer

From your history and photo, it is likely that your concerns are related to both excess fat and diastasis recti. At 2 weeks postpartum you may expect to see favorable changes in the next few months with weight loss. Good luck
Best, 
#drburnett#realself100

John P. Stratis, MD · Answer

The only way to tell is by examination. You might be able to tell by examining yourself. Lie down and grab that area. If there is a lot between your fingers it is probably fat. If it pops out when you try to do a sit up there may be a diastasis component to it.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. Generally speaking, physical examination will allow for differentiation of abdominal wall muscle laxity versus the presence of  subcutaneous adipose tissue. Often, especially after pregnancy, it is common to see both present.Ultimately, you will need to do your due diligence and select your plastic surgeon carefully.   He/she will examine you and give you recommendations regarding possible surgical options. Generally speaking, the “ideal” patient for tummy tuck surgery is one who has completed pregnancies, is psycho socially/emotionally/financially stable, has an excellent social support system surrounding him/her, is capable of arranging enough recovery time, does not smoke and who has reached a long-term stable weight.The vast majority of patients who present for tummy tuck surgery benefit from muscle plication; this part of the tummy tuck procedure serves to re-approximate the muscles that have spread during pregnancy or weight gain/loss. Omitting this part of the procedure will potentially leave patients with continued abdominal wall laxity and, in my opinion, a less than optimal result.  Best wishes.

James R. Benjamin, MD (retired) · Answer

Please visit your plastic surgeon to be examined. But do this after you have allowed 4more months to elapse. You have not yet allowed the natural postpartum changes which impact your body to complete there natural course. At that time your evaluating plastic surgeon can make the assessment, determine what the bulge is due to and recommend a treatment plan.

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