Did my muscle repair fail? 9 months out and look pregnant (Photo)

Question

I am 5'3" 150 lb. I had a tummy tuck and liposuction of the front along with a muscle repair. I am 9 months out and look pregnant. I am concerned that a part of my muscle repair failed.

Vincent Gardner, MD · Answer

Hi BH85, 
Based on the 2 photos it does appear you have some abdominal wall laxity....however It is hard to say for sure without examining you and discussing your clinical course. A few questions I would want answered. How did it look initially after your procedure? Did it look flat and has it changed and now it protrudes? Have you been doing a lot of exercises that would put pressure on the repair and gradually cause it to fail? Over what time frame did it start to protrude? Again, hard to say without more data, exam, etc. Clearly this is very frustrating to you. I would reach out to your surgeon and share your concerns. Personally I like to do an ultrasound exam with the patient standing so there is pressure on the abdominal wall. This give a lot of useful information and it is fairly easy to tell if the muscles are separated. I hope this helps. Good luck!

Adam Kinal, MD · Answer

Hello BH85,Thank you for posting your photographs and your question. It is much easier to determine your concern in an in-person examination. I suggest finding a qualified surgeon(s) specializing in these procedures and having an evaluation. It is safer to determine what is needed when seeing the patient in person. Good luck.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

From the photo provided it appears muscle repair is needed in order to correct your concerns.  Without an examination or further information it's not possible to say if the repair failed.  I encourage you to revisit your surgeon's office for an evaluation.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear BH85,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Edgar Serrano, MD · Answer

Endoscopic lipoabdominoplasty (ELAP) is a good option .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.

Did my muscle repair fail? 9 months out and look pregnant (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Diastasis recti

Answer: Diastasis recti

Answer: Probably, because it looks like a bulge

Answer: Probably, because it looks like a bulge

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Diastasis Recti Repair

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Did my muscle repair fail? 9 months out and look pregnant (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Diastasis recti

Answer: Diastasis recti

Answer: Probably, because it looks like a bulge

Answer: Probably, because it looks like a bulge

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Diastasis Recti Repair

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.