Is ThermaLipo indicated for diastasis recti on an otherwise thin person? (Photos)

Question

My skin is pretty taught and doesn't bother me. However, my stomach does protrude beyond my breasts looking at me from the side angle. If I engage my abdominal muscles, I can get flat. But I'm unable to go around all day focusing on that. Maybe a full abdominoplasty / tummy tuck might be overkill - especially considering the long recovery time. I've had 3 cesareans, and my youngest is 20 mos. I'm looking for a less invasive procedure. Is ThermaLipo meant for someone with very little actual fat?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

BodyTite does not remove any fat, but it is capable of producing a 45% contraction in tissues.  It can be combined with liposuction to improve contours dramatically. A short scar TT (The shorter scar it leaves is the same length as that of the mini TT) tightens the muscles, and removes skin and fat. The incision is so low that bikinis may be worn afterwards. The umbilical hernia repair can be performed during the same surgery.
Ideal patients have to be in general good health and somewhere close to their ideal body weight. To make sure that the results of the procedure last, many doctors ask that patients maintain a steady body weight for six months prior to the procedure and maintain their weight after the procedure.  
Generally, patients require only one or two weeks to recover. Patients are advised not to perform strenuous exercises for four to six weeks after the surgery.  Most PSs would recommend that you wait at least 6 weeks before lifting anything greater than 10 lbs.Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Fernando Colon, MD · Answer

Liposuction of any type  is not the treatment for rectus diastasis.
However it may be used at the same time of the rectus diastasis
repair to improve contour. In your case with a classic rectus diastasis
and perhaps an umbilical hernia a direct repair is in my opinion the 
best choice. In some cases when there are no skin excess issues alaparoscopic repair may be an option. Choose a board certified plastic surgeon for a full evaluation and specific recommendations. Best wishes.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Neat8644,
based on your photos and history of pregnancies, you look like a good candidate for a TT. Full tummy tuck should tighten your abdominal muscles and remove the excess skin. I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon because only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

Neat8644I appreciate your concern and desire for a less invasive procedure. However you have classic and significant diastases recti. Your abdominal muscles need to be tightened and this can only be done at the time of Tummytuck. No form of liposuction will improve your particular situation. Consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area to confirm my advice. Good luck.

Salih Onur Basat, MD, EBOPRAS · Answer

Hi and thanks for your question.
Based on your photos you have rectus diastasis and may be umbilical hernia. Solution of this problem is repairing of this diastasis and hernia with surgical intervention. During this procedure your muscle has to be approximated by sutures, this gives flat and strong appearance to your abdominal region. I think other kind of interventions does not work.

Johnson C. Lee, MD · Answer

Thermalipo and any type of liposuction will not tighten your abdomen. During pregnancy, the abdominal muscles stretch to accomodate the growing belly. In order to tighten the abdomen, you must directly bring the ab muscles back together towards the middle. This can only be achieved with a plication technique during a tummy tuck. Liposuction will only remove fat and slightly tighten the overlying skin but will not affect the muscles below which are truly defining your body shape. Hope this helps!
Johnson C. Lee, MD 
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Ven Erella, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. None of liposuction types work for diastatsis. Treatment is plication of the muscle. Please consult with a board certified PS for evaluation.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

there is only one treatment for diastases recti. It's surgical plication of the diastases.  Do not waste money on any other treatment then a full tummy tuck.  It's this procedure or nothing. You can either go on as you are or undergo the fairly invasive procedure which gives a definitive treatment that will hold your abdomen is flat for life.  You should not have a tummy tuck until you were certain you were not planning on having more children.  Best, Mats Hagstrom MD

Is ThermaLipo indicated for diastasis recti on an otherwise thin person? (Photos)

Answers (8)

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