Severe diastasis recti. Would a tummy tuck with muscle repair give a good result? (Photo)

Thank you for your question and photos. Based on these photos and BMI of 30 you can have a tummy tuck with muscle repair (+/- mesh reinforcement) and liposuction of your torso. It is encouraging, that when you are lying supine, your abdomen is flat and most likely you do not have significant intraabdominal fat. See a board certified plastic surgeon experienced in advanced body sculpting techniques for an in person consultation/evaluation. Good luck.See the attached web reference.

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. 

You are a good candidate for tummy tuck and muscle repair. This procedure can be done with a very low incision and help to remove the excess skin. Flank liposuction can be added to improve contour.Consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to review your options. I hope this helps. Best of luck! 

I have not used a mesh in about 1000 TTs, but there may be need in certain instances for mesh. I would need to examine you to make a better determination. Recommend that you lose about 20 pounds for your BMI to be in the normal, rather than obese, range.  Doing so will enhance the results of the TT and decrease the risks of complications during and after surgery.

Thank you for your question & photos!  Based on your photos, you would be a great candidate for a tummy tuck with lipo 360!  Liposuction will remove excess fat with some retraction of skin.  A tummy tuck will address excess skin & repair of 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.  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!
Dr Dhaval Patel
Double Board Certified
Plastic Surgeon
Chicago
Hoffman Estates 
Oakbrook 
Orland Park

Hello and thank you for your question and sharing your your photos. Based on the photo, I
believe you are a great candidate for a tummy tuck and should expect to have a nice result.  During tummy tuck,
extra skin in the lower half of your abdomen including the stretch marks will
be removed. In addition, typically the fascial laxity/separation of recti
muscles will be taken care of by muscle plication, giving you a flat
abdomen. The added liposuction of your hips/flanks will help with creating a
natural and aesthetic waistline. Incision can be placed very low to be
hidden under bikini. With proper surgical technique, belly button can be
designed to  be a true 'innie'. Recovery from tummy tuck is 1-2
weeks. Strenuous activity and lifting heavy weights should be avoided 6 weeks
to 3 months post op. I would seek consultation with a board-certified
plastic surgeon for a full evaluation and advice. Best,
Pejman Aflaki, M.D.                                            
Johns
Hopkins-trained double board-certified plastic surgeon

If you are not planning future pregnancies, I recommend abdominoplasty with mesh reinforcement.  The mesh creates a more hourglass figure by compressing the abdominal wall resulting in early satiety and helps maintain a reduced weight.  Your abdominal wall has been badly damaged by your 3 pregnancies and c-sections.  Simply repairing the fascia by itself is usually not enough.  The onlaying mesh will help solve your problem and treat your umbilical hernia.Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs.  Based on the degree of muscle laxity and separation present I think you should most definitely have this repaired but the best, longest lasting correction will occur following a loss of weight to limit the pressure from visceral fat on your muscle repair.  Continue to lose weight through a healthy diet and exercise regimen and then revisit a repair.  

When the diastasis is as wide as it appears to be in your pictures, it is a sign that the tissues have thinned and may be too weak to support a good repair without reinforcement. In situations like yours I consider using Galaflex mesh. There are examples on my website, look for "MOMs makeover" because this condition is most common in Mothers of Multiples. Your BMI is slightly high so if you could lose a few pounds that would be optimal. 

LizI appreciate your concerns and frustrations. Your photos demonstrates significant abdominal wall laxity which is significant enough to be concerned about hernia formation. Even if no hernia is present,  It may be in your best interest to undergo muscle plication and possibly placement of abdominal mesh, to bolster the muscle plication. Be certain to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area to greatly increase your chances for the safest and best possible result. Good luck.

Dear lizlemon30,
based on your photos, 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