Would a mini tummy tuck with liposuction correct my diastasis recti or will I need a full tummy tuck? 23 y/o (photos)

It is hard to tell from these pictures. you don’t appear to have a significant amount of lower abdominal skin laxity, however your belly button is quite low on you, so doing a modified mini tuck to repair the diastasis may not give you a balanced look after surgery as that procedure often pulls your belly button slightly lower. Additionally, if you are likely considering more kids the muscle separation may worsen after pregnancy and require revision surgery.

Thank you for your question and for sharing your photographs. The presence of stretch marks in the lower part of the abdomen from the level of the belly button suggests that a full abdominoplasty would be a better solution for you.

It is, of course, possible to do a more limited intervention and to correct the diastasis recti with a mini-abdominoplasty, but it seems that this may not be the best answer for you.

A mini tummy tuck will not address the separation of the abdominal muscles. For a true diastasis repair, a full abdominoplasty will be required.

It is difficult to tell from your photos, but from what I can see I think you would probably get better results from a full tummy tuck with lipo 360. A mini tummy tuck usually doesn't include a diastasis repair, and you would likely still have some loose skin above your belly button.

Thank you for your question regarding correct in diastasis recti and for including photos.

In my experience, a full tummy tuck is needed to perform the muscle repair.

I recommend that you have an in person consultation with two or more experienced board-certified plastic surgeons in your area to be sure.

Dear EveJay999,
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. Flanks liposuction would give you a better shape. 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

Hi EveJay999, Based on your photos I think you would be best served by performing lipo360 and a full abdominoplasty. I don't think a mini-tuck is going to get you the results you are looking for as it doesn't address the laxity in the upper abdomen. However, I would not do this until you have completed your family as having another baby will likely stretch out your abdomen again and possibly ruin the diastasis repair. A full tuck will also remove a lot of your lower abdomen stretch marks...at least the ones below your belly button. I hope this helps. Good luck!!

Honestly, you would be an excellent candidate for an abdominoplasty/tummy tuck and liposuction. The repair of the spread of the abdominal muscles which is the diastasis repair, does require a full abdominoplasty. I am sorry to hear about how you are feeling, however, you have several options before you, and appear to be a good candidate for these surgical operations.

While your photo views are inadequate, from your age, pregnancy history and photos, I believe you could benefit from a mini TT and liposuction. But only through a thorough physical exam can a definitive plan for surgery be decided upon. Good luck!