Can your tummy tuck come undone causing diastasis recti? (photos)

Dear cat214.
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

From the photos you provided, I would provide the following insights:It does appear that you have recurrence of your rectus diastasis.  Unfortunately, this can only be addressed surgically and will require you to effectively have another tummy tuck procedure.From the shadowing, it looks as if you have significant contour irregularities from your liposuction.  This too can only be addressed surgically and may require a combination of fat removal as well as grafting to try and achieve a more uniform appearance. Best to start by meeting with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to discuss your concerns and formulate a plan moving forward.  I hope that helps and wish you the very best!Warmest regards,-Gregory A Buford MD FACS PCEOBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs.  Unfortunately with the diastasis you would need to re-do the tummy tuck in order to repair and tighten the muscle fascia.  Although very rare, this can occur.  Talk to your surgeon about revising your belly button scar at that time.  

The answer is that this can happen.  It has not occurred in the thousands of tummy tucks I have performed. Diastasis recurrence is more closely associated with the type of plication technique used. Recommend that you schedule a in-office consultation with a board certified PS who can examine you and determine the best path forward.Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Though uncommon muscle repair done during a tummy tuck can fail. A revision would be necessary to correct it. One option is to use bioabsorbable mesh to help strengthen the repair and prevent this from reoccurring. I've included a video I hope you find helpful.

as you could have a hernia or severe attenuation of your fascia (as your CT report suggests) and if so, a standard plication will not fix that.  But you are looking at some kind of procedure, possibly covered by insurance if a hernia, and you can choose to remove your belly button then and have another one reconstructed later if you wish.

It does appear that the repair of your abdominal wall has come undone.  A portion of the lower incision will likely have to be opened to gain access for repair.  There is no substitute for an in-person exam, but based on your photos, this is the most likely cause.

I am sorry to hear about the problem you are experiencing after tummy tuck surgery.  Based on your description, photographs, and CT scan findings, it is likely that you have experienced a separation of the abdominal wall diastasis repair.    A separation of the abdominal wall repair is very unusual this far out from tummy tuck surgery but I think this is the most likely explanation.

 Best to seek in-person consultation with well experienced board-certified plastic surgeons. It is likely that re-approximation of the abdominal muscles will be necessary to improve your outcome.

  Best wishes.