If I can tighten my tummy, and only able to "pinch a few inches" why do I still look this way? (Photo)

It looks like your muscle have split (diastasis recti) This causes the bowing of your lower abdomen. Tightening the skin and muscles can help to flatten you tummy. It sounds like your surgeon is on the right track. Good luck,DrT

I agree with your surgeon recommendation of tummy tuck and lipo to flanks will give you great result and flattening of the bulging abdomen area.

Thank you for the pictures.I agree with your PS, tummy tuck and liposuction will give you the results you're looking for.Dr. Campos

I absolutely agree with your doctor. If you can tighten up and things go away, or if things go away when you lay flat, then the part of the operation that you will most benefit from is the muscle plication or repair.I've included pictures of a similar patient to help you better understand how important and influential that muscle tightening can be.Best,Dr. Pyle

When you tighten your tummy does your abdomen flatten except, as you mention for the "few inches" of "pinchable" fat? If so then a portion of your rectus musculature is separated. The plastic surgeon you have seen is planning to tighten the muscles. It sounds like the appropriate procedure is planned, Tummy Tuck. Your question does bring up a good point in relation to Tummy Tuck procedures and what they can accomplish, however. For example If a patient tightens the tummy muscles and pinches the available fatty tissue and the abdomen is still protruding somewhat, it is likely that there is fat inside the abdominal cavity and around the intestines. This fat is absolutely untouched by what a Tummy Tuck procedure can do and when I encounter patients in this situation I recommend dietary changes, hormone evaluation and increased exercise prior to doing the Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) and Liposuction procedures. These preoperative endeavors optimize outcomes and patient satisfaction levels in regard to their surgery.Steve Byrd, MD