The problem that you have is separation of the rectus muscles in the midline.
This is called diastasis recti and should be treated by a full abdominoplasty so that the muscles can be brought together with permanent sutures and the extra skin can be removed. (Paul Vitenas, Jr., MD, Houston Plastic Surgeon)
Tummy tuck for protuberant abdomen
You need a tummy tuck. You look like an excellent candidate for the surgery. It is the only way to tighten the muscles and skin with fat removal.
Liposuction alone only removes fat, it would do little for your overall contour so don’t waste your time and money. After 4 kids, this is your best option.
We all have kids, find some time for a 1-2 week recovery, it is important to take some time out for yourself! Liposuction alone also involves recovery, so do the best procedure for you and for the result. Recovery time can vary anyway from patient to patient, sometimes irrespective of procedure. (Hayley Brown, MD, Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon)
Lipo would not be helpful because the main issue is a laxity of your core. If the core is loose then the skin just takes the shape of whatever is underneath. A tummy tuck is the definitive solution. (Raj S. Ambay, MD, Tampa Plastic Surgeon)
As plastic surgeons, we have the important job of providing patients with realistic expectations. Based on your concerns, I do not think liposuction will give you a desireable result. It appears that your primary issue is lax muscle or diastasis recti.
A full tummy tuck would give you a beautiful result, but require a longer recovery. I believe the end result would be well worth it. (Paul S. Gill, MD, Houston Plastic Surgeon)
Diastasis without time for tummy tuck
Diastasis is a separation of the sit-up muscles in the abdomen in response to pregnancy. The good news is that the diastasis is not a true hernia and there is little risk of ‘medical’ consequences if untreated. Judging from your photos, it is likely that with effort you can indeed pull your stomach muscles tighter, and weight loss can help just about everyone.
In the presence of the laxity, liposuction will not provide a quick fix, and eventually a tummy tuck with diastasis repair will give you the best outcome. In the meantime, you can safely get to the gym and lose weight, strengthen and tone the abdomen starting with aerobic fitness. You should be able to make noticeable progress. (Peter E. Johnson, MD, Chicago Plastic Surgeon)
Fixing diastasis after having children
It appears as though you’re and exellent candidate for a tummy tuck. I know that you don’t want to take the time off to recover, but in order to visualize the abdominal wall in order to tighten it and the muscles, you will most likely need a full tummy tuck.
A full tummy tuck will also remove an excess skin left over after tightening the muscles. A mini-tummy tuck helps to tighten the muscles with a scar that isn’t as long as a full tummy tuck, but it’s difficult to determine if you’re a good candidate for this without actually examining you. Therefore, talk to your plastic surgeon about a full versus a mini-tummy tuck for you. (Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD, FACS, Baltimore Plastic Surgeon)
Liposuction vs. Tummy Tuck
After going through 4 pregnancies, the abdominal wall has in all likelihood stretched out significantly, and the photograph clearly demonstrates this. Exercise and/or liposuction alone is not going to correct the problem. the muscles and fascia need to reconstructed back to their pre-pregnancy anatomy, and the only way to do this, is with a tummy tuck. Even though the recovery and restrictions post op are more significant, the results are well worth it if you are hoping to have a flat belly again. (Wilfred Brown, MD, Fairfield Plastic Surgeon)
Looks like y ou need to loose a few pounds and then you would be a perfect candidate for a tummy tuck. Nothing less will give you the desired result. (William B. Rosenblatt, MD, New York Plastic Surgeon)
There is no “magic wand” in plastic surgery. The achieve your expectations, you need to have an abdominoplasty / tummy tuck. This procedure will remove the extra skin, tighten your abdominal muscles and contour your cures.
This is what will give you the best results. Anything less would not be as effective. Please make sure that you are seen by a board-certified plastic surgeon. Good luck with your surgery. (David Shafer, MD, New York Plastic Surgeon)