They are an excellent example of diastasis recti. Repair is possible via a full tummy tuck surgery or an endoscopic tummy tuck.
Examination and discussion about your goals would be needed to make the final determination regarding which tummy tuck procedure would be best for you. (Remus Repta, MD)
From your picture when trying to do a sit up it is clear that you have significant diastasis. I think a surgical correction is the only thing that will help, doing more abdominal exercises will not move the muscles any closer. (Julio Garcia, MD, Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon)
You have demonstrated that you absolutely do have a separation of your rectus abdominis muscles (rectus diastasis). This is a totally normal phenomenon that occurs after pregnancy, as well as significant weight loss. It’s not your fault at all, so don’t beat yourself up about it.
Working out is great for your overall health, but the only way to fix this is with surgery. An abdominoplasty will repair the separation and remove any loose skin to tighten up your abdomen.
Then you’ll see the results of all your hard work at the gym! I recommend that when you’re ready you consult with an experienced plastic surgeon who can deliver the results you desire. (Ruth Celestin, MD, Atlanta Plastic Surgeon)
Do I have Diastasis Recti?
Significant separation between your rectus abdominus muscles called diastasis recti. This can only be repaired with a full tummy tuck. That is a very successful operation when performed by an experieced, board-certified plastic surgeon. Get several consultations and consider this procedure if you are truly unhappy. Results can be long lasting without any further pregnancies or significant weight gain. (Robert J. Spies, MD, Paradise Valley Plastic Surgeon)
Photo indicates a very large Diastasis Recti. Whoever sold you on liposuction as the answer to your problem was not giving you good advice. If you want that corrected it takes a full Tummy Tuck. (Ronald V. DeMars, MD, Portland Plastic Surgeon)
As seen in the first posted photo there is a rather larger separated recti muscles or diastasis. Only TT without skin excision and MR can repair. (Darryl J. Blinski, MD, Miami Plastic Surgeon)
You pictures and your history sure sound like splaying of the rectus muscles. This is common in post-partum women, and can be repaired during the abdominoplasty procedure. See a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area to confirm this and to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure.
After the repair of these muscles in the midline, and after you recovery sufficiently, your workouts should make more of a difference. There are no exercises or nonsurgical methods to correct this that I am aware of. (Erik Hoy, MD, Newark Plastic Surgeon)
It does appear that your rectus muscles have separated and you do have diastasis recti. Please consult a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options for addressing your abdominal contour and your rectus diastasis. (Eric Desman, MD, Boston Plastic Surgeon)
Based on the photograph you provide and your history that you can place 3 fingers between your abdominal muscles it is very likely that you do have a diastases recti.The diastases recti can often be repaired during the course of a full tummy tuck. Please consult a board certified plastic surgeon. (Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS)
It does appear that you have a weakened abdominal wall (rectus diastasis) after your multiple pregnancies. Liposuction does not treat this however a tummy tuck can tighten the muscle and give you a flatter appearing abdomen.
Consult with a few plastic surgeons in your area to see if you are still a candidate for a tummy tuck procedure. (William Bruno, MD, Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon)
You will need to see a board-certified plastic surgeon and be examined to find out for sure, but what you describe are common findings in women whose muscles have separated with pregnancy. The muscles don’t work as efficiently when they are separated, despite exercise.
After a tummy tuck, some of my patients notice how much better their lower back feels, even in thin patients who didn’t have much fatty tissue to give up. The muscles, when sewn together, work as if they were stronger because they function more efficiently.Below is a link to a case of a woman who had a tummy tuck mainly for the muscle repair. (Heather J. Furnas, MD, Santa Rosa Plastic Surgeon)
The “sit up” view shows a classic diastasis. The treatment is surgery, almost always a tummy tuck with muscle repair. If someone tried to close this without a TT, the skin in the vertical midline would buckle and leave excess skin at rest that would probably look worse than what you see in the sit up photo. A visit to a plastic surgeon can help sort out the pros and cons, and the options. (Jourdan Gottlieb, MD, Seattle Plastic Surgeon)