Hybrid Tummy Tuck

For women who don't need a great deal of skin removed (and a hip to hip incision), but need their muscles tightened and an umbilical hernia repaired, they may be a candidate for a hybrid tummy tuck.

The hybrid tummy tuck involves a C-section-type incision with full tightening of the deep fascia, the structure that holds the muscles.  Although doctors often refer to tightening the muscles, it is in fact the fascia that is tightened.

The hybrid tummy tuck is not for women who have a great excess of skin and fat.  Good candidates are typically fit moms.  But for women who have only been offered a full tummy tuck and in fact have primarily a problem of the fascia, the hybrid tummy tuck is just the right thing.

A tummy tuck is not a tummy tuck is not a tummy tuck. While patients and surgeons alike use the term tummy tuck or abdominoplasty to indicate a particular procedure, in reality, it is best to analyze the anatomy of individual patients, discuss the desired results, and then design an operation to fit your particular needs. What you call the procedure is less important.

I have found that patients respond variably to pregnancy. Some have abdomens that are destroyed by one pregnancy and others, with five pregnancies, look virtually normal. You may have more muscle issues than skin, and it would be important to separate out the anatomical components of your concerns.

You may be a good candidate for a muscle repair to correct the diastasis recti and hernia without any skin excision or perhaps a so-called limited "mini" tuck or "modified" abdominoplasty.

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