Mini Tummy Tuck Q&A
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Is Muscle Repair Included in Mini Tummy Tucks?

asked 2 years ago by sj-l in UK
Latest answer by Francis (Frank) William Rieger, MD
Question viewed 754 times
Tags: abdomen

If I would like a mini tummy tuck, will my muscles get repaired also? I hear it's usually below the naval only. I have checked to see how far apart they are, and from what I can feel, they are pretty close together along the top of my stomach, and close together beneath the belly button, but they seem to be 2 1/2 finger gaps apart just under the belly button area. Would this get sorted? I also have a small hernia (which getting corrected seperatly on the NHS).

9 answers to Is Muscle Repair Included in Mini Tummy Tucks?

+1

Muscle repair with mini tummy tuck.

It is often possible to do a limited imbrication of the rectus muscles( tightening them up) above and certainly below the umbilicus during a limited tummy tuck. This is clearly not as accessible as doing the repair when the skin is raised more widely as is done in a full tummy tuck, however. Limited hernia repairs can also be performed at the same time. Continue to seek the guidance of your chosen Plastic Surgeon for this guidance.
Francis (Frank) William Rieger, MD

Tampa Plastic Surgeon

www.riegercosmeticsurgery.com

+1

Muscle separation with mini tummy tuck

Very comonly if you feel a weakness of the muscles belowe the umbilicus you also have it above. Most minis do not repair the muscle above the umbilicus.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Mini tummy tuck vs standard tummy tuck

A photo would have been helpful to determine whether you are a good candidate for a mini vs a full (standard) tummy tuck procedure. To distinguish between the benefits of the two procedures, a mini tummy tuck does only provide repair or improvemnt of the area below the belly button. So, any muscle diastasis and loose , excess skin from below the naval will be repaired and removed to provide a tightened appearance. However, if you have any muscle diastasis on the upper portion of the... more
Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon
+1

Muscle Plication using a Mini Tummy Tuck

You can do a rectus muscle plication (or tightening of the abdominal muscle) of the inferior portion. If you use an endoscope, you can to it above the umbilicus or you can float the umbilicus and do the plication centrally. This procedure should only be done by people that have a long torso with a high umbilicus.
Rod J. Rohrich, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+1

Mini abdominoplasty usually not for Muscle repair

In most circumstances, a mini - tuck just involves skin and fat from the abdomen below the umbilicus.  If someone has a diastasis of the rectus muscles, that diastasis usually runs the entire length of the rectus muscles, and is widest at the umbilical area.  It is hard to correct this completely with a limited, lower area.  There are some times whn a little muscle tightening may be warranted with the mini-tuck in the lower area only, but it is on the rarer side.  I... more
Christopher V. Pelletiere, MD

Barrington Plastic Surgeon
+1

Mini-tummy tuck and rectus muscle

If your surgeon has deemed you to be an appropriate candidate for a mini-tuck, then he or she will attempt to do whatever is possible inferior to the belly button, including muscle tightening if needed.  You should speak with your surgeon if his or her plans are not clear to you prior to surgery.  Best wishes, /nsn.
Nina S. Naidu, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Mini versus Full tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) or something in between?

I would completely agree with Dr. Aldea in this regard. This is not necessarily and either/or decision or a black/white choice. Mini tends to refer to procedures repairing loose skin and muscle below the belly button whereas a full repairs loose skin and muscle above and below the belly button. There are procedures that combine aspects of both and have been called marriage or midi abdominoplasty procedures.
Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Muscle repair is included in mini tummy tucks

Yes, but only below the umbilicus. Therefore you need to make sure you are truly a good candidate for the mini tummy tuck. From MIAMI
Darryl J. Blinski, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon
+1

MINI Tummy Tuck and Muscle Repair

Simply put, a MINI Tummy tuck will ATTEMPT to repair everything that is abnormal below the belly button (muscle looseness, loose skin etc). The question is is this REALLY your best option? I would suggest that you do not get too caught up in the MINI VS. FULL tug of war and instead ask your qualified Plastic surgeon what he thought would present THE BEST cosmetic result. I frequently see many well-meaning but Internet bleary and inundated women asking for a Mini when the MUCH better... more
Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon

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