Can Muscle Repair in Tummy Tuck Improve Posture?

We're always told to strengthen our abs for better posture and I'm curious as to whether the surgery might also help. Thanks!

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abdomen muscle

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10 Doctor Answers | Asked by Dlite in California

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Tummy tuck can improve posture by repairing muscle separation

Part of a tummy tuck involves repairing the separation of the midline abdominal muscles that can spread with pregnancy. Repairing this rectus diastasis can restore muscle stability of your "core" and therefore improve back support and posture. Your post does not say whether you have rectus diastasis, but if you do, tummy tuck may help your core strength and posture.

Tummy Tucks may work to improve posture

The tummy tuck procedure typically involves the tightening of the rectus abdominus muscles. This may improve posture by balancing the synergistic forces created by the spinal muscles and the abdominal wall musculature. If there is a deficiency or weakness in one muscle group the other may compensate thereby creating a shift in posture.This developes over time and may improve with the tummy tuck. Immediately following the procedure a shortlived forwardly displaced shift in... more

Returning your abdominal muscles to their anatomic position usually improves their performance

Hi there- I have been told many times by my tummy tuck patients that (once recovered) they feel their abdominal muscles are stronger and more effective after the surgery. This does make sense anatomically- all muscles and the joints they act on are basic cable and pulley systems- when the force of the cable (the muscle) is applied in line with the pulley (the joint), efficient motion occurs. Returning the abdominal muscles to their anatomic positions should improve their performance, and... more

Back pain, posture, exercise following a tummy tuck with muscle work

SEE VIDEO BELOW: A tummy tuck does not strengthen your abdominal muscles, It simply repositions or re-aligns them which makes it easier for you to exercise and flatten your tummy. It has often been said that Pilates excercise make s you taller. I often encourage patients to perform these exercises following a tummy tuck which does improve their posture and occasionally their back pain. see video

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

32 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Posture and tummy tuck

It is unlikely that a tummy tuck will change your posture. The procedure may move your center of gravity closer to your spine and this may help with back pain.

Rectus muscle plication can help with posture

The rectus muscles, usually running vertically like the slat of a picket fence from the rib cage to the pubis, can be pushed laterally by internal weight gain or pregnancy. They then can bow outwards, like a barrel stave. This can take away some of their stabilizing support to the muscles of the spine. This weakens their pull in the front of the abdomen and allows the muscles in the back to pull harder, creating an accentuated curve in the low back, causing discomfort, as well as... more

Tummy Tuck very well might improve posture

Repairing the Diastasis Rectii during a Tummy tuck accomplishes many things. Not only will it tighten your abdomen, making it flatter, thinner, and mored toned, it alsoacts as an anterior stabilizer of the spine. Many women report improvement in lower back pain and improved posture- this is certainly not guaranteed, but I have seen it in many of my own patients.

Tummy Tuck might improve core strength

Some women report improved core strength after tummy tuck surgery -- this is a subjective report, and I don't think its been studied scientifically. You certainly will look better and more athletic after a tummy tuck- that's enough to help anyone walk with a bit more confidence.

Abdominal contour factors

The abdominal contour is govern by three factors: 1. Anatomy: Intra-abdominal contents including fat, functional muscle in its appropriate anatomical location, amount and distribution of fat, and amount and quality of skin. 2. Muscle function affected by hernias or denervation. 3. Muscle tone and posture. If you have a anatomical problem with the muscle such as hernia, weakness, or diastasis, surgical correction or tightening might help but this is dependent on the relative contribution of... more