Tummy Tuck with or Without Muscle Repair? Doctor Answers, Tips
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Tummy Tuck with or Without Muscle Repair?

Is there a difference in cost with or without muscle repair

11 Doctor Answers | Asked by Mouse2012 in Philadelphia, Pa
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Cost Of Muscle Repair In Tummy Tuck

Because the time required to do a muscle repair in a tummy tuck is very short, there is not usually a cost difference between tummy tucks performed with and without muscle plication. This is why it is almost always better to do it, some benefit at no increased cost.
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Tummy Tuck addresses three key issues

The tummy tuck addresses these 3 issues: Loose or wrinkly skin, stretch marks (a result of aging, pregnancy, marked weight loss). Fat tissue (most of the time seen in the lower abdomen). Muscle separation (which can occur by itself or as a result of pregnancy). Liposuction alone can take care of excess fat tissue, but loose skin and stretch marks must be addressed by one of three techniques: dermatolipectomy, mini-tummy tuck, or full tummy tuck... more
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Tummy tuck and muscle repair

Generally, cost of a procedure is based on the amount of time spent performing the procedure. The time spent doing the muscle repair is actually very short because the area is well-exposed during a regular tummy tuck. It is very rare not to perform the muscle repair with a tummy tuck and actually is an important part of giving the final aesthetic result. In most patients, I highly recommend and anticipate performing a muscle repair. Good luck!

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Tummy tuck almost always involves muscle tightening.

Muscle tightening is almost always part of a tummy tuck, along with removing loose skin and often performing concurrent liposuction. Muscle tightening actually involves suturing the anterior rectus sheath, a dense layer of connective tissue that is directly on top of the abdominal muscles. This is sutured like a corset to tighten it. The muscles themselves are not stitched. Most surgeons do not charge more for this, since it is part of the standard tummy tuck. But this is surgeon's... more
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Tummy tuck costs with or without muscle repair

In most cases a muscle repair is performed in conjunction with a tummy tuck surgery. In a small number of cases such as some male tummy tucks, or tummy tucks in women who have not been pregnant or who had small babies, a muscle repair may not be necessary. Tummy tucks can vary in size from mini, to full, to extended tummy tucks to full body lifts. In my practice, I base the cost of the tummy tuck on the amount of time that the procedure will take rather than whether or not... more
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Tummy Tuck and Muscle Repair

Rectus abdominis muscle plication is commonly one part of the typical tummy tuck, which also includes fat contouring and skin excision. There are always exceptions in which not all components are indicated as part of a tummy tuck procedure. You need to be evaluated by a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery to determine what would be best in your situation. The fee may vary based on the extent of the procedure as well as the anesthesia time and... more
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There should not be a price difference! There should not be a tummy tuck without muscle repair!

Except in VERY rare situations, it is virtually impossible for a woman who needs a tummy tuck for loose skin to NOT have stretched musculature. How could it be that the skin stretches, but the abdominal wall did not? Thus, when a surgeon does not do a muscle repair s/he is usually "saving" about 10 minutes or so at the most, and I don't know many plastic surgeons who "charge" $1000 or more for that amount of time, or who would reduce their fee for abdominoplasty to "skip" the muscle... more
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Difference in cost between muscle repair and no muscle repair

Almost 100% of patients having an abdominoplasty will have muscle plication to tighten the fascia and flatten the abdominal wall more. However, in the patient that really only has loose skin it would be possible that some surgeons would reduce the price some to account for the reduced operative time. The amount of time involved is not that significant though and a price reduction would most likely be minimal. Best of Luck Dr Harrell
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Does a tummy tuck with muscle repair cost more?

A majority of patients need some kind of muscle repair and tightening when having an abdominoplasty. This decision is usually confirmed in the operating room during surgery by the surgeon performing it. However, this does not usually affect the price. Most surgeons charge the same fee for a tummy tuck whether or not the muscle tightening is performed.
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Abdominal muscle tightening should not cost more

Hello, A full tummy tuck almost always includes abdominal wall tightening (muscle repair) since most patients who are in need of a full tummy tuck also need abdominal wall tightening. This should not increase the cost of the tummy tuck as the extra time spent doing so is relatively small compared to the entire tummy tuck procedure. All the best, Dr Remus Repta
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Cost

Typically the answer is yes. For my practice, the difference is about $1200. You should see a board certified plastic surgeon. I would not let cost dictate your decision if your PS recommends it.
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