Tummy Tuck: Q&A

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Repair Xiphoid During a Full Tummy Tuck? (photo)

My first Pregnancy was one BIG baby for my little body. He completely stretched out my tummy skin and also managed to break my xiphoid. It now sticks out a bit. Not to noticeable but its annoying to feel it moving around. I plan to get a Tummy tuck. However while researching the topic is seems like a common issue is a post-op broken xiphoid that sticks out. Is is likely I can find a Doctor willing to repair/remove mine while they perform the TT?

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after pregnancy break repair same time

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7 Doctor Answers | Asked by BettyLovez

Doctor Answers (7)
Community Comments (1)

Xiphoid exposed at tummy tuck

At the time of abdominoplasty the surgeon dissects to the level of the xiphoid. If there is an abnormality encountered at that time, it can be corrected. If it is a bony fragment or cartilage it can be resected and this would only add about 15 minutes to the OR time with minimal additional cost (less than $1,000). Best Wishes, Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Xyphoid Prominence and Tummy Tucks

As my colleagues have mentioned, removing or diminishing the xyphoid can be one at your tummy tuck. It would certainly be easier to do if you accepted a vertical scar/anchor abdominoplasty but approaching it from a traditional tummy scar is certainly doable. You should discuss your desires with your chosen surgeon and he/she should be able to help you improve this problem.

Curtis Wong, MD

7 reviews

Redding Plastic Surgeon

Broken Xyphoid

A prominent xyphoid process due to pregnancy and more commonly from a previous operation is easily managed during an abdominoplasty. It is easily resected using a special clamp and followed by suturing of the space. Care needs to be taken not to enter the abdomen or chest. Best wishes.

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Xiphoid Reduction During Tummy Tuck

It is fairly uncommon to see a prominent xiphoid tip as part of the upper abdominal bulge. But it is fairly easy to solve that problem as the dissection of the upper abdominal flap for the muscle repair goes right up to the lower end of the sternum. Trimming of the cartilaginous or bony tip of the xiphoid process is easily done. It does cause some persistent tenderness in that area for some time after surgery.

Xiphoid repair

You are indeed an excellent candidate for a tummy tuck. I believe it would be possible to do some corrective work on the Xiphoid at the same time which would involve removing some of the cartilage so that it doesn't stick out any more. I would probably just shave down the prominent part a bit. What exactly would be done woulddepend on what I find on physical exam and at the time of surgery, but feel it can be done safely. Good luck!

Xyfoid bone tip correction and TT yes may be realized/ extirpacion de punta de xyfoide y TT si puede realizarse conjuntamente

During a TT surgery we normally arrive to xyfoide, so it is possible to remove it properly so please do not worry is a normal procedure for any certifiedand and ASAPS member si se puede realizar la extripacion de la punta del xyfoides mediante la lipectomia y liposuccion conjuntamente, asi que no se preocupe siempre y cuando su cirujano este certificado y miembro activo de la ASAPS

Repair Xiphoid During a Full Tummy Tuck

Typically the dissection for a tummy tuck goes right up to the xiphoid, and it should not be a problem for your surgeon to trim the protruding portion of the bone throught the main incision. When you are calling around to set up consultations, ask the receptionist to verify with the surgeon that the doc is capable of doing that part of the procedure. Thanks and best wishes

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Comments (1)

BettyLovez
9 months ago

Good to know. One doctor I spoke to said ONLY a cardiac surgeon would mess with that area. : / But If I can get it all taken care of while they are 'under the hood' why not right? One more quick question. I also had Breast Implants a while back. However one implant seems to slide in to the middle more then it should. With out a bra my breasts look slightly lopsided with one nipple pointing to the side. With the support of a bra the skin between my breasts looks slightly raised. I believe if the could close part of the implant pocket in the middle it would solve both issues. Is that also something that could be addressed with a TT?

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