Are There Different Techniques for Muscle Repair During a Tummy Tuck?

asked 4 months ago by VeggieGirl in Chicago, IL
Latest answer by Daniel Kaufman, MD
Question viewed 118 times
Tags: muscle repair, 7 months post-op, technique

I had a tummy tuck with muscle repair 7 months ago. I still have a large bulge in my stomach. My PS said that I have very weak abdominal muscles. I went to get a 2nd opinion and that PS said that he would fold my muscle repair to make it tighter. My current PS pulled my muscles together and said that I don't need more done to my muscles, and I need to do crunch's. Are there different techniques for muscle repair depending on the laxiety of the patients muscles to give a flater appearance?

6 answers to Are There Different Techniques for Muscle Repair During a Tummy Tuck?

Bulge after tummy tuck - the most common reason is fat inside the abdomen

The dirty secret about many tummy tucks where the patient has fat in their abdomen is that they will not end up flat. The fat inside the abdomen is not treated during a tummy tuck, only the outside fascia (deep layer , "muscles") is tightened. So doctors should be realistic with their patients about what the outcome is likely to be. It is OK to say, "no, you will not be flat after your tummy tuck." Then patients are not disappointed after surgery, and... more

Brent Moelleken, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

www.drbrent.com

Muscle repair during tummy tuck surgery

There are different techniques for muscle repair that can be used by surgeons during tummy tuck surgery. Any one of these techniques, however, is appropriate as long as it achieves the "tightness" of the muscle and connective tissue layers as is desired and indicated by the surgeon. A discrete bulge in one place may warrant a repair, but a general laxity is best managed conservatively, i.e. weight loss, non-smoking, good nutrition, moderate exercise under professional supervision,... more

Daniel Kaufman, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Reason for Bulgng of the Tummy despite having a Full Tummy Tuck

A well done Tummy Tuck in a well chosen woman should result in a flat tummy, narrow waist with an attractive innie belly button. Assuming you were not obese at the time of surgery, a bulge may suggest that the muscle repair was not done tightly or that itt failed resulting in recurrence. Without an examination much less a photograph it is hard to say.

Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon

Muscle Repair for Tummy Tuck

Thank you for your question. The general technique of muscle plication is the same but surgeon's may vary things a bit. It sounds like you may benefit from additional muscle plication - but it is difficult to say without a physical examination. Best Wishes! see video

Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

www.poustiplasticsurgery.com

Tummy Tucks and Muscle Repair

Each surgeon has their own preference regarding muscle tightening and even if they did the same type of repair, it is dependent upon the surgical technique, judgement and experience. Photos would be helpful but an exam is necessary to give specific recommendations. A third opinion may be helpful.

Albert Dabbah, MD
Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon

Different muscle repair techniques for tummy tuck

Thank you for your question. There are different muscle tightening techniques for an abdominoplasty depending in the patien's anatomy and abdominal wall laxity.Without the benefit of photos, I assume that prior to surgery when you laid down on your back, that your abdomen was flat. If this was the case, than you should have no postoperative bulges unless your sutures pulled through or the tightening was not adequate. I do this type of surgery in my office under IV sedation and epidural... more

George Marosan, MD
Bellevue Plastic Surgeon

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