Tummy Tuck: Q&A

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Is Tummy Tuck Without Muscle Repair Possible for Weight Loss Patients?

I've lost over 100 lbs. and want to get rid of this extra skin. I also want children. I've read about women who've gotten pregnant after a Tummy Tuck experiencing sharp abdominal pain and stretching because of the muscle repair.

I want my pregnancy experiences to be as normal as possible. Is having the Tummy Tuck without muscle repair an option? How much say does a patient have in this procedure?

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abdomen skin pain female weight loss muscle pregnancy stretched weight

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18 Doctor Answers | Asked by mittsy

Doctor Answers (18)
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Tummy tuck without muscle repair

If you have not had children then the need for muscle repair is somewhat unlikely. It would be perfectly acceptable for you to request no muscle repair with your abdominoplasty in anticipation of becoming pregnant some time in the future. Wishing you all the best.

Talmage J. Raine, MD

5 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Tummy Tuck without muscle repair

Yes, one is able to perform a a full abdominoplasty without repair or your muscles (rectus diastasis). However, the surgeon would only be treatinng the soft tissues effects of post weight loss (skin and fat). In specific indivduals this leads to very good results. The muscle repair helps sculpt your waistline and help makes your abdomen appear "more flat".

Tummy Tuck without muscle repair

First, congratulations on loosing 100 lbs...that is equivalent to 360,000 lost calories! You will certainly see a great improvement with just removing the skin. If your abdominal muscle tone is good, you may not even require muscle repair at this time. I have had patients who have had successful pregnancies after muscle repair, so the choice is ultimately yours.

Tucked but not tightened

Mittsy, It is possible to reduce the overhang of skin without tightening the muscles. The procedure is called a panniculectomy. It does nothing to recontour the abdomen except remove the overhanging skin. This may be an option. After child bearing, if your abdomen does not have the contour that you desire then a formal abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) can be done. The best thing to do would be to see several board certified plastic surgeons for evaluation and recommendations on possible... more

Tummy tuck after weight loss

You can certainly have a tummy tuck without muscle repair. Most of your benefit would come from removing all the extra skin that remains after your weight loss. We have had patients go on to have successful pregnancies after repair of the muscle, but certainly leaving the muscle unrepaired is a perfectly fine alternative. Congratulations on losing the weight!

Panniculectomy vs. full tummy tuck

If you are contemplating children, you may be best off with a panniculectomy (skin only) and have a full TT later on after children. A skin only operation would be an excellent option as well. We don't like to tighten the fascia in women who plan to have children because it is possible that premature labor, etc. might occur in a troubled pregnancy. Most surgeons on RealSelf have seen patients who had previously undergone TT have successful pregnancies, but the pregnancy might undo... more

Is tummy tuck without muscle repair possible?

Hi there- A more simple procedure, in which only the excess skin and fat are removed, with or without a bit of liposuction IS possible. I would find a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon you like and feel you can trust and discuss your goals and options with them. If you need help on finding one, please read this: In a previous entry, I described how common it is for patients who contact my Orlando plastic surgery center to make the mistake of thinking that: Anyone offering a plastic surgery... more

Muscle Tightening Not Necessary for Tummy Tuck after Weight Loss

I usually do not do muscle tightening in patients who have an abdominal pannus removal if they have not had children. Even if you have had children, the choice is yours as whether you want muscle tightening or not. If your surgeon refuses, find another surgeon.

Tummy tuck without muscle tightening

Congratulations on your weight loss! Yes, it is possible to have a tummy tuck without tightening/sewing your muscles. Since you haven't been pregnant yet, you may not need muscle tightening. And since you've lost over 100 pounds, you may have a great result by removing the loose skin only, but it's difficult to evaluate you without seeing a photo or seeing you in person. I suggest you visit with at least one board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your... more

Tummy Tuck Without Muscle Repair for Weight Loss Patients

Congratulations on the weight loss. It is possible to perform abdominoplasty without muscle repair. In person examination and consultation would be important to determine if this would be recommended for you. Consult with 3 - 4 experienced and expert board certified plastic surgeons to review your options. see video

Does tummy tuck require muscle repair

First, congratulations on such a significant weight loss! The need for muscle repair is dependent on whether the diastasis rectus muscle has been stretched or spread. Theoretically, that might not be the case regardless of your starting weight. This is related more frequently to childbearing. In terms of patient say in how to proceed, if the muscle is spread, then abdominoplasty without the muscle repair will only achieve a partial result and I would not advocate that... more

Tummy tuck after weight loss

With a 100 lb weight loss I can say that the muscles of your abdomen are likely split apart. They are usually repaired during a tummy tuck, but they do not have to be. The problem is that if the muscles are loose, then the intra-abdominal contents will push forward against your skin and give you not as dramatic of a degree of improvement. I have had a number of women that have had a tummy tuck and went on to have a successful pregnancy, with no difference in the pain, compared to their prior... more

Tummy tuck after weight loss

Congratulations on your weight loss! There are times when a patient will request NOT to have the muscle work and as long as the patient understands the pro's and con's of their choices, I don't see why they can't have a say in this decision. You may end up with a beautiful result just by removing the excess skin. I would have to examine you and talk to you regarding your goals before deciding. By the way, I have had patients who get pregnant after... more

Apron Resection (Panniculectomy) VS Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

You should have ALL the say in which procedure you have as long as you understand what each delivers. Obesity, like pregnancy, involves gradual stretching of the skin AND muscles. Choosing to not to do a muscle repair will result in a sub-optimal result. On the other hand, doing the muscle repair and have it stretched out by subsequent pregnancy(ies) does not make sense either financial or otherwise. Your best conservative approach is to remove the overhang, a panniculectomy; the operation... more

Tummy tuck without muscle repair possible

Yes! And in your case a very intelligent choice. Please see 3 boarded plastic surgeons to review your desires of a non muscle repaired tummy tuck in detail. Regards.

Tummy Tuck without muscle repair is possible

Definitely possible...I'm not sure you want to dictate that portion of the procedure. Your surgeon will be better able to make that determination at the time of surgery.

Tummy tuck without muscle repair.

You have alot of say in the procedure as long as you accept the limited results that are achieved without the muscle plication. You are essentially describing what we term a "panniculectomy. This eliminates and removes the excess hanging skin without liposuction, undermining, or muscle repair. Discuss your expectations and anticipated outcome of this limited procedure with your surgeon.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

32 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Tummy tuck without muscle repair is possible

It is impossible to completely evaluate you with the photo you posted and a complete physical would be needed; however, in my experience, you might benefit from a limited abdominoplasty, where the apron or panus is removed with some local liposuction. It will give you a better looking abdomen with a smaller procedure, so now if you have kids, when you are all done, a full abdominoplasty will give you a fabulous tummy.