Possible to Re-tighten Muscles Without Entire New Tummy Tuck?

asked 2 years ago by christmasbow in Cincinnati, Ohio
Latest answer by Brooke R. Seckel, MD
Question viewed 893 times
Tags: abdomen, waist

I had a full tummy tuck about 14 years ago. Since then, I had put on weight and have lost it but am now in great shape through eating right and working out. Is it possible to get the muscles re-tightened without going through an entire new tummy tuck so that I have the waist definition like after the first procedure?

6 answers to Possible to Re-tighten Muscles Without Entire New Tummy Tuck?

Retightening tummy tuck can be disappointing if done for the wrong reason

Technically, as Dr Placik points out, the re-tightening of the fascia is not difficult and can be accomplished with or without an endoscope. However, the results can be disappointing. First, the fascia may actually be tight, so additional sutures literally rip through, not achieving the effect the patient had been hoping for. The usual reason patients develop a bulge after having originally undergone a tummy tuck is weight gain. That means there is more fat inside the abdomen. A tummy... more

Brent Moelleken, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

www.drbrent.com

Limited diastasis repair or muscle tightening without a tummy tuck

Yes this can be accomplished through a limited lower abdominal incision and occasionally through a small upper umbilical incision without creating a new scar. Occasionally some surgeons will use an endocope but frequently this is not necessary.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Limited muscle tightening tummy tuck can leave bulge in upper abdomen

If your abdominal muscles are loose because of a diastasis (split of the rectus abdominus muscles), the split and laxity extends all of the way up to your lower chest. If your doctor attempts to tighten only the lower abdominal muscles through a mini tummy tuck approach the lax upper abdominal muscles will create an unsightly visible bulge above your umbilicus (belly button.) If this occurs you will need a revsion. Consult an experienced board certified plastic surgeon for an exam. If... more

Brooke R. Seckel, MD
Boston Plastic Surgeon

www.drseckel.com

Secondary Tightening of Muscles After Tummy Tuck

Tightening of the abdominal muscles for the second time after abdominoplasty is possible without additional scar. However, my concern is this-tightening of the muscles at the initial setting is designed to improve the rectus diastasis or separation. If you have significant diastasis or abdominal wall laxity after improving the abdominal wall then either the muscles were not repaired with permanent suture or you, unfortunately, have genetically poor tissues that will need additional help. ... more

Christopher L. Hess, MD
Fairfax Plastic Surgeon

Muscle Tightening Can Be Done With No Additional Scars

As the other doctors have indicated, this can be done with a C-section type of scar. My question, given your history, is whether or not muscle tightening is what would correct your issues. You could have excess skin, excess fat, or some combination of the two...which will obviously change the approach to get you the desired results.

John LoMonaco, MD
Houston Plastic Surgeon

www.DrLoMonaco.com

Possible but might not be the best answer

Waist definition is better acheived by liposuction of the flanks. Re-suturing of the muscles in the midline could be done by limited incision or Endoscopic techniques however the indications are very limited. Best of luck.

Hisham Seify, MD, PhD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

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