Can Abdominal Plication with Overlapping of the Muscles Be Undone? (photo)

Question

I had a TT 10 years ago to remove saggy skin post pregnancies. Today there is likely more appropriate & simple procedures for a young, thin athletic mom (I was at the time). The muscles above my belly button were overlapped. This left me without that vertical line. Even if I work out alot, that line never comes back. Can that stitch be undone?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

If the muscles have been overlapped, the plication and scar can be divided and the areas plicated again to anatomic norms.  Yes, liposuction can be used in a less invasive way to give the appearance of the natural separation.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Sacha Obaid, MD · Answer

The sutures that make up your muscle repair can be removed but it is likely that your body has healed together and it will be difficult to separate the muscles at this point.  Even with muscle separation, you may not develop the vertical indentation that you desire.  Liposuction targeted in the area of the line might be able to create the look however.  Good luck.

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

You are correct to note that a natural attractive abdomen typically has a vertical groove above the belly button. Many tummy tuck procedures are designed specifically to create this, but if the muscles actually overlap across the midline then it can be more difficult. A relatively simple option would be with liposuction, to "etch" the groove in by fat removal just under the skin. Your plastic surgeon will be able to give you more specific advice.

Andre Aboolian, MD · Answer

After 10 years it would be impossible to remove those sutures and I don't think the sutures are the cause for you not to have the line you are looking for.

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

At this point the muscles are healed together and can not really be separated. Even if they could, that does not guarantee that you will develop a vertical indentation line. A much simpler and more effective approach would be to do linear liposuction to create that vertical line. In essence do just the vertical part of a 'six-pack' liposuction procedure.

Can Abdominal Plication with Overlapping of the Muscles Be Undone? (photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: No

Answer: No

Answer: Linear Liposuction for Vertical Midline Abdominal Line

Answer: Linear Liposuction for Vertical Midline Abdominal Line

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Can Abdominal Plication with Overlapping of the Muscles Be Undone? (photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: No

Answer: No

Answer: Linear Liposuction for Vertical Midline Abdominal Line

Answer: Linear Liposuction for Vertical Midline Abdominal Line

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.