Can a tummy tuck with muscle repair, help with SI Joint Dysfunction?

Many women claim improvement with back symptoms after abdominoplasty. This can be explained by the reestablishment of balance in supporting the torso with the abdominal muscles restored to their proper position. However, these remain subjective improvements and I would never promise symptomatic or functional improvement in a woman with back problems who is considering an abdominoplasty.

Thank you for sharing your question and I am sorry to hear of your SI joint issues.  Unfortunately due to the multiple nature of low back/SI joint issues I would not promise a patient that a muscle repair via a TT would improve their discomfort.  Hope this helps.

There is no reason to suggest that an abdominoplasty would have much effect on SI joint dysfunction. The only clear thing the muscle sewing (plication) does is improve contour in most cases. Other suggested effects of that manuever have been somewhat hard to substantiate when they been studied. The most consistent effect I would say people notice is some inprovement with stress incontinence from pregnancy if they have it, presumably because the bladder neck is rotated forwards some by the increased pressure like what happens with a bladder tack surgery.

I am sorry to hear about the sacro iliac joint dysfunction you are experiencing.
   
For most patients, the tummy tuck operation involves plication (re approximation) of the abdominal wall muscles (rectus plus/mins obliques) that have spread with pregnancy and/or weight gain/loss. This reconstruction may help strengthen the core and MAY help with issues such as lower back discomfort (assuming there are no other  anatomic causes of the lower back pain). 

 On the other hand, I would caution you however not to assume that your lower back concerns will be resolved (or improved) after tummy tuck surgery.
Best wishes.

Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that a tummy tuck with repair of the diastasis recti will alleviate your back pain. You should proceed with the tummy tuck if you are a good candidate and desire to improve the contour of your tummy.  I hope you will find another solution for your back issues.

Dear Belle1981,Hello and thank you for your excellent question. Based on my experience and review of surgical literature, there is no reason to suggest that a tummy tuck will improve your SI Joint Dysfunction.  However, as I have never evaluated you in person, or your medical records, I really cannot give you a definitive professional opinion on this matter. It is essential that you have an in-person consultation to develop a treatment plan that specifically addresses your personal surgical goals, and your body’s anatomy. I recommend that you find a board-certified, or board-eligible plastic surgeon with whom you are comfortable. Be sure to have all of your questions answered during a face-to-face meeting with your surgeon, and review before and after pictures of similar patients whom have had this procedure. If you have any questions, call our office for assistance. Good luck!

Best,

Jon Ver Halen, MD FACS

Harvard educated plastic surgeon

Texas “Top Doc” 2017, 2018

RealSelf100

America’s Top Plastic Surgeons, Consumer’s Research Council, 2010 - 2018