Is muscle repair standard with a Tummy Tuck?

Thank you for your question. I include repair of the abdominal muscles as part of a standard tummy tuck procedure. Women who have been pregnant or anyone who has fluctuated in weight can develop what’s known as diastasis recti, or abdominal muscle separation. Therefore, restoring the midsection requires resolving this muscle separation. However, it’s important to keep an open dialogue with your plastic surgeon and communicate any of your needs or concerns. I suggest clarifying with your surgeon that you’re interested in muscle repair. Good luck!

This is such a great question! Not all people have what is called a diastasis. In pregnant or postpartum women, this condition is caused by the stretching of the rectus abdominis by the growing uterus. Women are more susceptible to develop diastasis recti when over the age of 35, high birth weight of child, multiple birth pregnancy, and multiple pregnancies. Plication of the diastasis is part of the Tummy Tuck. I personnally have had patients in the past ask for the plication to be skipped because they wanted a faster recovery. Although in my OR this is a standard practice of the Tummy Tuck!To get the best results sewing the abdominal wall will give you the best results! A smaller and flatter stomach!

You will need to have an examination to determine, but both can be
addressed at the same time as a tummy tuck procedure.  I hope this helps.