How does a tummy tuck effect abdominal strength and core athletic ability in high level athletes? (Photos)

doctors, did you look at the photos? You don't need a tummy tuck. Tummy tucks are for loose or overhanging skin. I can't appreciate a rectus diastasis, which is a muscle split after pregnancy, in your photos, but if you have that it can be fixed independently of a tummy tuck by surgeons through a csection type incision. And while we are at it why are you getting a bbl? Sheesh!

There are two reasons that many women have a tummy tuck- one is that there is extra skin to be removed, and the second is that there is a separation of the rectus muscles (the six-pack) that causes a protrusion of the abdominal wall, like a mild pot belly.  When the abdominal muscles are separated, there is only a thin tissue connecting them in the midline, and this tissue is a weak region that does not add, and in fact detracts from abdominal strength.Repairing the abdominal tissue, or diastasis, re-connects the abdominal muscles to each other and re-establishes the strong cylinder which is what a solid "core" requires.  While the immediate postoperative period will require a few weeks of healing, after this period a successful tummy tuck often leaves patients stronger than they were before their operation.Best wishes, Dr. L 

A tummy tuck will not interfere with any athletic activities once you are fully healed.  This may take up to 6 months, however.
Hope this helps.
Dr. Ali Mosharrafa