What is the difference between rectus plication and abdominoplasty and Tummy tuck?

Question

I have my surgery scheduled for 9/2015. My pre-op appointment is scheduled for the end of 8/2015. What is the difference between rectus plication, abdominoplasty and tummy tuck. The doctor office is referring to my procedure as a rectus plication.

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  Tummy tuck is a commonly used term for abdominoplasty, but they are actually the same operation.  Rectus muscle plication refers to tightening the abdominal muscles during a tummy tuck/abdominoplasty operation.  The rectus muscles are the "6 pack" muscles you can see on a very fit person.  If they separate too much it is called a rectus diastasis, and this can result in a bulging abdomen.  This can be fixed by sewing the muscles closer together.  I hope this helps!

Kurtis Martin, MD · Answer

Tummy tuck and abdominoplasty are one in the same. Muscle plication is actually tightening the fascia  which brings the abdominal muscles together. This flattens the stomach and is routinely done in most tummy tucks.

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

A tummy tuck and an abdominoplasty are the same procedure.  Rectus plication is a common part of this procedure where the rectus fascial sheath is plicated to give you a flat profile.

Mark A. Deuber, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. Abdominoplasty and tummy tuck are the technical and colloquial names for the same procedure:  the removal of stretched lower abdominal skin and the tightening of stretch abdominal muscle/fascia which has usually occurred after pregnancy or significant weight gain and loss.  Rectus plication refers to the abdominal muscle/fascia tightening component of the procedure. It's not really the muscles that are stretched, but, rather, the fascia which is the lining stretch layer of the abdominal wall that covers the abdominal muscles. Not performing the plication will almost always compromise the quality of the cosmetic result.

Deborah Sillins, MD · Answer

Rectus plication is tightening up the adomenal muscle. A tummy tuck most of the time includes that. A tummy tuck removes the excess skin and fat from the abdomin.

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  A tummy tuck and abdominoplasty are one in the same.  A rectus plication is often done in conjunction with a tummy tuck, but sometimes, can be done as a stand alone procedure.  I would recommend that you discuss this with your surgeon prior to proceeding so you have a good understanding of what procedure you are getting and what to expect afterwards.  Good luck.

Vaishali B. Doolabh, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi ieyeme.  An abdominoplasty and tummy tuck are referring to the same procedure.  Rectus plication refers to one component of the abdominoplasty in which the fascia superficial to the rectus muscles is sewn together to provide support that flattens the tummy. In case you are considering not having the plication, look at comparison photos of patients that did not have muscle tightening and only skin excision.  Be sure to talk to his/her patients that did not have the plication to understand the less/expected results.  Best wishes,

Afshin Parhiscar, MD · Answer

Rectus Plication is a component of an abdominoplasty during which the rectus muscles are brought in together to flatten and tighten the abdominal muscular support. An abdominoplasty will also include removing excess skin, transposing the bellybutton and usually some degree of liposuction. Abdominoplasty and tummy tuck are generally synonymous.

Jeffrey A. Sweat, MD · Answer

An abdominoplasty and tummy tuck are generally considered to be the same thing, with the medical term being abdominoplasty and the lay term being tummy tuck.  That being said, there are different types of abdominoplasties or tummy tucks.  Some are called "mini" in which skin and fat are removed only below the belly button and the belly button is not moved and generally the muscles are not tightened (rectus plication).  Tightening of the muscle is referred to as rectus plication.  A full tummy tuck, which moves the belly button and removes excess skin and fat above and below the belly button, can be done with or without muscle plication.  The most common type of "full tummy tuck" or full abdominoplasty relocates the belly button, removes excess skin above and below the belly button (which is why the belly button has to be moved externally on the skin) and also tightens the belly wall (rectus plication).  It would seem that your are getting the "full abdominoplasty".  Hope this helps to clarify.  Best of luck with your surgery!

Anna I. Wooten, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi and thank you for this great question!  Usually Abdominoplasty and Tummy Tuck are referring to the same procedure.  Abdominoplasty is the medical term and Tummy Tuck is the lay person's reference to the same operation.  Rectus Plication is part of a Tummy Tuck and refers to when the rectus muscles are pulled together to both flatten and tighten the abdominal wall.  The Tummy Tuck also typically includes the removal of excess skin and sometimes liposuction.  Good luck with your upcoming surgery.  Just think, you will be enjoying your good results for a lifetime.

What is the difference between rectus plication and abdominoplasty and Tummy tuck?

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